Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V7Part7

Part 7

"Mio, would you like to accompany me? I feel like getting some fresh air."

Nina Viento, the Queen of Uranos, had just finished her day's duties, returned to her quarters, and bathed. She suddenly said this, causing Mio to blink in surprise.

"Huh?"

Nina had already removed her silver wig, wiped away her makeup, and her pure black hair now framed her face, her innocent grape-coloured eyes gleaming. In a calm yet serious tone, she repeated her request.

"I’ve been feeling a bit stifled, so I thought I’d go out to clear my head. I'd like you to come with me, Mio."

Mio, holding Nina’s nightwear in her hands, looked up at the ceiling, trying to decipher the meaning of the sudden request, before returning her gaze to Nina, who stood in her undergarments.

"Um... you want to go out? At this hour?"

"Yes. Just the two of us, secretly. If you don’t come, I’ll go alone."

Mio tilted her head to the left, then back to centre, and once more to the right, thinking it over.

"Uh, Lady Nina? You seem a little different tonight…"

Normally, Nina would change into her nightclothes and go straight to bed, but tonight, she seemed to have more energy. This was the first time she had ever suggested going out like this—especially alone with Mio.

Imperial Year 1351, January, Uranos Capital, Pleiades, Ulysses Palace, Heavenly Chambers──

Without responding to the question, Nina walked over to the closet and began picking out clothes. She dressed herself in a sweater and skirt that Mio didn’t recognize, along with a fawn-coloured short coat and a knitted hat. She looked like an ordinary girl you could find anywhere.

"Get ready too, Mio. We’re going out."

"Uh... this is all so sudden, I don’t even know…"

"Here, wear this."

With a firm expression, Nina handed Mio a thick cardigan and slim pants from her own closet. Her tone left no room for argument, so Mio accepted the clothes in a daze.

"We're about the same size. It should fit you perfectly. Hurry up and change."

Following Nina’s suggestion, Mio put on the clothes, and as expected, they fit perfectly, as if someone had measured her beforehand. It was almost like everything had been prepared with Mio in mind.

"This coat should fit you too."

The white half-coat Nina handed her also fit like a glove.

Nina, seeing Mio now fully dressed, clasped her hands in front of her chest and smiled.

"Perfect. It looks great on you. Now, let's head out."

Before Mio could object, Nina grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the bedroom.

"Uh, Lady Nina."

"What?"

"I’m still not sure I understand what’s going on…"

"Oh, Ignacio. What a coincidence."

Standing in the hallway outside the bedroom was the butler, Ignacio, who, for some reason, was dressed in casual clothes. He looked at the two holding hands with a bitter expression.

"What’s going on? It's late, and you’re both out together?"

His expression clearly read, Why am I stuck dealing with this?, and his tone was as stiff as if he were reading from a script.

Nina, maintaining her unusually decisive demeanour, replied,

"We’re going out. I need you to act as our escort, Ignacio."

"This is absurd. Fine, I’ll escort you."

With the enthusiasm of a disgruntled child, Ignacio agreed to Nina’s request and continued speaking to Mio in his awkward monotone.

"I’ll keep you safe, so go wherever you like."

"Uh, okay…"

Despite his supposedly reassuring words, Ignacio’s mood was as sour as could be, but it seemed he was prepared for this outing, judging by the sword hanging at his waist.

"Now we’re all set. Let’s go, Mio."

Still unsure of what was happening, Mio allowed herself to be led down the hallway by Nina. As they passed through the palace, they encountered other nobles and servants, but none recognized Nina without her usual grandiose white attire.

They descended several flights of stairs, rushed through large halls, and ran down more corridors until, out of breath, they finally exited the palace from one of its wings.

Under the starry sky, a conveniently waiting two-horse carriage stood ready.

"Oh, good. It seems we’re lucky; there's a carriage here. Let's ride, Mio. Driver, take us to Falancross Park, please."

"Sure thing."

The coachman, who was familiar to Mio, cracked his whip once the two were seated. She recognized him from her time at the Lamia Palace—a close guard in disguise. Riding alongside the carriage were Ignacio and Reiner, both on horseback.

"They say there’s a New Year’s festival at the park. I’ve never been to something like that. Come with me, okay, Mio?"

"…Of course. If I can be of help."

"Great. Let’s enjoy tonight together."

Nina smiled brightly from her seat across from Mio. There were so many questions Mio wanted to ask, but she kept quiet. She knew that Nina worked herself to the bone, dealing with countless aristocrats during ceremonies and formal greetings, and if Nina wanted a break, it was well deserved.

It was January 4th.

The streets of the Evangelis district were bustling with people eager to celebrate. Many carried bottles of vodka or brandy to stay warm in the cold night, and the streets were adorned with festive illuminations. The lights reflected off the damp streets, creating a colourful display in the freezing air 2,000 meters above sea level.

