“...I see. It seems they used a mind control spell on you at that point.”

In response to Lene’s murmuring, Shion nodded.

“Yes. After that, my memories are hazy, but I lived in a hideout prepared by that demon—or perhaps I should call them a member of the demon race, considering they used a mind control spell. I was ordered to use lower-ranking demons they occasionally brought in, gradually increasing my power. Then, just recently, when I heard rumors that Hero Lene had awakened, they ordered me to kill her.”

“And that leads to today. Do you know anything else about this demon?”

“...Not much. But from what I could gather from their words, it seems they’ve approached various people, not just me, and brought them under their control.”

“I see... quite the troublesome opponent.”

Lene’s words marked the end of the conversation, and silence fell over the room.
In the slightly uncomfortable atmosphere, Flare was the one to raise her voice.

“Well, in any case, that wraps this up, right? Everyone’s safe, and Shion’s mind control is broken!”

However, Shion shook her head.

“It’s not that simple... There’s still something I need to do.”

Saying this, Shion turned her gaze to Lene and deeply bowed her head.

“I’m so sorry...! That day, because of me, you were hurt. I took so much time away from you. Even if it wasn’t of my own will, the responsibility is still mine. So... I’m truly, truly sorry...!”

Her apology was sincere, straight from the heart.
Lene responded with a small smile.

“Please, raise your head.”

“...Lene?”

“There’s no need to apologize to me. I’ve never blamed you from the start.”

“You... forgive me?”

“...Who knows? That’s not for me to decide.”

Saying this, Lene turned her gaze to Iris.

Since Shion’s mind control had been lifted, Iris had remained silent, her expression conflicted.

Perhaps no one felt the weight of Lene’s three years of slumber more deeply than Iris.

That’s why Lene left the decision of whether to forgive Shion to her.

Shion seemed to understand this as well. She knelt down and faced Iris directly, waiting patiently for her to speak.

After several seconds, Iris slowly opened her mouth.

“I hated you for so long.”

“...I see.”

“If you hadn’t betrayed Mother, she would’ve stayed strong and healthy...”

“Yes, because of me, I hurt Lene and you deeply. I’m truly sorry... I’m prepared to accept any punishment—”

“—Even so, even so, I thought about it.”

“—What?”

For the first time, Iris, who had seemed so unsure, met Shion’s gaze with a determined expression.

Faced with Iris’ sudden strength, Shion seemed overwhelmed. Iris spoke firmly.

“You know, I’ve learned something. My big brother told me—if you treasure dolls with all your heart, they can gain a heart of their own.”

“...”

“The reason your dolls tried to save you was that you always cherished them. That’s why, after knowing that, I just couldn’t keep hating you.”

“Iris...”

“So, just one thing. From now on, I want you to use that power for good. That’s my only request.”

“...Yes, yes! I understand. I’ll never make the wrong choice again. I promise!”

“Mm, promise!”

Before the tearful Shion, Iris showed a gentle smile.

...She’s so strong, I thought.

Watching their exchange, I murmured to myself.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way—

“You’re amazing, Iris! Being able to think like that is so mature!”

“Eek! Flare!”

“So responsible. So admirable. Good girl.”

“Tetra, that tickles!”

“Indeed. You’re truly praiseworthy, Iris.”

“Lycia... Eheh. Being praised like that is a little embarrassing.”

Receiving compliments from Flare and the others, Iris blushed, looking slightly shy.

I placed my hand on her head last.

“Big brother?”

“You did great, Iris.”

“...! Mm!”

After a moment of surprise, Iris nodded with a beaming smile.
That smile was dazzlingly beautiful, more so than anything.

And so, after overcoming the bonds of the past, we reclaimed our everyday lives once more.