[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/BBwjC6T.png[/img][/center][hr]Despite the grim circumstances, everything went well in the aftermath of the encounter with the Darkkeepers. The life force was returned its rightful owners, the worst they would feel is the symptoms of a mild cold for a few days, even the one that had his soul pilfered by the Harlequin's assault would be goo to go in no more than a week.

On the other hand, things weren't so simple between the defenders of the world's peace. Scheherazade refused to comment on the issue after the battle. He promised to explain everything on the next day when the girls assembled the following day in their school's library. Even though his feline countenance betrayed no emotion, it was clear that he was perturbed by the events that happened and needed some time to sort out his thoughts.

[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHBBQ0APmTA]※ The Following Afternoon, at the School's Library Club ※[/url][/center]
[i]"I'm sorry everyone. I guess I owe you all some explanations after what happened yesterday,"[/i] Scheherazade said as he perched atop a windowsill bathed in the sunset's fiery hues. The wind waving the trees behind him in a vivid dance of light and shadows that looked almost as if it popped out of a Monet or Van Gogh.

[i]"The Darkkeepers... I never expected to see them in this world. Maybe, after all, that I lost, I became a fool. How could I not see it coming again? In all the worlds conquered by darkness, the Darkkeepers are always there,"[/i] Scheherazade said in a voice bitter with guilt.

[i]"Just like you, I also asked them to help me in m fight against the Dark Empress. But... time and time again, I failed as their guide, and as a result of my failings, they became corrupted by the darkness they fought against. And now, the help her conquer other words..."[/i]

[i]"It's really all my fault for not telling you before that such a thing could happen. I understand if you don't want to work with me anymore. But if there's anything I can do, let me know. I absolutely can't fail this time. This world is so blessed with the Princess touch. Stories became a part of your soul like in no other world I ever saw. I don't know what will happen if it were to fall in the hands of the Empress,"[/i] Scheherazade said, pepping up a little as he explained everything he had to say.

One could almost feel the weight of the silence as he waited for a reply from the club members. But, before any of them could answer, a knock on their club room's door shook away the still atmosphere.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/26lMDeF.png[/img][/center][color=steelblue]"Excuse me. Is this the Library Volunteer Club's room? I've come to return a book and can't find the librarian anywhere, would any of you be able to check it out for me?"[/color] The blue-haired girl said with a crystal-clear voice as she clutched a copy of a Cinderella pop-up book close to her chest.[hr]