After about thirty minutes, they arrived at Falancross Park, where the festival was taking place. Their breath turned white in the cold as they stepped out of the carriage. The park was aglow with golden, silver, blue, and white lights decorating the trees. Families, couples, and groups of young people filled the park, crowding around food stalls and enjoying the sights and sounds. The air was thick with the scent of grilled meats, pastries, and spices. Children’s laughter and cries filled the air, as carnival games and performers entertained the crowd.

"Wow, it looks like everyone is having so much fun," Nina said, her eyes shining with excitement.

After dismounting, Ignacio and Reiner quickly positioned themselves on either side of her, scanning the surroundings.

"You enjoy yourself, Lady Nina. Ignacio and I will handle security," Reiner said, grinning.

"…You’d better do your part too," Ignacio muttered.

Nina smiled at her guards, then took Mio’s hand again.

"Let’s go, Mio. There’s so much to see."

Nina pulled Mio along, both of them running off into the festive night.

Even though they were sneaking out, Mio couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous about bringing Nina to such a crowded place. Looking around, she noticed familiar faces among the crowd—other guards from the palace, disguised as commoners. It was clear that this outing had been carefully planned, and the guards were stationed around them in advance.

Mio now understood the true meaning behind tonight’s outing.

She was touched by Nina’s kindness.

"Lady Nina…"

Without thinking, she called out to her.

"What is it?"

Nina turned to her, her innocent face full of curiosity. Mio looked down, trying to hold back the wave of emotion that was welling up inside her, managing to smile.

"…It’s nothing. Let’s enjoy the night."

Wanting to honour Nina’s gesture, Mio decided to pretend she hadn’t noticed the subtle arrangements and tried to muster up some enthusiasm.

"Lady Nina, is there anything in particular you’d like to do?"

"Yes! Um, that one, it looks interesting, but how do you play it...?"

Nina tilted her head in curiosity as she pointed to a nearby shooting booth. It was a common game where you use toy guns to shoot at targets and win prizes. Mio smiled and responded,

"Let's give it a try! I haven't done it before either..."

She tightened her grip on Nina's hand, and together they approached the booth owner.

Nina and Mio played a lot together. Compared to the balls, theatre performances, and concerts held day and night at Ulysses Palace, these were simple, commoner amusements, but it was the first time Mio had ever seen Nina laugh so much. They even went into a haunted house with Reiner and Ignacio, where Nina screamed as a ghost clung to her. Mio couldn't help but laugh, and she had to stop Ignacio from trying to cut down the ghost actor. Since both Nina and Mio had turned 20 this year, they also tried cocktails for the first time. Nina, her cheeks turning bright red from the brandy that was meant to warm them, coughed and laughed, saying, "It tastes weird, doesn't it?"

They wandered around the different stalls, trying exotic foods gathered from around the world. Both of them cried out from the spiciness of some of the dishes, rich with strange spices, but Mio could feel her heart-warming as they continued. Nina had completely returned to being an ordinary girl, showing curiosity about everything she saw and bravely trying out new experiences.

After about an hour of wandering through the park, they finally found an empty deck chair and table where the four of them—Nina, Mio, Reiner, and Ignacio—sat down to take a break with some hot cocoa.

"Ah... I'm stuffed. I think I ate a bit too much," Mio said with a deep sigh, looking up at the stars. Around them, as usual, plainclothes bodyguards were stationed nearby, keeping a close watch on the bustling crowd.

"Yes, it was a lot of fun. There were so many things I've never seen before... it was really interesting," Nina said, smiling brightly as she sipped her cocoa. Ignacio, arms crossed, stared off in a random direction, while Reiner, grinning, chimed in with his usual relaxed attitude.

"Lady Nina, you're pretty bold, huh? If your identity had been exposed, it would’ve been a huge deal, but you just wandered around like it was nothing!"

"I trust my guards," Nina replied, smiling confidently at Reiner, causing Mio to feel apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Reiner, for his lack of manners..."

"It's fine. Tonight, I'm just a private person. You don't need to be so formal, Mio."

"No, but still..."

As Mio stiffly replied, Nina tilted her head, then suddenly straightened her posture.

"Actually, Mio, I came here tonight because I have something to tell you."

"Eh? Something to tell me?"

Nina's once-soft demeanour had shifted, and Mio felt a bit nervous. Could this be about dismissing her or something along those lines?

"Igna, bring it out."

"Yes, ma'am."

Ignacio took out a slightly crumpled newspaper from his pocket and placed it in front of Mio.

It was a well-known newspaper from the St Vault Empire. Ignacio pointed to the second page, where an article was circled in red.

The headline read: "New Queen Elisabeth Declares the Restoration of the Sylvania Kingdom."

Mio tilted her head in confusion.

She had, of course, heard of the "lost princess Elisabeth," but she had no idea she was alive, let alone that she had restored the kingdom. But what did this have to do with her?

"Just keep reading, you'll be surprised," Reiner urged. As Mio followed the article with her eyes, she saw a subheading that read: "Improvised Speech Causes Ripples in Neighbouring Nations." Apparently, during the restoration declaration, the new queen gave an unscripted speech that caused quite a stir among related countries.

