Taming The Villainesses

(EP-336.1) Of Hearts #5

336 – Queen of Hearts #5

Srrrk.

Mirna and Narmi drew a pattern with salt around the bed. It was a unique magic circle, unlike the conventional hierarchical magic I knew.

I had no way of understanding its principles or mysteries, but Mirna, being rather kind, took the time to explain things step by step.

“It’s a telepathic formation. An ancient spell that unites people’s thoughts. In our case, it will link us into Queen Tarantera’s mind.”

She stated that this was an advanced application of the technique used when Aira fell into a coma last time.

That said, unlike the hastily drawn formation back then, this one had been meticulously prepared, resulting in a significantly higher quality.

“The imaginary world will feel more real. But that also means it can be more dangerous. The pain will become real, and if someone were to die in the dream…”

Mirna fell silent.

Elga, who hated explanations being left unfinished, interjected.

“What happens if we die? Don’t tell me we’d actually die for real too?”

It was a reasonable concern.

But Mirna chuckled and shook her head. 

“You wouldn’t die. But you'll be trapped in the imaginary world for a while—which won't be very pleasant since it’s an extended stay in someone else's mind. Sometimes, personalities can even be ruined by the influence.”

That was pretty scary too...

But I was prepared for this much.

Now, we were about to enter Aira’s dream.

Visiting someone else’s dreamworld…

To be honest, it felt rather surreal.

However, I knew this was possible because I had already experienced it once. The last time I entered Aira’s mind, the witch forest wedding happened.

In the first place, I was in some novel I once read.

I wonder why...

… I now felt a new sense of doubt.

What if the real me was also asleep somewhere and someone was casting a spell to make me experience this strange dream-like world.... 

Of course, that was a ridiculous thought.

What I was experiencing now was far from an illusory daydream. After all, I had long grown tired of escaping reality.

Just then, Mirna said.

“It would be best if one person stayed outside to keep watch. If this formation is damaged or disrupted, it could be disastrous.”

Our gazes naturally turned to Elga.

“You want me to stay?”

Given Elga's pregnancy, I felt it would be safer for her to remain outside and watch over us, rather than participating in a dangerous operation. 

But Narmi shook her head.

“We might need to maintain the formation. And we need someone to keep chanting outside and maintain the spell. Lady Lioness doesn't know how to do it. It might be better if I or my sister stays.”

Mirna let out a light hum in agreement.

“Hmm… That’s true. Lady Lioness is practically useless when it comes to spells or magic. It might be better for her to go along instead.”

However, I was worried.

“She's pregnant... Will it be okay? If it might harm the mother or child, I think we should reconsider.”

Mirna chuckled softly at my words.

“Do you know why this telepathy spell was created?”

“No, I don’t.”

“There’s a story that it was a spell devised by a mother who wanted to talk to the child in her womb. I don't know if it's true, but many mothers in the Draco family have used it.”

‘I see.’

A mother meeting her child in a dream.

It seemed like something that could easily exist in this strange, fairy-tale-like world.

“But, of course, we must be careful. The dream we’re entering isn't a person's fantasy, but Queen Tarantara's nightmare.”

Hearing that, both Elga and I tensed. For a moment, silence fell over us—broken only by the sound of Aira’s steady breathing as she lay on the bed.

Elga, seemingly unable to bear the tense silence, spoke up.

“So, what exactly are we supposed to do?”

“First, we’ll take the medicine to synchronize our spiritual frequencies and enter Queen Aira’s inner world. Now, let’s each take our positions.”

Mirna, Elga, and I all sat in a triangle at the foot of the bed.

Narmi handed each of us a glass of wine. The moment I took the glass in my hand, a sharp sense of reality hit me, causing a flicker of nervousness.

Without 《Calm Thinking》, I probably would’ve been trembling miserably.

“Alright then, sister. I’m going to start chanting. I’ll set up two safe zones. If things get too hard, retreat to one of them.”

“Got it.” 

While Narmi and Mirna exchanged mystifying words, I stared down at the wine in my glass.

At that moment, Elga stood up and raised her own drink.

“It’s a special occasion, so let’s at least have a toast.”

A toast?

In this situation?

But in a way, it was a very Elga-like thing to do. Whether intentional or not, the tension that had lingered just moments ago seemed to dissipate.

And so, we brought our glasses together.

Seeing that, Mirna chuckled.

“There’s been a lot to smile about today. I hope it stays that way.”

Narmi nodded in agreement.

“There will be plenty more. Next time, let’s invite Professor Stella, the imps, and everyone else for a big wine party. Sounds fun, right?”

Their eyes turned to me.

I guess I'd have to say something too.

Still, what should I add?

So much had happened.

In the end, thoughts of gratitude for the women who had followed me this far and aspirations for countless challenges we would face together flashed through my mind.

But if I made my speech too long, they’d probably hate it.

So I decided to keep this short.

“I’ll save my toast for when we return.”

Clink.

With that, our glasses toasted.

As I brought the glass to my lips, a fiery sensation spread from the tongue to my throat, then down into my stomach.

It felt as if I had swallowed fire.

“This tastes better than I expect—”

“The effects are starting….”

Elga and Mirna’s voices blurred. 

And then, my world was swallowed by pitch-black darkness.

* * *

Rumble, crash—!

A loud clap of thunder jolted me awake.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself sitting at a strange table in some heavy downpour.

Turning my head, I saw a rowdy crowd around me, filling their glasses with alcohol and drinks, shouting and making a racket.

Rainwater was trickling down from various holes in the ceiling, but not a single person seemed to care.

What the hell was this?

A tavern?

Why was I sitting in a place like this?

Weren’t we supposed to enter Aira’s imaginary world?

Was this it?

Edit by: faker