Editing Hyouketsu Kyoukai no Eden:Volume 5 Chapter1 (section)

===Part 3===

{{furigana|Tenketsu Palace|Sophia}}, Floor 65, the airport within the tower.

It was the terminal for the airship controlled by the Mechanical Bureau and the floor which encompassed the greatest amount of space.

There were ten-odd platforms solely for when the tower’s Guards or Bureau Chief-rank staff went on a mission and the runway extended far into the distance.

With one step onto the floor───

“Come to think of it, Captain Leon was with us that time.”

Monica who was walking beside him suddenly stopped and turned to him.

“……The {{furigana|floating archipelago|Lagoon}} case?”

“Last night, I was thinking that this was our first mission and couldn’t sleep……so I just stared up at the ceiling the entire time and happened to remember it……”

Monica stared fixedly at the black floor underneath her.

The black tiles covering the floor were cushioning for withstanding the airship’s arrival and departure. She stared without blinking at those tiles which would reflect one’s face should they look hard enough.

“Monica, are you okay?”

“Y-yeah, it’s nothing! I was just being a little sentimental!”

Monica hurriedly averted her face away.

“……Being unable to sleep last night……was also partially because of Ymy-sama.”

With a frail smile, the former apprentice Priestess shook her head.

Monica had been Ymy’s senpai three years ago. That Ymy had become one of only five Priestesses in the world.

“Is it hard to talk to her?”

“……It’s pathetic but I don’t know how I should talk to her.”

Monica chewed her lip with a pained expression. Because of their reversed positions, Ymy and Monica were troubled as to how to connect with each other.

“I think she wants to talk with you like before.”

“……Yeah.”

No, Monica definitely knows that already.

She knows but the other party is a Priestess, a protector of the world. Treating Ymy as a kouhai probably makes her feel something akin to guilt.

“''It’s impossible to do it immediately, but wouldn’t it be best if the approach came from this side?''“

“……How should I call out to her?”

“Isn’t it fine if you say, I’m the unit’s captain, Monica?”

Sheltis carried on {{furigana|machine crystal|Ilis}}’ advice without changing anything.

“I’ve been granted the pleasure of traveling together with you and hope we get along ─── that much is fine. It should be hard for her to call out to you as well considering her position.”

“……I see, that’s right.”

“''Don’t forget to smile as you do it〰, a smile is important.''“

“……Yeah.”

Nodding, Monica finally started moving.

And.

“You’ve finally come; you’re seven minutes late.”

“You’re slow.”

The small-statured girl wore a machine helmet low over her eyes and standing beside her was a blond young man of large build with short hair. Each of the two clothed in their white formal wear turned to face the arrivals.

“Good morning, Kagura, and Vaiel was also on time?”

“That’s because she came and woke me up one hour before.”

The blond young man stifled a sleepy yawn ─── Vaiel turned a displeased look at the girl beside him.

“If I hadn’t, you would be late. Well, let’s put that aside.”

Replying in an aloof manner, Kagura exchanged looks with Monica.

“Monica, look over there. It’s the important ‘''customer''‘ of ours.”

“Customer?”

“Come now, the four on the other end.”

An airship lay where Kagura indicated.

Directly beneath its silvery wings, a group of four men and women could be seen receiving an explanation from a pilot.

One was an elderly man accompanied by a lean woman with a calm air about her who stood to his side. The other two were one step away, frequently taking memos with nervous expressions.

“The General Affairs Bureau chief and his head secretary, and those two are clerk and private secretary. Monica, you went to greet them the night before last, right?”

“Yeah, since only meeting them on the day of would be too sudden.”

Monica noted each of them one by one with her gaze.

“The furthest one, the person who’s putting on years is the General Affairs Bureau chief. The woman in a suit to his side is his head secretary and it looks like the negotiations with the Governmental Sector will be centered around her. The two a little bit further away are clerks; they said it was their first time going to the Governmental sector so they’re nervous.”

“I see, so then they also know about us?”