In a separate section, the entire improvised speech was printed. It seemed the new queen wanted to meet Queen Nina Viento of Uranos. Mio took a sip of her hot cocoa as she casually read through the speech, but then suddenly choked, spitting out the drink.

"C-Cecil...!?"

She hastily wiped her mouth and looked back at the article.

"I used to attend Air Hunt Academy under the name Cecil Hauer. Many of you living in the St Vault Empire might know me as one of the 'Seven of Eriadore'..."

"Queen Nina. Right now, in Uranos, you have two of my most precious friends, Mio Syira and Reiner Beck. Please, find them and listen to what they have to say, even if just for a little while. If you get to know them, I'm sure you’ll come to understand each other. I believe the suffering we face now only exists because we don’t know each other."

As Mio followed the text with her eyes, her jaw dropped.

The lost princess Elisabeth was actually Cecil, and in her speech, she had brought up both Mio and Reiner by name, asking Nina to meet with them. And here Mio was, reading that article in front of Nina...

Honestly, her mind could barely keep up with the content of the article.

"Um... does this mean...?"

When Mio finally finished reading and looked up, Nina was smiling.

"Recently, a noble who has taken a liking to me secretly provided me with a copy of this newspaper from the surface. I was just as surprised as you. I never expected the names of people I know to come up in a speech from a queen of another country. It's strange how fate works, isn’t it?"

Mio found herself at a loss for words.

She looked down at the article again, slowly rereading it to fully understand the content.

Upon a calm review, it was unmistakably Cecil’s style. She had always been the one who cherished the bonds of the Seven of Eriadore the most. The speech seemed idealistic and a bit naive, but there was no doubt that Cecil was expressing her true feelings with sincerity.

Mio now understood that Cecil had hidden her identity as Elisabeth Sylvania while living her life as a student. Thinking back, when Baltazar had often requested that Mio and Cecil participate in ceremonies together, Cecil had always been surprisingly at ease in social situations, confidently interacting with high-ranking nobles and officials. In hindsight, there had been hints of her royal status throughout their time together.

But what struck Mio the most were a few lines in the speech.

"Even though we’ve lost contact, the friendship we share is still alive. No matter how we are divided by enemy lines, we will never hate each other. Borders cannot sever the bond we have. Because we spent time together, entrusted our lives to one another, exchanged smiles, and helped each other, we became lifelong friends."

Mio read that passage twice.

Memories of the promise the seven of them had made came rushing back from the depths of her mind.

"Even if we become enemies, we will not hate each other. Friendship is eternal."

Could that promise still be alive, even though they had been separated for so long?

Her tear-filled vision blurred, but once again, the passage came into focus.

"Queen Nina. Right now, in Uranos, you have two of my most precious friends, Mio Syira and Reiner Beck."

A tear slipped from the corner of her eye and stained the paper.

"Cecil... do you still think of me that way?"

"Do you, a queen, speak about me like this, to the entire world... even though I’m a traitor...?"

Even though she tried to stop them, the tears wouldn’t stop flowing. She hurriedly wiped them away with her arm, but warm emotions overflowed from deep within her heart.

"Cecil..."

Unable to hold it back, Mio spoke the name of her former friend. The tears that overflowed from within her were beyond her control.

Giving such an impromptu speech must have caused a significant stir, and surely there wasn’t a single benefit in it for you... yet you still did it...

“Mio, are you alright?”

Nina’s worried voice reached out to her. Still covering her eyes with both hands, Mio barely managed to nod.

"…You have a wonderful friend. I’m sure they genuinely care for you, Mio. I can't easily arrange a meeting on my own, and the emperor and the prince seem keen to keep this speech a secret from me, so I can't bring it up in public. But... I also feel that one day, I’d like to meet Queen Elisabeth. I truly feel, as she said, that we leaders need to talk face-to-face much more often."

Struggling to suppress her sobs, Mio could only nod repeatedly at Nina's words. If Nina and Cecil were to meet and talk, surely they would find much to relate to. It would have a positive impact on the world.

Mio also realized that tonight’s outing had been Nina’s act of kindness. It wasn’t that Nina wanted to go out; she had planned this excursion ahead of time to cheer up the despondent Mio. She had prepared the carriage, arranged for guards to be stationed in the park, taken Mio’s hand, and even shown her the classified newspaper article—all just to lift her spirits. All this, while being the Queen of Uranos, for the sake of a single handmaid.

Then there was Reiner, Ignacio, Ulshyrra, and all the other kind bodyguards. None of them truly wanted to partake in such a dangerous outing, yet they all cooperated for her sake.

──Everyone is too kind.

Mio’s heart, which had been so dry and shattered, so broken that it was barely recognizable, was slowly being mended, stitched back together by the kindness surrounding her, regaining its flexibility and strength.

Through her sobs, Mio managed to squeeze out a few words.

“This... this is a trap, isn’t it? A trap to make me cry?”

Reiner, grinning, replied.

"Only just realized that, huh?"

"How sneaky... this is unfair. After all this, I have no choice but to cry. I guess I’ll cry because I have to..."

