The Unwilling Protagonist

Chapter 14: Secrets Discovered: The High Priestess Revealed

Fool leaped high into the air with his sword raised. The Mistress grabbed the bottom of her staff, and revealed a blade of pure light concealed within it. She had moved at such an incredible speed, that those watching the scene saw only a flash of light. She quickly cut Fool in half along with his crystal heart before she expertly sheathed the blade back into her staff.

I've still got it... She thought to herself, though she kept her pride hidden. I wish it didn't have to come to this though...

The Mistress suddenly found herself drowning in repetitive questions asking if she was alright. She let out a small chuckle as she reassured all her subjects that she was unharmed. She was also quite relieved that none of her subjects were hurt, save for the ones that tripped over Fool's trap. She looked around at all the relieved faces of her acolytes and clerics, but then she noticed Y/N staring at her with wide eyes. That was when her smile disappeared; she knew what Y/N saw. It was something she had kept secret for years, but now, it was at risk.

She looked down at the puddle that was Fool's former body. From it, she thought she could see him smirking at her. Fool had completed his task after all.

Opening Theme:

Y/N was cooperative with the Mistress in terms of telling her what Fool told him. She now learned about Hierophant's limitation, which she would convey to General Rathe to earn his favor. However, she did notice how Y/N eyed her suspiciously during his debriefing; it put her under a great deal of stress. She went out of her way to avoid him throughout the entire day.

Later that night, the Mistress retired to her private chambers. She opened the door to her room and closed it behind her and breathed a heavy sigh. She leaned her staff against the wall, but kept it within arm's reach. She stretched her neck, and began to change into her nightgown...

Until she heard a flintlock cock being pulled back. She looked behind her to see Y/N aiming his musket at her.

"Don't move." Y/N said sternly.

The Mistress stood still. She was surprised at this move by Y/N, but she regained her stoic composure.

"You're one of them, aren't you?" Y/N asked.

"How did you get in here?" The Mistress asked.

Y/N raised his right hand and the blackfire on his pinky finger changed into the shape of a key, "Take a guess. Now answer my question: are you an Arcana member, or not?"

The Mistress took a breath and sighed, "I suppose there's no point in denying it..." She sat down on her bed. "Yes, I used to be a Member of the Arcana..." She admitted reluctantly.

"How come I can't see your statistics?"

"Because I've kept my blackfire form hidden from everyone here; it's been my secret for years..."

Y/N furrowed his brow. "Show it to me."

The Mistress stood up again.

"Y/N, whatever I say to you, and whatever I show you, please promise me that it will never leave this room." She said, almost begging.

Y/N kept his eye on the Mistress, but he saw Geralt walking next to him, "Y/N, work with her; it's the most you can do."

Y/N sighed, "Fine. Your secret's safe with me."

"Thank you..." The Mistress sighed. She took another deep breath and let it out slowly. Her entire body was engulfed in the same black flames as Strength, Devil, and Fool were. The only notable difference was her eyes and mouth were white instead of red.