Chapter 260.1. Menou Elizabeth In Fear

-???’s POV-
At Menou Marquisate’s mansion. Menou Elizabeth sat on a sofa in her tastefully decorated and serene bedroom. She clasped her hands. She had a difficult expression, gazing intently at them. 
Her perfectly polished nails were so healthy that they didn’t need nail polish. Her extended fingers were as beautiful as whitefish, without a single blemish.
“I don’t even have the scars that could be considered my pride….” 
I muttered with a tinge of sadness, feeling a bit lonely at the absence of the fruits of effort she had cultivated during her past training. She sighed softly.
After returning home, I examined my naked body, expecting to find the scars from my rigorous training, or at the very least, the birthmarks. But they were gone. 
My white skin possessed a youthful radiance that seemed to repel water, and my body was in perfect condition without a single flaw.
“The  power of recovery magic… But I wonder if I truly have been healed?” I voiced my doubt and furrowed her brows.
I had voiced this question because I had understood at that moment, amidst the agony, that the trap of flames set by my father was lethal, and I had died. Even with recovery magic, I doubted that it could heal me to life from the state of being burnt to ashes.
Yet, my current self was in better shape than before. No, those words were inadequate. 
I could instinctively sense that her magical power had increased. It was as if I had grown stronger than before…
 Or as if I had been created anew from scratch…
“No, there’s no way something like that could happen. I’m just overthinking things.” 
Elizabeth told herself, dismissing the notion that something had changed.
“Could it be… creating a human from scratch is impossible except for a god…” 
I’m recalling the aftermath of being engulfed in flames, trembling slightly and hugging my shoulders.
I had died there, becoming a soul and reaching one of the branches, growing like a fruit. Yes, there were branches.
In the darkness, beautiful golden branches filled the space as if they were illuminating the area. 
The golden branches kept growing, radiating their light into the darkness.
In that place, Elizabeth had been standing on one of the branches with a vacant consciousness. The light illuminated her, providing a comforting sensation of security and tranquility.
However, she realized. Inexplicably, a complete darkness had emerged. The golden branches filled the realm with their radiance, yet there was a pure darkness.
Strangely, the golden branches didn’t approach that darkness. The golden light couldn’t reach it, and the darkness remained unilluminated.
When that darkness began to move, the surrounding branches extended and tried to stop it. 
But the darkness brushed off the entangling branches. The golden branches then shatter and vanish.
And so, the shattered branches gradually disappeared, absorbed by the darkness. 
Then, the darkness casually seized Elizabeth, who was sleeping peacefully.
Within the complete darkness, there was the figure of a girl. Although she existed within the pure darkness, her figure was visible. 
She had lustrous gray hair and deep blue eyes. Her youthful appearance exuded an aura of vulnerability and an endearing countenance that evoked a protective instinct. Her petite form conveyed a fragility reminiscent of a small animal.
She was an ordinary girl. Undoubtedly a beautiful maiden who would catch the eye of any passerby with her adorable and charming appearance. 
There was no sense of threat or fear emanating from the girl.
And that’s precisely why Elizabeth felt fear.
A girl exists in a world where people should not be. The oddity of her presence. The innocent gaze of the girl peering into Elizabeth.
The golden branches’ gentle radiance doesn’t reach the girl who calmly exists within the darkness. 
She was Takano Miu.
As if it were nothing, she reached out to Elizabeth as if to handle a trivial matter.
“Hehe, I’ve indulged in foolish delusions. Truly, how foolish of me.”
Ignoring the trembling in her hands, I averted my gaze and stood up.
There’s no more time to waste on such foolish daydreams. 
It’s unthinkable for me to fear Takano Miu. 
The idea that she might be someone otherworldly is just a baseless delusion. 
Perhaps my memories are muddled due to receiving recovery magic at the brink of death; that’s more likely.
What’s more important than anything is that I lost to Takano Miu. I have a task to complete because of the promise.
“It’s time.”
I rang the magical bell placed on the table with a chime. The sound of the bell, conveying her summons to her maid, echoed in the room, followed by a soft knock.
“You called for me, young lady?”
“Yes. Is everyone present?”
“Yes. Along with the new Marquis, all the prominent members of the branch families are gathered.”
“I see. Still, it’s a bit early, isn’t it?”
She looked at the clock on the chest—a masterpiece made entirely of crystal—with a faint smile.
“In light of recent events, it seems there are many discussions to be had. We haven’t brought out the drinks yet, so no need to worry.”
“Understood. In that case, I’ll join before the drunken escapists start to multiply.”
Nodding in response, Elizabeth, adorned in a luxurious red dress and extravagant accessories, left the room with dignity.
The beautiful girl, matching her exquisite attire and valuable accessories, walked down the corridor with a regal attitude. Her wolf ears stood tall, her golden hair cascaded in rolls, and her tail swayed gracefully.
A week had passed since my race with Takano Miu. Today was the family meeting.
The maids working nearby noticed Elizabeth and lowered their heads in respect. Waving her hand casually, Elizabeth continued down the hallway, her expression carrying a faint smile.