"For someone with 'no choice,’ you’ve got quite the face going on. Your nose is running. Honestly, it's the ugliest I’ve ever seen you."

"…Shut up. Fine, I’m ugly. I’ve always been ugly, anyway."

Still mouthing off, Mio managed to wipe her eyes and nose with a handkerchief, trying to regain control over the emotions that were surging within her. Once she confirmed the tears had stopped and looked up, she saw Nina’s gentle smile through her tear-blurred vision.

"Let’s work together so that one day you can see all your friends again, Mio."

Another surge of emotion welled up within her, but Mio forced a smile onto her face, struggling to hold her expression together.

"Yes...! I’m sure, Lady Nina, that you’ll definitely become friends with Cecil... Queen Elisabeth. She’s a wonderful person who cares deeply for her friends..."

But before she could finish her sentence, the moment was interrupted by the sudden appearance of two chairs crashing down from above.

"!?"

In an instant, a flash of light streaked through the scene.

Mio’s vision caught two shadows darting away like leopards.

A sharp breeze swept past the tip of Mio’s nose.

In her field of vision, she saw Nina’s shocked expression.

Reiner and Ignacio were gone.

The two chairs that had fallen were ones they had kicked aside.

Two daggers were embedded in the backrests of the wooden chairs. If the chairs hadn’t been there, the daggers would have pierced Nina’s forehead.

She had no idea what was happening──but.

The instinct honed over two years of special combat training in Pleiades set off alarms in her mind.

A shocked gasp rose from the surrounding crowd.

The clash of blades. Sparks.

Ignacio had drawn his sword and was engaged in combat with someone. Blood flashed at the edge of Mio’s vision.

Five figures, wielding curved sickle-like weapons, advanced on Ignacio.

Another flash of light. The assailants’ arms and legs bent in unnatural directions, their bodies collapsing. Reiner, wielding a scythe he had snatched from one of the assailants, scraped his feet against the ground and disappeared from view once again.

In an instant, the four remaining assailants surrounding Ignacio simultaneously gushed blood from their throats and fell dead.

Screams. Bloodshed. Panic erupted among the crowd.

“Fourteen of them.”

“No──fifteen.”

Reiner and Ignacio stood back to back, exchanging words as they counted the remaining enemies. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, they rushed in opposite directions.

Their movements were a whirlwind of lightning-fast strikes. No ordinary person could even track them with their eyes.

After each flash of light, another assailant let out their final scream.

Chaos ensued in the park. Civilians screamed and ran in terror, while Reiner and Ignacio deftly cut through the throng, dispatching the attackers with precision. Amid the cacophony, Mio’s ears picked up a distinct click.

The sound of a gun being cocked.

She turned around instantly.

From a different direction than where Reiner and Ignacio were fighting, Mio sensed a bloodthirsty intent closing in.

"Lady Nina!!"

There was no time to think.

Everything Mio had learned in her training with Reiner translated into instinct.

She spread her arms wide and threw herself between the crimson intent and Nina.

"Mio!!"

She heard Nina’s scream next to her ear──

A burning lance-like object pierced through Mio’s body.

It felt hot.

Blood sprayed from her arched body.

She felt Nina’s hand reaching out behind her.

──Lady Nina, no.

Mio barely managed to turn her body and embraced Nina from the front.

“Lady Nina…”

My body will be your shield.

“Don’t move.”

You cannot die here.

“Please... meet Cecil someday.”

With your kindness, change the world.

“Mio!!”

Nina’s tearful scream burst into her ears──and in the next instant,

A second burning lance struck Mio’s back.

Blood sprayed upwards, painting the night sky.

Mio’s body arched like a puppet, springing back.

The blood that gushed from her drenched her pure white coat in red.

“Uoooh!!”

In the fading moments of consciousness, Mio barely registered Reiner’s roar as it brushed against her eardrums.

He yanked the dagger from the chair and hurled it toward the source of the malice.

A scream. The sound of a life being extinguished.

"Protect Nina!!"

Hachidori shouted at Ignacio.

The sound of scraping against the ground. Ignacio appeared before Mio like a leopard, catching her falling body.

Seeing the blood dripping onto the frozen ground, he bit his lip.

"Don’t pursue them!!"

He shouted at Hachidori, who was about to give chase, and tore off Mio’s coat.

"Stop the bleeding! Damn it, hurry up!!"

"Mio! Mio!!"

Through her blurry vision, Mio saw Nina’s tearful face clinging to her. She barely understood that they had been ambushed, that Nina was safe, and that she herself had sustained a serious injury.

"Stay with me, Mio, don’t die!! Hey, get some brandy and bandages, hurry!!"

Following Ignacio’s angry shout, Hachidori appeared in Mio’s fading vision.

"Mio! Damn it, what are you doing? Stop the bleeding and call a car already!!"

She understood that the blood pouring from her two wounds wouldn’t stop, and that it wasn’t a spear that hit her, but a gunshot. Hachidori took charge of Mio as Ignacio rushed off to get the bandages.

Strangely, she didn’t feel much fear of dying.

