Published at 31st of October 2020 10:27:35 PM
Chapter 4
Intruder
Recently, I started thinking that I might actually not die.
I mean, whenever I have to deal with my subordinates, I still get close to dying. But that’s not in the physical sense, but rather that the stress and hard work are going to be the end of me instead. This past month, I kept working all day every day without getting a good break.
The reason for that is the newspaper article from a few days back, who announced my (fake) declaration of war towards the other countries, which is why every single one of their generals had the nerve to challenge me to a battle. First, I had a battle with the Laperico Kingdom five days after the duel. Their commander, Hades Molkikki (a chimpanzee) was brimming with desire to see me dead, and set up a fierce attack that put their previous attack force to shame.
In the later stage of the battle, the chimpanzee himself arrived at our headquarters, throwing a
Of course, the fighting continued even after that. The next day after the Laperico Kingdom, I had to battle the Republic of Gela Arca, followed by the Hakkyoku Federation, and finally the Heavenly Paradise to finish things off. I had mentally prepared myself to die every single time, but thankfully the battle always ended without me needing to participate. Or in other words, I’ve been insanely lucky.
And, this has brought me to yet another stress problem. Since this 7th Corps has had a win streak that continued for a while, more and more people have caught on to this, unrelated to political or public voice. According to Vill, my name has been making rounds inside the royal palace, and there’s at least one article about me in every single newspaper.
On top of that, it’s not only limited to military affairs, but they keep adding personal information about me as well, which makes it even worse. What have I been doing until now? What’s my favorite food? What am I doing on my day off? As you can see, it’s just generally putting a lot of mental stress on me.
But, there’s other reasons why my mental state is taking a dip for the worse. There’s parties. My subordinates, over excited as always, are constantly planning parties. Every single time, they’re forcing me through literal hell. I’m already bad at talking with people, especially during such a gathering of muscle berserkers, and there’s always the chance they might find out that I’m actually not strong at all, which is why I have to be on edge as much as possible.There’s bingo parties and rap parties, and once they start doing killing parties, I can only lock myself up in the bathroom.
And no, I’m not done yet. So as to lessen the chances of me being overthrown by my subordinates, I have to always make sure they’re in a good mood, and happy with me. One time I went through the hard work and made handmade sweets. It had a certain effect, as those people I gave them too all reacted in happiness, even saying things such as ‘Her Excellency is so kind to make us sweets!’…Well, I’m glad I made them after all.
Anyway, even during times when there’s no battle, I have to constantly be aware of how my subordinates are feeling, but when I had gotten closer to them, yet another problem arose.
My subordinates, who had gotten very clingy to their superior, often showed their faces in my office, striking up various conversations. Recently, it revolved around hobbies or favorite food, but sometimes it drove off lane with a ‘I’m actually quite worried about my future path’ or ‘I can’t get up in the morning’ or ‘My magical power has been growing too much lately’ or ‘I need some advice for the person I like…’ and many more.
You know, I’m not some counsellor, okay…But, I can never muster up the courage to say that, which is why I always have to balance my own work and properly dealing with my subordinates’ troubles. It’s quite ironic that someone like me, with barely any experience in life, is giving out sloppy advice (that I did think about thoroughly though) to some older men.
I totally assumed that I would get some angry complaints, but that only raised my popularity. Nowadays, there’s always a large line building up in front of my office, and the other Seven Crimson Devas even give me comments such as ‘Gandezblood-dono sure has changed’ and whatnot.
As a result of all these reasons mentioned above, I barely had any time to rest as of late. So, I’d like to be honest here.
“—I’m tired of this!”
Bang! I slammed my hand on my desk, and shot up from my chair, when Vill gave me a puzzled expression.
“What happened, Komari-sama? Your signing session is about to begin.”
“That very signing session in itself is weird! I’m supposed to be a commander, not an idol! Look at the other Devas, nobody is doing anything like this!”
I sat inside the Mulnight Palace’s auditorium. Kidnapped by the perverted maid, I was forced into my military uniform, and had to sit down on this luxurious chair. When I asked for the reason, Vill just gave a nonchalant ‘There will be a signing session of yours now’, and that’s about it.
I would understand if she pulled me to another battle (although I don’t want to), but why do I have to act like an idol? Is it because I am an unparalleled beauty?
