kscans

Chapter 61 - The Doll Princess's Hellish Welcome

The door to the mansion on the hill opened slowly, without a sound. Drifting out from within was the faint scent of flowers and the subtle smell of blood.

In the center of a hall where crimson and white roses bloomed in profusion, she stood.

Golden hair. Skin as clear as glass. And in her blue eyes, a light both innocent and cruel.

Mel Aria.

"Welcome, my guests. As a sign of my welcome... I will show you my 'special treasure.'"

With those words, the girl waved her hand gracefully.

At that moment, the curtain of a puppet theater rose from the back of the hall.

Gashari.

The wooden stage moved awkwardly. But what stood there was clearly not a doll.

"...Hey, those things are alive..."

Ares leaned forward with interest.

The "dolls" lined up on stage were indeed human. Their eyes were vacant, their mouths fixed in unnatural smiles. Metal joints were attached to their knees and elbows. Traces of thread ran across their skin, like needlework.

Every time they moved, every time they smiled, there was a sound of something rubbing and tearing.

"Today's story is about a sad family. A tale of betrayal, loneliness, and a conclusion without salvation."

Behind Mel Aria as she spoke, the dolls performed the play as if being manipulated.

The doll playing the mother slammed the doll playing the child onto the floor.

"I loved you... why... why did you betray me..."

That doll, even while bleeding from its throat, was smiling.

The audience consisted only of Hero Ares and Tiris.

Ares whistled, his eyes shining.

"Whoa... this is amazing. It's art. The very pinnacle of madness. Man, it was worth coming here."

"...Ares..."

Tiris's face had gone pale.

"This... is... to do this to humans...! This is...!"

Mel Aria smoothly drew her face close to Tiris's.

"Fufu... Hey, you.

Why don't you smile?"

She stood stock-still right in front of her. A doll-like, perfectly formed face with a beaming smile.

"Smile. Okay?

People who don't smile, you see, I have to turn them into dolls. A 'wrong heart' must be fixed."

Tiris was speechless and took a step back. But Mel Aria closed the distance, inching closer.

"Fufufu, you... are beautiful. I think you'll have a wonderful expression. I'd love to add you to 'my collection'..."

"Hold on, hold on, Aria-chan."

Ares stood up and stepped between them.

"This one here, she's just a little bad at showing her emotions, but deep down inside, she's properly moved. Right, Tiris?"

Tiris, still tense, gave a small nod. It was all she could manage.

Ares said playfully,

"Besides, if you want someone to smile, I'll smile for her. Ahahahahahah! How's that for a completely satisfied smile!"

A beaming smile. A mad one, at that, to which Mel Aria responded with a smile of her own.

"Fufufu... Yes, that's good. My guests have to enjoy themselves properly, or I won't be happy."

Then she clapped her hands, and the curtain for the puppet show rose once again.

Tiris, trembling, watched it all with a smile fixed on her face.

"This is the best, the absolute best, Aria-chan! Bravo!"

Ares, with a huge grin, was simply lost in that madness, heart and soul.