Is this the end? the thought faintly crossed her mind.

Lying on her back in Hachidori’s arms, she gazed up at the starry sky. The blood seeped into her coat, dripping from her sleeves onto the ground.

It was cold. Her body felt like it was freezing, as if the world had suddenly turned into a snowy field.

In the fading starry sky, Kiyoaki’s face appeared.

Oh, is this what they call your life flashing before your eyes?

The last face I see... it’s yours, Kiyoaki.

I guess I’ve never really forgotten you.

How foolish. I’m a traitor.

I’ve been holding on to our childhood promise all this time.

“I’m going to be Kiyoaki’s bride!!”

A 12-year-old version of herself, wearing a tiara made of canola flowers, was smiling beside him.

It had been a dream. To become your bride.

"I wanted to see you."

A tear slipped from the corner of Mio’s eye.

"I really wanted to see you again, Kiyoaki."

She managed to whisper those words with the last of her strength.

In her fading vision, she saw the face of a boy. He looked desperate, like he was crying. For a moment, she thought it was Kiyoaki, but it wasn’t.

Who is this…?

"Mio! Don’t give up! You’re not the type to die from something like this!!"

Hachidori’s face was twisted in a way she’d never seen before, and he was gripping her hand tightly.

He can make a face like that?

And he’s genuinely worried about me.

Huh. That’s surprising.

"Cut the clothes, pour the brandy on the wound, stop hesitating and do it, don’t let Mio die!!"

Even Ignacio, veins bulging at his temples, was yelling at the soldiers around him. He leaned in close to Mio, shouting words as if trying to infuse her with life.

"The wounds are shallow! Stay conscious! Listen, don’t give up! Live. You’re not allowed to die here!!"

He can say something so kind with such a desperate face? she thought. He’s always so quiet, with that stony expression.

Maybe men are weak when it comes to women who are about to die.

Even though her entire body felt like it was freezing, Mio couldn’t help but laugh at the surprising sides of Hachidori and Ignacio.

"I’ll try my best."

With those words, whispered from her pale lips, Mio’s consciousness slipped into the depths of darkness.

A soft breeze swept through her hair.

Yellow petals scattered across the green fields, a bright blue sky, and pure white cumulus clouds.

It was a sea of canola flowers.

A summer wind, full of the scent of fresh grass, blew through, making the yellow sea ripple without a sound.

Looking up, she saw a white bird flying, standing out against the watercolour-like blue sky.

"Fio."

The twelve-year-old me called the bird's name and ran breathlessly beneath its wings.

This was the nostalgic canola field on Messus Island.

I knew exactly why I was running with all my might.

Because Fio would find him for me.

Look, the bird is diving straight down from the sky.

It landed on the straw hat of a boy.

I knew who the boy was. Smiling, I stretched my hands forward and jumped onto him with all my might.

"Kiyoaki!"

I wrapped my arms around his neck, rubbing my cheek against his as I called his name.

"Mio."

Kiyoaki called my name in return and placed a canola flower tiara on my head.

Smiling, I made my declaration.

"I'm going to be Kiyoaki's bride!"

Then, I took the silver ring from my right hand's middle finger and slipped it onto Kiyoaki's left hand ring finger.

It was a ritual, a vow of eternal love.

We were going to be together forever.

We would live together until death.

But then...

"Your father betrayed us to Uranos."

The Kiyoaki I was embracing told me this. Before I knew it, the canola field was ablaze, and Uranos fighter planes were flying through the sky.

"My family was killed because of you."

I looked down to see three corpses at my feet. They were Kiyoaki’s father, mother, and older sister.

Kiyoaki looked at me with hatred, pulling the ring off his finger and throwing it into the flames.

As the fiery curtain enveloped Kiyoaki, the scene shifted again, and suddenly, we were eighteen.

We stood on the burning Air Hunt Island. Bombers had taken off from the Uranos air fortress and were reducing our school and the town we had known to ashes.

"You orchestrated this attack as well."

Kiyoaki coldly told me.

"Messus Island and Air Hunt Island—my homeland and my second home. You burned them both."

I nodded.

"That's right. I was a spy. Deceiving you was the most fun I’ve ever had."

Wearing a wilted canola flower tiara, I cried while mocking him.

A tear slipped from the corner of my eye, and I opened them.

Everything was bathed in crimson light.

After blinking once, Mio realized she was lying on her back in a bed, staring up at a ceiling bathed in the colours of the sunset.

When she tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her body. Bandages wrapped around her from her right shoulder down to her waist, and there was a heavy, throbbing pain in her right shoulder and left side.

"Ugh..."

She grimaced and gripped the bed's railing with her left hand, forcing herself to sit up despite the pain.

Looking around the room, she was taken aback.

"N-Lady Nina...?"

Next to her bed, Nina was sitting on a small pipe chair, slumped over a small round table, fast asleep.

Like a student dozing off during class, she had her face buried in her arms, breathing softly in sleep. It was hardly the posture you’d expect from a queen. And why was she seated next to Mio’s bed in the first place? It didn’t make sense.