“Demand and supply, you see. The other Seven Crimson Devas are all stern-looking men, whereas Komari-sama possesses feminine beauty of an angel, which is why there is so much demand.”
“You say that, but isn’t there more important stuff to handle? I looked into a few good magic teaching books since Marco asked me, and I found some good sweets recipes for Teressa as well. On top of that, Danilo needed help for a speech that he’s going to give at his friend’s wedding, Rolan still needs to make up with his wife, and there’s also Pecol—”
“You try to fulfill all the work entrusted to you, how wonderful.”
“How is that wonderful!? Give me a break! And I mean that literally!”
“Do not worry. Taking care of the documents later will account for a break.”
“What kind of black company is this!?”
“Your guests are about to arrive.”
“Eh, what…”
I couldn’t even mentally prepare myself, as the door of the auditorium opened, and the vampires walked inside. Ugh, whatever then. Let’s just get this singing session over then! I tried to calm myself down, but my tension wouldn’t vanish, as my heart continued to race. I feel like puking. I thought there’d be a lot of girls my age, so why is it that many guys? I’m a bit scared.
“…It’s the actual Excellency…”
“Her aura is different…”
“She really feels like a Seven Crimson Deva.”
“But, she’s so small and cute.”
“That’s just up my alley, actually.”
The people (fans ?) were guided inside, approaching me. Also, you calling me ‘small and cute’ actually hurts quite a bit. I’m drinking milk every day, you know? Well, I’ll just overwhelm them with my Deva mode.
“U-Um, my name is Rakna, and I’m a fan of your Excellency! Please give me your autograph!”
First up was a young boy with a beet red face. He looked like he was about to explode from embarrassment. Well, I technically am a Seven Crimson Deva, and I can have quite the terrifying aura (if I want to).
I accepted the signing paper from the boy, and put my autograph on it with smooth movement. It’s basically me practicing acting like an author once I’ll debut with my own novel. I was about to hand over the signing paper, when I stopped. Aren’t I a bit too cold here? I don’t want to scare him away—That was my thought, so I showed my best smile, and spoke up.
“Thank you, Raknkun. I’ll give it my all during the next battle.”
“!?”
The boy accepted the signing paper, and his mouth opened and closed like he wanted to say something.
“What’s wrong, Raknkun? Do you have a fever?”
“N-No…Thank you very much! Bye!”
He dashed away like the devil chased him, as I felt a flush of anxiety inside of my chest. At the same time,Vill spoke up with a worried tone.
“Komari-sama, please don’t tease your fans too much.”
“Tease? Did I do something I shouldn’t have?”
“You airhead…” Vill started her words, but quickly stopped herself, shaking her head. “Anyway, don’t act too close with your fans—Now, the next person please.”
Following this, the signing session went along smoothly. Why can’t I just change my occupation into being an author. I’m already used to giving out autographs. Everyone is coming here with such positive affection, like ‘I’m always supporting you!’ or ‘Please try your best!’ and others, but then there’s also questionable people with ‘Please make miso soup for me every morning’ or ‘Please drink my miso soup every evening’, where I honestly had trouble figuring out what they wanted from me.
“Your Excellency! Please let us make love after thi—Gugeh!?”
Towards the end, there was one guest who had his neck squashed by Vill, dying in the process, but that was about it, which led the signing session to end fairly safely. However, by the time it ended, the time day was about to close as well. After I confirmed the last guest had left the auditorium, I sank back into my chair.
“I’m done. I can’t anymore. I wanna go home.”
“Good work today, Komari-sama. There is no more work left for today, so let us return. I shall wash your body in the bath for you.”
“Yeah……Wait no! Nevermind!”
I can’t let down my guard for just a second. Also, ever since that duel with Johan, I never once took a bath again with her. Vill tried to assault me during my bath time, but when I told her that ‘I’ll start hating you if you keep sexually harassing me like this!’, Vill showed a face distorted in despair, and left. I don’t really get it, but that apparently had some sort of effect on her. I guess I’ll use that the next time as well—is what I thought, when I heard a familiar voice.
“—Hey, Komari. Working hard, hm?”
“Father?”
Looking over towards the voice, I spotted a tall vampire wearing a jet-black robe.
“What brings you here? Work?”