“Yeah. I also did a basic introduction of our unit. They’re gentle-mannered people so they politely listened to what I had to say.”

Following Monica’s line of sight, Sheltis also stared sidelong at the four further in.

……Those people.

They were the four people directly in charge of the negotiations with the Governmental Sector and the targets for escort of their unit.

“Well then, let’s get moving.”

“Yes, that’s right, get the introductions over with already. The General Affairs Bureau chief is also waiting.”

The one who assented to Monica wasn’t one of the four within the unit───

“Ohhh, it’s I’sa?”

Sheltis tilted his head at the unexpected appearance of the girl.

“What’s up, have some business here at the airport?”

“There’s nothing going on; isn’t it expected that as her little sister, I would be here to see onee-sama off on her expedition?”

She combed her lustrously shining hair with her hand. She had a small build but with mature grey eyes, and the badge representative of a Regular Guard was attached to the shoulder of her completely wrinkle-free formal wear.

Regular Guard I’sa Is Ismael. <ref>[T/N: Nobody suggested anything to replace this stupid version of the middle and last names...]</ref>

She was the Regular Guard who had been the examiner for this time’s mission and is the little sister of the Cadres Guard, Ishtar, who would be traveling with them.

“That onee-sama of yours……is Ishtar-san still not here?”

“It looks like she’ll be coming with the Priestess-sama. Consider it an honor, to have a mission together with onee-sama and the Priestess-sama. It’s enough that I also want to go along.”

In response to Kagura who was looking around, I’sa answered with folded arms.

“……Onee-sama, huh.”

“What? Did you say something, dual sword user?”

“Ah, n-nothing! Just talking to myself.”

Turning away his face, he somehow averted I’sa’s question.

……Ishtar.

……Our last match was how many years ago.

It’s been quite some time and I’ve grown a fair bit……so I’d like to think my identity won’t be discovered at a glance. As long as she doesn’t have any proof, it should be the same as with Kagura and remain at the ‘''suspicious''‘ level.

……But if I’m discovered and my real identity is outed right there.

……This time, I won’t be able to stay at {{furigana|Tenketsu Palace|Sophia}}.

A person who had fallen to the Garden of {{furigana|Corrupted Song|Eden}} and was supposed to be dead was alive. Even though that was a serious affair in itself, if it was known that the Garden of {{furigana|Corrupted Song|Eden}}’s mateki lay within him, it would cause a panic throughout the {{furigana|floating continent|Orbie Clar}}.

“──────”

He stole a glance at the girl with her sakura-colored hair tied in a bundle.

……Monica would also find out.

Having admired him three years ago, she had gone so far as to throw away her position as an apprentice Priestess and become a Guard. If she came to know everything……Monica would probably be angry. Or else.

“Hey, dual blade user, are you listening?”

His flank was being poked by I’sa.

“Eh? Ahh, yeah. The introductions, right?”

“If you know, then get on it with it. The Cadet Guards are the side '''being allowed to escort''' so approaching the escort target from your side is the logical move.”

I’sa sighed, looking worn out.

“Well, that’s fine. That being the case, I’ll introduce you. Come along.”

“Eh?”

Saying so, she headed forward as the vanguard and walked towards the four at the other side.

“Oh, it’s you.”

Matching up with when the old man turned to her, I’sa clutched both ends of her skirt and curtsied.

“A pleasure, General Affairs Bureau chief, Maxwell. I was really in your care the other day.”

“Ohh, it really is I’sa-kun. I kept relying on you throughout the escort last week. Your partner as well, even though he was convalescing, I had him push himself.”

“Absolutely nothing of the sort; it is our duty.”

Alongside the old man who was smiling, I’sa was also nodding with an adorable smile.

Now then ─── I’sa turned back towards them with a small mutter.

“Let me introduce you: this is the captain of the unit entrusted with the escort, Monica, and three of its members. From the right, it’s Vaiel, Kagura and one other.”

“Just my introduction, so mean!? No……I’d like to say something.”

Then.