As Mio tried to recall her memories, she remembered the attack during the festival, when an assassin had injured her while she protected Nina. The pain in her shoulder and side was from the gunshots. She had lost consciousness and had been brought here. Nina must have stayed by her side the entire time. Despite her usual busy schedule, she had stayed here until she collapsed into sleep like this.

"Lady Nina..."

Mio's quiet words stirred Nina, who opened her dark grape-coloured eyes.

"Ah... Mio...?"

Nina slowly lifted her face from her arm pillow and smiled softly.

"I'm so glad... Are you alright? Are you in pain?"

She leaned in, concern written all over her face as she closely examined Mio’s expression.

"Ah, yes... Thanks to you, it seems I'm still alive."

Mio replied, and Nina’s face softened with deep relief.

"It seems so. I'm truly happy... that you survived."

"Haha... I guess I’m a bit stubborn. This is actually the second time I’ve come close to dying."

Her mind flashed to the wound on her inner thigh from when she was injured during the Eriadore airship’s break through enemy lines, and now this gunshot wound. Her body was littered with scars.

Nina nodded several times, wiping her eyes with her fingertips.

"Thank you, Mio. I’m so sorry for putting you in such danger because of me... I don’t know how I can ever apologize."

"N-no, Lady Nina, it's not your fault. The person who sent the assassin is to blame. There's nothing for you to apologize for."

"But... if I hadn't asked you to come with me..."

"So, who sent the assassin? We need to deal with them."

Not wanting to see Nina blaming herself any longer, Mio forcibly changed the topic. Nina, who seemed like she was about to say something more, swallowed her words and shook her head.

"We don’t know yet. We’re currently interrogating one of the captured assassins, but they seem to be a highly trained professional... We’re still investigating who’s behind this. I also acted too carelessly that day, so..."

Just as Nina was about to apologize again, Mio hurried to cut her off.

"I see. There are strange people out there, huh? But Lady Nina, I’m fine, so please get some rest. I feel bad seeing you like this..."

A queen personally tending to a servant was unheard of. According to Nina, the attack happened two days ago. Had she stayed here the whole time? Knowing Nina’s personality, it was likely she had been here, blaming herself for the past two days.

Nina furrowed her brows and bit her lip, her eyes fixed intently on Mio, as if she had something she wanted to say but couldn’t quite bring herself to.

Her expression was like that of a student afraid of being scolded by the teacher, looking up anxiously.

"You really don’t have to make that face... I’m just glad I could be of help to you, Lady Nina."

Mio sighed, half-exasperated as she spoke. Just how kind is this person?

I think I’m falling for her...

She feels just like a friend.

The thought, bold as it was, made Mio chuckle.

"Is something funny?"

Nina asked, tilting her head in curiosity. Still smiling, Mio shook her head to brush it off.

"No, nothing. I just... remembered something silly."

"What was it?"

"Well... Ignacio and Hachidori. When I collapsed, the two of them leaned in so close, their foreheads were practically touching... and they were shouting things like ‘Don’t die!’ and ‘Live!’ It was so dramatic..."

Mio chuckled as she recounted the memory.

"It was just so unlike them. They never really pay much attention to me, but they were both so serious... They’re actually good people, aren’t they?"

She said this in a half-joking manner, and finally, the tense expression on Nina’s face softened.

"They were incredible on the way to the hospital too. They kept shouting about stopping the bleeding, treating poison, and bandages... Hachidori even donated blood for you. He said you two share the same blood type."

Mio's heart tightened at this revelation.

It was the second time Hachidori had given her his blood. Right after the Eriadore airship’s night landing, when she had been unconscious due to heavy blood loss, it was Hachidori who had given her a transfusion. He must have also told the hospital staff her blood type. In a way, her life had been saved by him multiple times.

She placed her left hand over her chest. Her heartbeat, steady and strong, pulsed beneath her palm. Knowing that part of that pulse was Hachidori's blood flowing through her made her feel an unexpected warmth.

"I see... They really are good people."

"Yes, truly... I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people."

Nina nodded deeply, her voice filled with genuine sentiment.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Nina seemed to wrestle with something in her mind. Several times, she looked as if she were about to speak but hesitated. Finally, after much deliberation, she made up her mind.

"Mio, there’s something I’d like to ask of you."

Nina turned to face Mio with flushed cheeks, her voice unusually hesitant.

"...Yes?"

"Will you hear me out?"

"Of course."

Nina's face turned even redder as she nervously trembled, her words faltering.

"...Please promise me that you won’t say no."

"Eh?"

"Yes, please," Nina said, her voice soft yet insistent.

She's surprisingly demanding, Mio thought, but she nodded nonetheless.

"...I understand. I won’t refuse."

"...Really?"

"Of course. If you told me to jump out of that window, I’d do it."

"...I wouldn’t ask something like that... um... well..."

"Yes?"

Nina's face turned bright red as she clasped her hands together in front of her chest and made her request.

"I... I want to be friends with you."

Her words echoed through the quiet hospital room.