“On my way back, yeah. I was talking with Her Majesty the Empress.” My father grinned. “Seems like the signing session was a great success, huh. I guess you could call it a Komarin Boom. If you keep going like this, you might really make it up to the position of an Empress.”
Oh right, we talked about that before.
“Stop with that, I don’t plan on becoming the Empress…”
“Even if you don’t feel like it right now, your opinion might change later on. I know that her Majesty has a high evaluation of you Komari.”
“Eh, that perv—Her Majesty does?”
“Right, right. Recently, she had to worry about this whole terrorism, from that ‘Inverted Moon’ group or whatever. With a reliable Seven Crimson Deva, she’s much more reassured, see.”
“But, I’m not strong at all…”
“It doesn’t matter, because you—” Father suddenly stopped his words. “…No, it’s nothing. Rather than that, an invitation from that perverted Majesty or what you call her has been sent towards you.” Father took out a letter from his chest pocket.
I got a horrible feeling about this.
“It’s an invitation for a party, addressed to you, Komari.”
Will I receive overtime pay for this? Eh, I won’t? Nothing at all? I’ll at least get a day off later, right? I won’t? I see, I understand—Rot in hell!!!
Even if I screamed that inside of my heart, nothing changed. That’s why, the following day after the signing session, I was inside the ‘Ovation Room’, located in the Mulnight Imperial Palace.I was forced to participate in the buffet party held by the Empress. Luxurious food filled all the tables around me, as the royalty and nobles of the Mulnight Empire tasted the food and drinks, talking with each other. As for me, I was hiding in a corner of this wide open room. To my right, I had the perverted maid Vill. To my right stood the wild beast of a killer, Belius Inu Kerbero.
In case you were wondering why Belius was with me, it’s because the Empress mentioned I could bring two subordinates with me. Normally, I should have probably invited Melaconcy with me, since he had the highest standing, but his personality is a bit…complicated. Since Chaostell is out as well, I went with Belius, since he seems the most rational (although he’s a killer as well).
I was dressed up accordingly to the occasion (because I was forced to), and even though I had proper support with me, the best I could do was stand in one corner, sipping on some milk. Of course, all because I absolutely fail when it comes to communicating with others.
“Your Excellency, what exactly should we do now?” Belius had a troubled expression on his face.
I gulped down the rest in my glass, and glanced up at him.
“Are you bad with occasions like these?”
“Honestly speaking, I am. I had lived my life with no connection to royalty and the upper class after all.”
Oh yeah, I read in his CV that he grew up in a lower class district.
“The royalty can only think about themselves.” Belius clicked his tongue. “They only think of us lower citizens as insects that deserve no attention—Of course, your Excellency is different.”
I see, a lot must have happened…
“No need to worry. If someone dared to disrespect you, I will deal with them. I belong to a distinguished family after all, so not many try to challenge the Gandezbloods.”
“No, it is nothing that you should meddle with, your Excellency…”
“You don’t need to hold back. I am your superior, so I have responsibility to take care of you. You are a trustworthy benefactor of mine, and a member of my 7th Corps, invited to a party with the royality—This is something an ordinary vampire could never hope to achieve, so you can feel proud about yourself.”
“Y-Your Excellency…” Belius looked down at me, deeply emotional.
…I wonder, did I say too much?
“Well, if you’re not used to it, you can just enjoy the food. Someone will eventually come talk to you. Or, would you rather talk with me?”
“Then, I ask you to talk with me, Komari-sama. What are your weak spots? I’m very sensitive beneath my navel—”
“You keep quiet! There’s people around, you know!?”
“Then, let us continue this conversation when it’s just the two of us…”
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“Enough! I’m talking with Belius now!”
I tore my eyes away from the perverted maid, facing Belius. Now, what should we talk about? It’d be best if the other people around us won’t think of us as loners. I feel like I can talk more easily with him as well. He’s like a dog, a pet.
“…But, what should we talk about?”
“Anything is fine. Tomorrow’s weather, your favorite food or sweets…”
“Then, I would like to talk about the current power balance between the six countries.”
“P-Power balance?”
“I wanted to ask about the Republic of Gela Arca, and their current rise in motivation and strength.”
“Ah, Gela Arca, huh. Their fried shrimps are great.”
“No, not that…”
Belius wanted to say something, but an energetic girl’s voice interrupted him.