Just as he was about to object, Monica and Kagura each placed a hand on his shoulders.

Both of them nodded their heads……eh, does that mean to give up?

“Yes, yes, I’ve had the pleasure of a previous meeting with Monica-kun. To be this considerate even down to the finer details of escorting, it gives one relief.”

“They are my subordinates, so there are no oversights in their training.”

The Bureau chief nodded in satisfaction and I’sa had a business smile on.

“Hooh, truly, the subordinates commanded by I’sa-kun are of a different caliber.”

“Of course; we can’t be causing trouble for the General Affairs Bureau chief.”

Hah hah ha, laughed the two.

“……Since when did I become her subordinate?”

“Leave it. There’s no medicine for idiocy.”

In accordance with Monica’s sigh, Vaiel spat out with his usual abusive language, but that didn’t seem to reach the two who were having a pleasant chat either.

“Now then, it’s exactly nine thirty. The Priestess-sama should also be here soon.”

Kagura confirmed the time displayed on her {{furigana|machine pearl|Machina}}. Receiving that, {{furigana|machine crystal|Ilis}} who had been silent until now blinked with vigor and,

“''That’s right, it should be soon…………ah, she’s come! Ymy has come!''“

A faint tension ran throughout all those there.

The General Affairs Bureau chief and the four clerks straightened up simultaneously. Monica turned around with a complex expression and Vaiel, being poked by Kagura, also fixed his posture.

“Good morning, Ymy-sama, we have been awaiting your arrival.”

Representing they who were there, I’sa grasped the ends of her skirt and curtsied.

“I shall carry your luggage.”

“Ah……y-you don’t need to. It’s fine!……umm, yeah, I’ll deal with it somehow!”

Pressing down on her off-gold hair that had become disheveled from running with one hand, the girl held her bag with the other.

Her vestments had a base of white with azure accents. It was specially prepared for just one person within the tower ─── for those living on the {{furigana|floating continent|Orbie Clar}}, just that would be enough to identify who she was.

“Umm……good morning, everyone, I’ll be counting on you for this journey!”

Ymy lowered her head in a bow.

She looked wordlessly at the people around her.

He knew that smile that she turned to him for an instant. It wasn’t a smile as a Priestess but one made as his childhood friend.

───Good morning───

Sheltis also nodded wordlessly at that and next, he pushed on the unit captain that seemed lost even now with a small voice.

“Come now, Monica.”

“Y……yeah, I know……”

Monica cleared her throat once and took a step out front.

Even while showing signs of embarrassment, she still did it with a dignified and composed smile that that suited her.

“Good morning, Ymy-sama. I’m the captain of the unit that has the pleasure of travelling together with you for this mission, Monica, and here are three members of the unit. I hope we get along.”

“Ah……y-yes!”

Ymy’s expression brightened up.

Senpai finally talked to me ── it was a smile that conveyed her happiness from the bottom of her heart.

“By the way, Ymy-sama,”

Amidst that, I’sa asked while looking about.

“My sister…………I mean, where is the Cadres Guard?”

“U-um. We were supposed to come together, but the one who came was a subordinate of Ishtar-san. I was informed that she’d come to the airport ahead of me.”

It seemed that Ymy also didn’t know.

“Oi, oi, oi, the essential Regular Guard-sama is late?”

“If she said she was going on ahead, then that shouldn’t be the case.”

“Then what’s up?”

“Please don’t ask me. We can also rule out her being lost in the airport.”

Directly to the side of Vaiel who was sighing, Kagura snapped her fingers.

“It can’t be helped. {{furigana|Machine pearl|Machina}} ── begin search.”

In an instant, the {{furigana|machine pearl|Machina}} that had been floating in front of her split into over a hundred parts.

The small {{furigana|machine pearl|Machina}} disassembled into puzzle piece-like shapes in midair. Each of those pieces was equipped with a high-power camera.

“First of all, let’s search within the airport.”