"...Because... we’re the same age, and... I think we’d have a lot in common. I want to talk to you more, on equal terms, without worrying about being a queen or anything like that. About trivial things... or important things."

Nina's awkward words, spoken with clear embarrassment, brought a smile to Mio’s face.

What a coincidence... I was thinking I’d like to be friends with her too.

The thought of becoming friends with Nina and having their lives intertwine filled Mio with excitement and happiness.

"If you're okay with it, I’d be happy to."

As soon as Mio said that, Nina’s face lit up with joy.

She blushed even more and shyly averted her gaze.

"...Claire... Claire Cruz. That’s my real name."

Mio smiled softly and repeated her new friend's name.

"Claire. It’s a beautiful name... Claire."

When Mio called her by her name, Claire nodded twice, clearly delighted. The name "Claire" seemed to fit the girl in front of her far more naturally than "Queen Nina Viento."

With a pure smile, Claire moved her chair closer to the bed, leaning in eagerly as she spoke.

"Since we’re friends, I can ask you lots about yourself, right? Like, what happened before you came here? What kind of friends you’ve had? Are the 'Seven of Eriadore' amazing people? How did you come to be known by that name?"

"Sure. Ask away. I also want to know more about you, Claire. Like, how did you become queen? How did you meet Ignacio? And, who is Kal?"

Ever since that day at the Lamia Palace, when Claire and Ignacio had quietly spoken of "Kal" while looking up at the fleet, Mio had been curious. She sensed that this "Kal" must have a deep connection with Claire.

Hearing the name, Claire's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Kal...? Eh-heh... Te-heh..."

It was rare to see Claire so obviously flustered.

"What’s with that face? You’re completely smitten! Claire is smitten!"

When Mio teased her, Claire waved her hands in front of her face, blushing furiously.

"Sorry, can we leave that for last? I’ll tell you, but first... you have to share more about yourself."

"What? You’re embarrassed all of a sudden? Now I’m really curious! What kind of person is he? Is he handsome? Smart?"

"A-ah... um... well..."

Claire stammered, her eyes darting around as she fidgeted. Finally, she let out a squeal like a young girl and hid her face behind her hands.

"He’s... really kind..."

Still covering her face, Claire managed to squeak out the words. Her reactions were so adorable that Mio couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, okay, I’ve had enough! I’m stuffed—thank you for the feast."

"Hey! What about Kiyoaki? Who is he?"

Suddenly, Claire blurted out Kiyoaki’s name, causing Mio to nearly fall over.

"W-where did you hear that name...?"

"While you were unconscious, you kept calling for him, over and over again. So, is he... someone special?"

Apparently, while Mio was in her coma, she had repeatedly called out Kiyoaki's name. Embarrassed to the point of death, she hurried to brush it off.

"A-ah... um... in my case, it’s not the same as your situation at all... It’s a much more complicated story, and really not something worth hearing about..."

"No fair! You heard my story! So, tell me, what kind of person is he? Is he kind? Or is he handsome?"

"A-ah... well, he’s kind of an idiot... a bit of a coward... He’s usually timid, but when he snaps, he gets... unpredictable and indecisive, plus a bit of a flirt."

"Ah, Kal’s like that too! There’ve been a few times when he tripped over nothing and accidentally knocked me down... Do you have a picture? They might actually look alike!"

As they casually exchanged less-than-flattering descriptions of Kiyoaki and Kal, Mio could imagine how the two would react if they overheard.

"Wait, wait, Claire! Let’s take things step by step! We’re jumping too far ahead! Let’s start at the beginning, okay?"

Mio practically begged, her voice tinged with desperation. Claire, realizing her excitement had gotten the best of her, took a deep breath and calmed down, her large eyes blinking in innocence as she clasped her hands sweetly in front of her chest.

"You’re right. You’re right... we should start from the beginning. Though I’m not really sure where the beginning is..."

"What was Isla like? There must have been fun times, right? Who were your friends, and what was your journey like? I really want to hear about Isla!"

Ever since she had heard bits of the story from Ignacio, Mio had been curious about the journey aboard Isla, the flying island. She wanted to know what kind of adventure had changed Claire and shaped her into who she was today.

When Mio mentioned Isla, Claire's expression softened with nostalgia, her gaze turning distant as she recalled memories of the past. A small smile played on her lips as she began to reminisce.

"Yes, let’s talk about Isla. That was more than five and a half years ago now... It was on that flying island that I met everyone..."

And so, the two shared their stories, beginning with Claire's time on Isla. Claire often paused to check on Mio’s condition, but Mio was eager to keep talking, telling Claire about her family, her friends, and her life before coming to this point. As the day slowly turned into night, the two continued their endless conversation over dinner in the hospital room.

Later that night, Claire spoke about Kal-el, and Mio opened up about Kiyoaki. By the time they had shared everything about themselves, they were both teary-eyed, embracing each other warmly.

"I don’t know how long it will take, but... when I find the edge of the sky and make it back safely... when this journey is finally over..."