“My beloved Komari! Are you having fun?”
Feeling that something was off, I turned around. Standing there was a beautiful girl, with eyes and hair glowing like the moonlight. The clothes she wore were dazzlingly beautiful, and her body height was not too different from mine. She is the person who kissed me against my will, the perverted Empress of the Mulnight Empire. Belius went down on one knee, and I rushed to follow suit, but the perverted Empress grabbed both of my shoulders, and stopped me.
“Stop it, stop it. This is a gathering, no audience. On top of that, you and I are really close, right?”
“R-Really?”
“Indeed. That’s why, feel free to call me Ren-chan, okay?”
Close, you’re too close, Ren-chan. Also, stop running your hands along my shoulders, I’m getting the shivers. I looked at my left and right, asking for help. Belius did not dare utter a sound. Vill was shaking herself with a disgusted expression. What’s wrong, are you jealous or something?
“Let me ask you, Komari. How is your work as a Seven Crimson Deva coming along?”
“Even if you ask me that…”
“It seems as if I didn’t need to ask. I see your achievements, and your continuous victories against the other countries except the Fairy Land. I’ve never seen such a Seven Crimson Deva before.”
Totally not because I was lucky all this time.
“I invited you to this party to celebrate your efforts. Eat and drink as much as you want. Some summer vegetables with crocodile meat and blood sauce, as well as some pure 100% blood juice—Oh wait, you’re bad with blood, right. Then, head over to that table there. You can find bloodless dishes at your desire.”
The Empress clung to my arm with no hesitation whatsoever, pulling me along. We walked through the rows of nobles, and made our way to the dinner table. How long has it been since I talked with her? She’s as eccentric as ever, I see. To be perfectly honest, I’m not too good at dealing with her. Also, her large breasts are constantly hitting my arm. How did she make them get this big? What is she eating? Must be blood right? God damn it.
“…Fufu. You know, I’m fairly relieved.”
The Empress packed her plate full of sausages, as she spoke.
“You’ve been shutting yourself in three whole years. I thought that you might not make it back to society, but it seems like your father’s bet was worth it.”
“Bet?”
“Yeah, he bet on the fact that you would leave your room if I forced you to become a Seven Crimson Deva. It’s quite the danger, pulling a shut-in out of their safe space. They can start crying, causing a ruckus, or even attack their parents…But, you didn’t do that.”
Of course. Even if I wanted to cry and cause a ruckus, the symbol on my belly won’t allow me to do so. If I don’t fulfill my work as a Seven Crimson Deva, I will explode and die after all. And, the girl that put me into this horrible situation is currently right in front of me.
“Do you loathe me for forcefully sealing that contract? Well, this is something your father begged me to do. The money I got from him was also too delicious to miss out on.”
So some trade like that happened!? Jesus, this country is so corrupted!
“But, it seems like you don’t hate me after all. In your eyes resides a crimson color, resembling the dusk of Mulnight. You’re enjoying your current life, huh?”
“Um…”
The Empress stretched out her hand, touching my lower abdomen. And if that wasn’t enough, she gently rubbed my stomach there, above my clothes.
“This isn’t just your own body anymore. You get what I’m saying, right?”
As if I would. I’ll sue you.
“I’m saying that you have many subordinates who put their faith in you. No, not just subordinates. All the Komarists in this country, all the people gathered here, they are all aching to have a word or two with you. They were probably holding back because I hadn’t gotten to you yet.”
Hold on a damn second, what the heck is a Komarist? Also…
“I’m not alone?”
“Indeed. To be more accurate, you have never been alone, but now you have many more supporters. There is no need to act timidly. Here, open wide~”
Biting down on the wiener the Empress pushed into my mouth, I couldn’t hide my bewilderment. I swallowed down the meat.
“…Why are you this worried about me?”
The Empress was baffled for a second.
“Ahahaha, what an exceedingly accurate question. Very well, let me tell you the truth. The reason I had set my eyes on you—is because you are the daughter of my former lover.”
My mouth opened wide. But, the Empress frantically shook her head.
“Ah no, I’m not talking about your father.”
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“Meaning?”
“Your mother and I had promised our future to each other.”
“……”
What is she talking about? What did my Mother do?