Answering Kagura’s instructions, the pieces of the {{furigana|machine pearl|Machine}} flew off in all directions. Meanwhile, I’sa also took a good look at the surroundings and tilted her head.

“……That’s strange, I wonder where onee-sama went.”

“You mean she’s not skipping out?”

“Be careful in opening your mouth, Cadet Guard; this is onee-sama we’re talking about so I’m sure she has a noble reason for──”

Just before Vaiel and I’sa were about to have a stare-down.

“Ah, there’s a response that resembles her. A humanoid heat signature.”

Kagura said while staring at the machine helmet’s screen.

“From this reaction, she’s to our…………oh, that’s strange.”

Doubtful, her lips turned into the へ character.

“The position is directly above?”

“Ah.”

With that one sentence, Sheltis put his hands together in realization. <ref>[T/N: The action here is that one in manga where they tap their fist on an open hand.]</ref>

If Ishtar’s unexpected actions haven’t changed from before, then if I imagine what’s coming based on the words “directly above”, she is……no way.

“Say. I think it’d be best if everybody moved away from this spot, it might be dangerous.”

“Mm? What’s that, what’s this about directly above───”

At around the same time Vaiel looked up with a sour face, the happy cheer of a female voice came from directly above.

.

“Iiiiiyaahoooooooo!”

.

Whoooooosh ── the sound of something descending at high speeds and cutting through the air.

Then.

“Aahn? What’s thi…………vuee!?”

Smush. With aim that was true, the heel of the woman that came from the ceiling crushed Vaiel underneath itself.

“……Hey, Monica, Vaiel can’t move while he’s being crushed.”

“……Don’t look at me for that.”

While all those there including Ymy, and of course, Sheltis and Monica, were frozen.

“Jya─n, sorry to keep you waaaiting!”

The woman with a spear that was taller than her strapped to her back winked adorably at the same time as a bow.

Pure white pants and tight formal wear. She was a tall woman with black belts made with hide wrapped around her shoulder, elbow, knee and thigh on top of her formal wear.

Contrary to a mature face, her countenance was so cheery it was almost young. Her long hair was a blindingly brilliant golden color like I’sa’s and the blueness of her eyes was fairly strong.

“Cadres Guard Ishtar, by the Queen’s imperial command, has hastened to joooin! Yippee!”

“…………Y……you are……my escort-san?”

“That’s riight. It’s nice to meet you, Priestess-sama, and I’m looking forward to working with you from now o─n! Hrm? Everyone’s really quiet, did something happeeen?”

She looked around at her surroundings that had fallen silent and tilted her head.

“Daamn yooouuu, what are you doing outta nowhere, you damn woman!”

“Wawahh, what happened!?”

Being glared at by Vaiel who stood up with a look of rage, she hurriedly jumped off him.

“Damn woman just suddenly steps on my head outta nowhere.”

“Ahaha, did it feel good?……wait, don’t just wordlessly ball your fist! It was just a joke. I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Just barely holding down his fist that was about to fly, Vaiel turned to the younger sister’s direction with a look of anger.
[[image:Eden05_049.jpg|thumb]]

“……Oi, little sister, what’s with your older sister. The inside of her head’s already a field of flowers.”

“Ahh, jeez! Onee-sama, why are you lowering your dignity on your own like this!?”

I’sa yelled while clutching her head.

“Onee-sama!”

“Oh my, I’sa-chan. Go─od, go─od, you’re so great for managing to come to the airport by yourself without getting lost. Your onee-chan is touched.”

She petted the head of her sister who was a head shorter than her.

“Mumuu, you’ve let your bangs grow out quite a bit, I’sa-chan. You haven’t cut it lately? Ah, a split end. That’s no good; you’re a girl so you have to take proper care of yourself.”

“O……onee-sama, look around you, around! That’s embarrassing!”

“Is that so? I don’t mi─nd. I’sa-chan’s hair is soft like a cat’s─”

“Please mind it! D-disregarding me……this will affect onee-sama’s reputation!”

