The Grotesque Miss’s End Story v3c2

Chapter 2: Witches’ Invitation 

Within the Lost Kingdom, a perpetual twilight reigned, dark flowers blooming without a hint of spring or life, only a subtle air of Silent Demise and nothingness.

The First Seat, as usual, sat at the head of the table, her demeanor languid and elegant. Although seated at the same table, a single glance from her conveyed a sense of condescending superiority.

Facing the First Seat’s calm yet subtly terrifying gaze, even Moonflower, still exhilarated from her recent ascension, felt a chill, her excitement instantly dampened.

The reason was simple.

Even after ascending, Moonflower still found the First Seat’s abilities unfathomable. Take “Victoria at the Final Hour” as a recent example, Moonflower wouldn’t dare touch it, let alone extract a fragment to form a Kingdom.

Moonflower had thought that after ascending, the gap between her and the First Seat would narrow, but the more she learned, the more she realized the First Seat’s unfathomable depth.

The First Seat, after surveying everyone, their reactions noted, didn’t pay particular attention to anyone, not even sparing Moonflower a second glance, before speaking calmly,

“The last ‘Origin Point of Change,’ Victoria, has been shattered. I trust you will all be quite busy for a while.

“However, the purpose of this gathering isn’t to propose a transaction, but to inform you of another matter. The path to godhood isn’t a single track. Fate’s other two abilities remain in the same state as the previous ‘Hour of Death.'”

Moonflower had claimed the “Hour of Death,” but only that. The other two abilities, “Hour of Birth” and the most powerful “Uncertain Fate,” remained unclaimed.

The true nature of the other Taboos’ Authorities was still unclear, whether claiming them would have side effects, whether some unknown being would notice… the truth remained unknown.

Norn’s Authority, Fate, had become a highly sought-after prize, everyone who knew the secret wanting a piece.

Upon receiving confirmation from the First Seat, Camellia and Iris, who hadn’t yet obtained an Authority, their expressions changed, especially Iris, whose eyes practically sparkled, her face flushing slightly, even the mystical aura couldn’t conceal her excitement.

This time, she wouldn’t miss the opportunity.

Of course, the reason Moonflower had so easily obtained a Taboo Authority was because she had capitalized on the Old Man’s lifelong efforts.

The Old Man had spent most of his life uncovering this secret, then, through careful planning and expending a significant portion of Victoria’s resources, he had finally approached victory.

To prevent this information from leaking, he had established an unprecedentedly large secret barrier, consuming vast amounts of energy to monitor all of Victoria.

He had even killed many to protect his plan, Fiona among them, fearing its exposure.

But in the end…

He had made a single misstep.

He hadn’t accounted for Luo Ling and Iris.

Luo Ling’s multi-faceted infiltration had uncovered many secrets, and Iris’s Twilight Victoria had revealed the truth, leading to the Old Man’s complete defeat, allowing the lucky Moonflower to claim the prize.

Therefore, even knowing Fate’s other two abilities could still be obtained, without another Old Man sacrificing himself and paving the way, claiming them would be incredibly difficult.

However… among the Tea Party members present, besides Luo Ling, who didn’t need to ascend, there was another who had never shown any interest in godhood.

The perpetually silent Snowdrop.

Luo Ling couldn’t help but glance at Snowdrop several times. Seemingly noticing her gaze, Snowdrop looked up slightly, her cold face unhidden by the mystical aura, her emotionless eyes meeting Luo Ling’s.

“……”

Luo Ling averted her gaze, not out of fear, but discomfort.

Snowdrop always gave her a strange feeling, as if… she wasn’t quite human.

Could she be a Grotesquery?

But she could communicate normally…

Luo Ling knew the difference between Grotesqueries and living beings. If she was a “human-like Grotesquery” like herself, she wouldn’t react so coldly and indifferently.

“That’s all I have to say. You may begin your transactions,” the First Seat said softly, closing her eyes and ignoring everyone.

After a brief silence, Moonflower and Camellia immediately erected separate barriers, engaging in private transactions, as if pre-arranged.

The others remained observant.

Luo Ling glanced at the First Seat, her public persona completely different from her private one, and muttered inwardly,

“Such a good actress…”

But Luo Ling knew that even in private, the First Seat was still acting.

Every transaction she proposed had a purpose. Judging from the previous outcomes, it was all part of her plan.