“However, that bastard Alman—your father had stolen her from me. That Yurine is always so dishonest.She had someone like me, but went playing with someone else, and eventually had both her heart and body stolen.”
That’s too lively, I don’t want to hear about that.
“But…whenever I look at you, I’m reminded of your mother. If you grow some more, maybe you’ll end up as a beauty like her? I’m terribly looking forward to that.” The perverted Empress moved her hand down at my behind, gently rubbing it.
She really is even more of a pervert than Vill, huh. The Empress moved away from me with an ‘I was jesting’.
“I don’t appreciate non-consensual acts. In fact, I never kissed you in your sleep. There are countless other methods to form a contract.” She turned around on her heel. “To get back on topic, you aren’t alone, Komari. There are countless people that yearn for you, just like me. That’s why, don’t fall into despair…like three years ago.”
She told me to enjoy the party, and walked away. I didn’t even have time to think about her words, as countless nobles gathered in the room came rushing towards me.
“Good day, Commander.”
“It is an honor to meet you.”
“I’ve seen your excellent work during the previous battle.”
“Won’t you let my son into your 7th Corps?”
“If possible, I’d like to arrange a marriage meeting for you with my son…”
With everybody rushing to approach me, I felt a bit uncomfortable. It’s true that they hold great interest in me. However, that is only because I am a Seven Crimson Deva. It’s solely because they think I’m strong, and influential. The Empress said that I wasn’t alone. But, if everybody present here found out the truth about Terakomari Gandezblood, how many would still continue to follow me.
There, a certain thought popped up in my head. What are you troubled for, Terakomari Gandezblood. I am the advocate of solitude, enjoying my time most when I’m locked up inside my room to read books and write novels. Why do I care what other people think of me—Except the fact that I might be overthrown.
That’s right, I am a proud shut-in vampire princess. Ever since that day three years ago, and three years in the future from now on, that will not change.
“…Terakomari, mind giving me some of your time?”
I suddenly heard someone call me by my name. I saw a fox mask looking at me, worn by a girl. Who is this person?
“U-Um, who might you be?”
“Just another noble passing by, any problems with that?”
“Not really, no…”
Her tone sounded oddly aggressive. The more I looked at her, the more suspicious she seemed. However, there’s a barrier set up around the party grounds, so the second she’s made it in here, she’s nobody dangerous. Hence, I had to go into commander mode again.
“Very well then, let us talk. No need to hold back. Today, we’re having a banquet, so keep the stiff attitude for another time.”
A loud laugh came from behind the fox mask.
“Interesting…Very interesting. Just as I’ve heard, you do act how you please, don’t you. I take it that you are this successful in battle because you give your subordinates a fair amount of freedom?”
“Hm…? I mean, that is correct…”
“Do you trust your subordinates that much? The pervert-filled corps?”
“I don’t necessarily trust them, but they’re all out for blood, so if I leave them alone, they do the job of killing the enemy.”
“So you don’t have to work yourself?”
“Yeah.” I nodded, only to panicky add. “—Well, if I had to act, I would win in the blink of an eye, so that would be boring, right?”
The fox mask let out a disinterested sigh.
“So you thought it through, huh. It’s true that war nowadays is nothing more than a declaration of national strength. Or in simpler terms, it’s a form of entertainment for the masses. If you participated, it’d be an immediate bloodbath the people have seen countless times already, and that’d be boring, alright.”
“Yeah yeah. That wouldn’t be good enough. Glory and reception with the populace would be the best, but that would destroy the show, ahahaha.”
“You can say that again. Not killing for your own joy, or purely for the sake of it, but doing it for your own country makes it feel like such a waste.”
…Hm? We’re actually getting along?
“W-Well, that is correct.”
“Right? And, the one insulting true fighting and war the most—is you, Terakomari.”
“Eh?”
“I don’t like your way of living. Why can you stay as a Seven Crimson Deva nonetheless? Why can you walk under the sun? Is it fun being thrown around by everyone around you?”
What is she…?
“Because people like you exist, this world is as rotten as it is right now. I was the same. If not for you, right now I would be—No, that doesn’t matter. I’m wholeheartedly satisfied with my current environment. Getting chased out of the country, and entering ‘Inverted Moon’ was the best thing that could have happened for me.”
What the hell is she on about…?