In response to the older sister who suddenly started combing her little sister’s hair, the {{furigana|little sister|I'sa}}’s face turned red and she raised her voice.

“P-putting that aside! Onee-sama is the Cadres Guard and you’re escorting a Priestess-sama this time, so conduct yourself as a model for these Cadet Guards!”

“Ahaha, I was scolded by I’sa-chan.”

“Onee-sama!”

“Yes, yes, it’s fine, I’sa-chan. Your onee-chan will do her best.”

“Th……that’s right. Onee-sama is my ambition after all! You’re strong to the point that nobody can beat you when you’re serious so please act with that in mind!”

I’sa shouted with blood rushing to her cheeks.

That was……her gaze while staring at her sister that was also her superior was……an unbelievably adorable and modest change from her usual domineering attitude.

“──Now then, we’ve caused a commotion, everyone.”

I’sa cleared her throat.

“As you can see, onee-sama has a slight side to her but I assure you that her ability as an escort is the best in the tower. Aside from that……please don’t mind it.”

“Ahaha, I’sa-chan introduced me in my place. Thanks, I’sa-chan, onee-chan’s bad at things like that.”

In the midst of the confusion, she once again reached her hand out to stroke her little sister’s head──

“……Onee-sama.”

“……Go─t it.”

With a glare from I’sa, that hand froze its motion.

Even though looking at their height and appearance, Ishtar was by far the more mature, the mood was such that just looking at their words and actions would make one question who was the older sister.

“……Then because I was glared at by my cute little sister, we’ll have a serious conversation about wo─rk.”

Ishtar turned back to them with her shoulders sagging in disappointment.

“This time’s escort will have everyone going to the Governmental Sector over a time period of six days starting today. Until we return safely to {{furigana|Tenketsu Palace|Sophia}} ─── is fine, right?”

“……Umu. We’re counting on you.”

The General Affairs Bureau Chief nodded with a subdued voice that sounded undecided.

“O─kay. But Ishtar is to escort the Priestess-sama here, so the Bureau Chief’s group’s escort will be these Cadet Guards. Right? Monica-san?”

“Eh? Ah……y-yes.”

Her eyes opened in surprise, Monica quickly assented. It wasn’t because the conversation had suddenly turned to her but most likely because she knew her name.

“You know my name?”

“Ehehe, Ishtar’s been a Guard for a lo─ng time. You’re the person who quit being an apprentice Priestess and became a Cadet Guard, right? Well? Am I amazing?”

“I-I’m honored……I have also always heard of the renowned Cadres Guard Ishtar. I have the pleasure of going on a real mission with you, so I ask for your instruction in anything that happens.”

“Yeah, yeah, Ishtar also likes people with proper manners. Let’s get along〜”

Monica winked with a sidelong glance ── that was the signal for everyone to begin their individual introductions.

“I am Kagura; I look forward to working with you.”

“……Vaiel.”

“Arara, looks like quite the displeased person─. Did something haaappen?”

Ishtar peeked at Vaiel who was keeping a scowl on his face.

“Hey, hey, did something haaappen?”

“You fell outta the sky and kicked in my head!”

“Ah─……ahaha, so─rry. But see, the first part is always crucial no matter what, so I was wondering how to get everybody’s attention.”

“Getting everyone’s attention in a bad way.”

“And so when I was wondering about who to fall on, you looked the most sturdy.”

“You’re saying you chose me as the target to fall on to begin with! This damn woman, I’ll smash your front teeth next time ─── h-hey you, whose side are you……mugyu.”

His mouth that was about to say something was covered up by Monica and Kagura, and sadly, Vaiel fell silent.

“……My apologies, Cadres Guard Ishtar. My unit member was rude.”

“Nah, it’s fi─ne, it’s fi─ne. I don’t usually get those kinds of words directed at me so it’s kinda fresh and fun.”

Rather, the Cadres Guard’s eyes were shining with enjoyment.

“Hey, I’sa-chan, is that ‘''interesting guy''‘ you mentioned before this person?”