Luo Ling couldn’t believe that Victoria’s destruction hadn’t been orchestrated by the First Seat.

Perhaps even Miss Iris’s Twilight Victoria had been a part of her scheme. Even without Luo Ling’s intervention, the Tea Party transactions might have still led to Victoria’s demise, the outcome the First Seat desired.

…What a terrifying woman.

Luo Ling had a headache. She disliked dealing with such cunning and manipulative people. How could she, a newcomer, outsmart such an old fox?

Even Camellia and Moonflower, Luo Ling didn’t want to interact with them too much, instinctively feeling that these two “grandmothers” weren’t simple.

Ms. Nightingale’s sudden betrayal proved that the real Moonflower wasn’t the playful loli she appeared to be, and the already cunning Camellia was even more so. Their influence in their respective Origin Points was considerable, and their motives likely weren’t pure.

Miss Iris was so much better.

Luo Ling looked at Iris in the corner, a smile appearing on her lips.

She preferred interacting with simple-minded people like Miss Iris, no need to worry about hidden schemes, and she was even easy to trick…

Wait.

A strange thought crossed Luo Ling’s mind.

Could it be… that to the First Seat, she was like Miss Iris to her…?

Luo Ling felt a pang of guilt. Had she… been too harsh on Miss Iris?

“If that’s the case, I should be nicer to Miss Iris, and stop taking advantage of her…” Luo Ling thought, touching her chin.

Compared to before, perhaps due to Victoria’s destruction, the atmosphere at this Tea Party was somewhat heavy.

Iris looked at Camellia and Moonflower expectantly. The three of them had been in contact, likely having discussed something beforehand, this Tea Party simply a confirmation.

Of course, although Iris was part of this small group, she was more like a guinea pig, easily manipulated. She hadn’t realized this before, but Moonflower’s sudden intervention, using the information Iris provided to claim the path to godhood she craved, had been a wake-up call.

Even an idiot like Miss Iris should have understood by now, especially after having counted half the money.

Especially now.

Moonflower and Camellia were conversing privately. Under the Lost Kingdom’s absolute rules, Iris could only see their figures within the barrier, unaware of their dealings.

Bored, Iris suddenly felt a gaze on her and looked up, meeting a familiar figure’s eyes.

Iris trembled slightly.

“S-sister Amethyst…”

Why was she looking at her like that?

Pity?

Desire?

Or… like a predator eyeing its prey?

Iris hadn’t forgotten Amethyst’s identity as a Naraku Godchosen, the most infamous group in the Kingdoms, universally despised.

The half-eaten sapling, the corner of Twilight Victoria tainted by the Immortality Authority, and most importantly, Amethyst suddenly revealing her true form… all made Iris wary of Luo Ling, even afraid.

She now understood why Naraku Godchosen were so avoided…

But why was Sister Amethyst staring at her?

Iris tried to avert her gaze, even turning slightly to look at Sister Snowdrop, the most mysterious member besides the First Seat. Even Snowdrop’s cold, unnerving gaze was better than Sister Amethyst’s.

But after a while, Iris peeked back and saw that Amethyst was still staring at her, a thoughtful expression on her face, as if contemplating something.

“No, Sister…”

Iris wanted to cry.

Oh my god, Sister Amethyst, please stop thinking!

Every time you think, I feel like I’m about to be skinned alive…

Everything that had happened before, it was all still fresh in her mind.

Iris’s scalp tingled. She wanted to flee back to Twilight Victoria, but remembering her agreement with Moonflower and Camellia, she could only stay.

However, there was another reason why Iris didn’t run.

Amethyst already had free access to Twilight Victoria, she had the key to her house!

If she ran, Sister Amethyst could easily catch her, and then, without anyone else present, it might be even worse…

Iris’s mind raced, imagining countless ways Amethyst could torment her, her expression becoming increasingly distressed.

“……”

Luo Ling, however, wasn’t thinking about any of this. She realized that Iris was part of Moonflower’s small group, but mostly as a pawn.

Especially in this path to godhood scheme, this naive girl… or rather, this naive granny, although possessing considerable potential as a God’s Favored, was easily manipulated due to her… simple mind.

Moonflower and Camellia were likely planning something.

Camellia, needless to say, was also eager to ascend and wouldn’t give up easily. And although Moonflower had already obtained one ability, who would complain about having too much power? She wouldn’t miss the opportunity to claim more Authorities or strengthen her existing ones.