“U-Um…”
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“Oh, I’m sorry. My name is MIllicent Bluenight. I came back to repay my debt from three years ago.”
The girl suddenly took off her mask. What appeared from beneath that was a face I wanted to forget, but never could. Millicent: She is the reason why I became a shut-in. Her skirt fluttered in the wind because her motion, as she took a stop towards me, a silver knife in her right hand.
“—Your Excellency!”
I ate a tackle to my side, and was blown away. I ended up slamming my head into the meat sauce spaghetti. When I pushed up my head and looked back, I saw the girl stabbing the knife right into Belius’ side.
“What a shame, I missed.”
“…Ugh…Argh…”
A red puddle was created on the bottom right below the wound. I heard screams around me. What just happened. Why did this happen? So much blood—crimson red blood.
“Komari-sama! Please leave this to me!” Vill screamed.
She gathered magical power around her to a level even an amateur like me could see, as several throwing knives came flying from her hand. The girl showed a confident snicker in response, pulled the knife out of Belius’ side, and jumped back. The throwing knives missed her, stabbing into the cooking, the tables, or the party visitors, as apparently the poison set it, when the food had gone bad, the tables turned purple, and the party visitors collapsed. I felt like crying at seeing such a grotesque scene.
“My, how scary. I’ll definitely die after getting hit by those.”
“I won’t miss next time.”
“You will. I’m stronger than you after all.” The girl laughed, and flashed a truly discomfortable smile.
What is this? What is happening? I was about to get killed? Belius protected me?
“W-Who is that! Seize her!”
“Intruder!”
“What are the security doing!”
“This is the first time something like this happened!”
“What should we do?”
The nobles were screaming in confusion in fear and rage, and yet the intruder showed a saddened expression. I felt indescribable fear. Millicent hasn’t changed at all since three years ago. She can hurt other people without a moment’s hesitation, and can laugh in the face of whatever tragedy might occur.
“—Hey. What do you think you’re doing, interrupting my party? You got a death wish or something?”
“Can you keep quiet for a second, Empress? I didn’t want to interrupt anything. I just—Yeah, I’m going to kill you, kill Alman Gandezblood, and then kill the terrified Terakomari last.”
Millicent turned towards me. I felt like my heart was gripped. These eyes of hers. These deep, profound eyes…Because of her, these last three years—
“Well, if talking won’t work, then I can only kill you now. Go die, will you.”
The Empress’ fingertip started glowing. Millicent let out a roaring laughter, jumped into the air, and landed right next to me. She glared at me like a snake staring at its prey, leaving me unable to move.
“Komari-sama!”
“Tch…A hostage is quite unfair, don’t you agree.”
Both Vill and the Empress could only watch us passively. Millicent pressed her knife against my neck, and stabbed into it without hesitation—or so I thought she would, but nothing of that happened. Finally, Millicent let out a bored sigh.
“—Boring. It’d be boring to end it like this. I want us to fight and kill each other.”
“What…are you talking about?”
“As if you’d understand my feelings…Anyway, I’ll be coming again, Terakomari. And, I will kill you for sure. I’ll make you taste a death where even the magic nucleus won’t be able to revive you…So look forward to it.”
Milicent showed a fiendish smile, and waved her left hand to cast magic. But, everything was too late when we realized that it wasn’t an attack magic.
“Space magic! She’s going to escape!”
The lighting fired from the Empress barely missed the girl, who vanished like a hallucination. The lighting fired off by the Empress scattered into empty air after hitting nearby victims, immediately killing them. However, nobody cared about that. Vill came rushing towards me.
“Komari-sama, are you injured?”
“N-No, I’m fine. What about Belius…”
I looked over, and saw him collapsed on the ground. However, Vill quickly reassured me.
“You needn’t worry. With the magic nucleus, his wounds will heal soon.”
“That…is true, but…”
—I’ll come again, Terakomari.
Spaghetti was still glued to my face, as I started quivering in fear. It felt like everything was taking a turn for the worse.
Millicent Bluenight. Why. Why is she here? I haven’t done anything bad. Why is she here again to come for me? Why isn’t she satisfied yet? Why—
“Komari-sama…?”
I couldn’t answer her. Inside of me, in the depths even I myself should not be able to reach, the forbidden door, which had been sealed there until now, slowly started to open.
1 Lit. Smelly Ball