“Th-that’s wrong! The one I talked about was……that one……”

The one I’sa peeked over at and looked at with upturned eyes and a red face was.

…………

…………Me?

They noticed.

Following I’sa line of sight, Ymy and Monica and everybody present turned in his direction with a meaningful look in their eyes. Seeing that, Ishtar also turned this way.

“Ah, the one I’sa-chan was talking about is over here? Let’s see──”

Without the rising and falling that signified breathing nor a blink, only those two eyes stared in his direction as if eating into him.

“…………”

“Umm, onee-sama?”

She remained silent even though I’sa spoke with doubt.

Then.

“…………'''I get it'''.“

A low, suppressed laugh spilled out from those lips.

That was truly a very slight murmur ─── at the same time, with a faint smile that only Sheltis who was directly in front of Ishtar could barely make out.

“Onee-sa──”

“Are, areree?”

With a complete change, Ishtar’s smile became large enough that anybody could see it.

.

“'''I’ve seen you somewhere before, haven’t I?'''“

.

“Eh?”

I’sa and Monica looked over at the same time.

“Hey, hey, have you and I met somewhere?”

“…………”

“I think we’ve met somewhere before, but Ishtar’s an idiot so she can’t remember. How about you? Do you know me?”

Gradually, Ishtar closed in with a very drawn out pace. Opposite those joyous words, his two eyes were widened an uncanny amount.

……Ishtar.

……I can’t tell, which one is it?

With her drawing closer, Sheltis reflexively gulped.

……Are you saying that whilst having completely remembered me?

……Or are you provoking me like this because you lack assurance and are seeking some response?

“Hey, I won’t know if you stay silent, you know? Hey? Or is it that '''there’s some reason that you have to stay quiet?'''”

“……No.”

The time spent unnaturally silent ── Sheltis shook his head with timing just barely safe.

“I believe this is our first meeting. I only entered {{furigana|Tenketsu Palace|Sophia}} two months ago.”

……It’s fine; she shouldn’t be able to confirm it based only on outer appearance.

Ishtar should remember me when I was thirteen or fourteen years old and I’m seventeen now. My height has also grown to match hers, and my voice and looks have also changed a little. Even if she relies on her memories, it should stay at the same “Doesn’t he resemble a dual swords user I saw a long time ago?” level as Monica.

“You just entered the tower?”

“Yes.”

“Is that so, then it might be Ishtar’s misunderstanding.”

“……Eh?”

She’s just giving up that easily? Without even pursuing his thoughtless question, the Cadres Guard turned her back on him as if to say she’d already lost interest.

“Okay, o─kay, I’ve kept you waiting, Ymy-sama! It’s time so let’s get going to the Governmental Sector─. Do you get airsiiick?” <ref>[T/N: 飛空挺酔 which is airship sickness. It sounds really bad like that, so I opted to use the suggestion in the comments.]</ref>

“Y-yes……probably.”

“That’s greaaat. Then let’s go. Ah, I’ll carry your bag for you─. Special service!”

Snatching Ymy’s heavy-looking bag that she was holding, she held it lightly with only her left hand. With the metallic spear wrapped in cloth held in her right hand, her face was totally calm.

“Well then, well then, I’sa-chan, I’ll entrust you with taking caring of things while I’m gone for a bit─. Onee-chan’s worried that you’ll be lonely alone and won’t be able to sleep though.”

“Pl-please don’t treat me like a child! Wh……who can’t sleep alone at night?”

“Nah, it’s onee-chan who can’t.”

“Onee-sama!?”

“Ahaha, see ya─”

Just like that, she pushed Ymy from behind and the two walked towards the airship.

“Co─me ooon. The General Affairs Bureau Chief-san’s group and their escorts should also come.”

“……How annoying.”

While putting his dissatisfaction into words, Vaiel went first, then next, Kagura and the General Affairs Bureau Chief’s group followed suit and started walking.

“''Sheltis, us too.''“

“……Yeah.”

Staring at each of the backs heading towards the airship, Sheltis once again walked.