The only sacrificial lamb… was likely Miss Iris.

In that case…

The kind-hearted Luo Ling couldn’t bear to watch Iris being deceived and used. Since a sacrifice was inevitable, it might as well be her.

At least she could give Miss Iris what she wanted.

The reason the usually easygoing Iris was so fixated on godhood was entirely for her severely injured deity, Jingwei.

Although Luo Ling didn’t know the nature of Jingwei’s injuries, she possessed the most fundamental Path, Transcendence, and its Authority. Her Savior Witch and her sister’s Birth could surely find a way to heal her.

The only problem was… whether Iris, so protective of Jingwei, would trust her.

Luo Ling had an idea.

She stood up and walked towards Iris, who looked panicked and confused.

Iris almost fled, but realizing she couldn’t escape Amethyst, she resigned herself to her fate.

With an almost defiant expression, she looked up at Amethyst, her voice trembling slightly.

“What… what do you want?!”

“…A transaction,” Luo Ling said, looking at Iris’s almost frantic expression, wondering if she had traumatized her.

…Surely not?

Luo Ling, the branch-stealer, Kingdom-destroyer, and identity-revealer, coughed awkwardly and continued,

“Don’t worry, this is the Tea Party in the Lost Kingdom. Isn’t the First Seat watching?”

Iris glanced at the First Seat, who was currently resting with her eyes closed, and thought, you overturned the table last time right in front of her. Even the First Seat can’t control you, how can I expect her to help me…

Hoping for help from the First Seat was less likely than from Sisters Moonflower and Camellia, but unfortunately, their private conversation wasn’t over yet.

Ugh, the Tea Party was so scary…

Despite her thoughts, Iris didn’t dare voice them.

She couldn’t offend either the First Seat or Amethyst, so what choice did she have?

She had to comply.

“Fine…”

Iris reluctantly nodded, still holding onto a sliver of hope that Moonflower and Camellia might come to her rescue.

Unfortunately, even as the isolating barrier enveloped them, Iris didn’t see her sisters.

Of course, even if Moonflower and Camellia finished their transaction now, they would likely just offer encouraging glances, silently cheering for Iris as she entered the “room of wonders” with Amethyst.

As Luo Ling and Iris entered the barrier, the First Seat opened her eyes slightly, a subtle smile appearing amidst the colorful mystical aura.

Within the barrier.

Iris, her neck stiff, looked up at Luo Ling, seemingly glaring, but her gaze lacked conviction.

“Miss Iris, there’s no need for such hostility,” Luo Ling said, her expression slightly exasperated. “I admit I was a bit… excessive before, but that doesn’t prevent us from cooperating now.”

“Just a bit?”

Iris said indignantly.

“Alright, it was quite excessive,” Luo Ling conceded, then quickly changed the subject. “But it doesn’t matter. Didn’t I also give you some valuable information? You sold it yourself, I can’t help that.”

“But, but…”

Iris didn’t know how to refute Luo Ling’s words, her face flushing slightly.

She knew she had been tricked. Moonflower and Camellia’s promises were still just empty words.

Regarding Twilight Victoria, Iris, thanks to Luo Ling’s reminder, had discovered crucial information, which she had shared with Luo Ling.

Luo Ling had said Iris could use this information to her advantage, but she hadn’t gained anything, having given it to Moonflower and Camellia for free.

There was a reason why they had created that small group chat; it was profitable.

In exchange, Moonflower and Camellia had promised Iris certain things, but they hadn’t delivered yet.

“Think about it, I’ve always been honest and fair in my transactions. Except for that time I overturned the First Seat’s table, which I won’t elaborate on, as it was also part of her plan,” Luo Ling said earnestly. “Anyway, these wicked women just love taking advantage of us naive little flowers. Miss Iris, you have to be careful, don’t let them fool you again.”

Iris wanted to say that Luo Ling was also a wicked woman, but thinking about it… Amethyst had always been honest in her transactions, offering valuable items without making empty promises like Sisters Moonflower and Camellia, who only gave her false hopes.

Wait, the more she thought about it, the more Amethyst seemed like a good person?

No, no…

Iris’s head hurt. It felt like her brain was about to explode.

“Let’s not talk about what I want yet,” Luo Ling said after a moment of thought. “I’ll tell you what I can do.”

“I can save her, yes, your her.”