Claire repeated the words Kal-el had once said to her before they parted ways at the age of fifteen, and those words echoed in Mio’s heart as well.

"I’ll come back for you!"

"I will take you back, no matter what!"

Mio could almost hear Kal-el’s voice, brimming with sincerity as he shouted those words with all his heart.

"I’ll be waiting!"

Claire had replied, and to this day, she carried those words close to her heart.

No matter how difficult or far apart they were, even after five and a half years, Claire never doubted that Kal-el would one day return to take her back.

And Kal-el had kept his promise, leading a grand fleet as he left his homeland.

Claire had become a queen in order to reunite with Kal-el.

Mio, with deep affection for Claire, whispered heartfelt words.

"Kal-el will come, Claire. He’ll come to take you back."

"And Kiyoaki will come too. I just know it. He’ll come here to see you, Mio."

Wiping away the tears under each other’s eyes with strands of hair, they clung to each other, finding hope in the unseen future. As Mio felt Claire’s warmth and kindness, she thought to herself how lucky she was to have made a friend like her.

Outside the hospital, leaning against the wall, Hachidori stood alone, keeping a vigilant watch over the surroundings as well as listening in on the conversation inside.

Despite it being a starry night, Claire and Mio’s chatter showed no signs of stopping. Why is it that women's idle talk never seems to end? Hachidori wondered, sighing internally while eavesdropping on the entire conversation.

Even though the thick walls separated the inside from the outside, by pressing his back against the wall, he could pick up the subtle vibrations of their conversation. As an excuse to himself, he told himself it was just a way to pass the time while keeping watch for assassins on this cold January night, though part of him couldn’t help but find their conversation somewhat interesting.

Such childish talk...

Listening to their sugary sweet discussion made Hachidori cringe. He had learned much about the truth behind Nina Viento’s presence in Pleiades and about the Second Isla Fleet setting sail from their homeland to rescue her.

They’re all fools.

Cursing inwardly, he scorned the idealistic motivations of Kal-el, who led the fleet, but no matter how gallantly he aimed to rescue Claire, it would ultimately lead to their destruction.

Several years ago, Uranos hadn’t had the military power to handle such a large fleet. But today, things were different. With the recent expansion of their military, the forces of Uranos would easily crush the fleet, turning every ship into scrap metal.

They’re marching to their deaths. How ridiculous.

Hachidori sneered at the foolish conversation inside the hospital room but never moved from his post, arms crossed as he glared at the courtyard. Up on the hospital roof, Ignacio was likely also keeping watch in the freezing night air.

Cold.

Perhaps it was because of the blood transfusion, but the cold seemed to seep into Hachidori’s bones. He let out a breath, watching it cloud in the night air, and stared up at the stars.

Suddenly, Mio's words echoed in his mind.

"I wanted to see you."

"I wanted to see you again, Kiyoaki."

Those were the words Mio had whispered while in his arms, just before she lost consciousness from her wounds two days ago. And ever since then, for some reason, those words had kept replaying in Hachidori’s mind, along with the feeling of holding her in his arms.

Still can’t forget him, huh...

Even though you’ll never see him again.

Such thoughts, almost like bitter complaints, flickered through his mind. He couldn’t quite make sense of what he was feeling.

Just then, the window next to him opened, and Nina Viento poked her head out.

"Hachidori? Are you there?"

Immediately, Hachidori dropped to one knee, placing his right fist to the ground and bowing his head.

"Yes."

"You must be cold, right? I brought some soup for you, if you'd like."

When Hachidori raised his gaze, he saw Nina leaning out of the window, offering him a steaming cup.

He hesitated, unsure of how to respond. A queen offering refreshments to a mere guard was unheard of. Still kneeling on the ground, he wavered. From inside the room, Mio’s voice reached him.

"Thanks for the transfusion! That’s technically from me too, so take it!"

She sounded carefree, almost playful. Hachidori resisted the urge to snap back, Is the queen your errand girl now? but held his tongue. Nina remained with the cup outstretched, making no move to retract it. If a sniper were around, this would be a dangerous situation. Left with no choice, Hachidori stood up and accepted the cup with both hands.

It was warm.

"Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, Mio’s feeling better."

"...I am honoured."

Standing awkwardly, cup in hand, Hachidori offered a clumsy response. Nina smiled before withdrawing her face from the window and back into the room. Now alone, he stared into the cup. It was onion soup, steam gently rising from it.

How far can she take her kindness...?

Exasperated, he took a sip. The warmth spread down to his core, and despite himself, he felt relieved.

Being dragged into this charade... it's such a nuisance.

He finished the soup in one gulp, placed the cup on the windowsill, and returned to his guard post.

What happens to Mio is none of my concern.

I'm only involved because it’s my mission, nothing more, nothing less.

Even as he kept telling himself this over and over, Hachidori couldn't shake the warmth that spread from the soup throughout his body. He felt a growing sense of frustration every time he recalled Mio’s expressions and words from two days ago. As he tucked away the lingering warmth of the soup deep in his heart, Hachidori silently looked up at the stars, lost in thought.