Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V5Part1

Part 8 - The Second Multi-Island Sea War (Continued) (Part 1 of Volume 5)

The Second Multi-Island Sea War (Continued)

The somber melody of the funeral procession intertwined with the clouds over Pleiades, the royal capital of Urano, and flowed through the narrow gaps between the marching ranks.

In Pleiades, soaring at an altitude of two thousand meters, it is not uncommon for clouds to drift at the same height as the ground. However, the sight of twenty thousand soldiers dressed in full ceremonial uniforms, forming two hundred phalanxes, marching through and breaking the clouds was a spectacle of majestic grandeur beyond this world.

The fragile string notes wafted gently, guiding the procession toward the sacred plaza.

The stone-paved plaza was filled with soldiers, and a large coffin drawn by a four-horse carriage made its way through the centre of the crowd.

The coffin was draped with the Urano royal crest, adorned with a crown and sword. Inside the coffin lay King Ortega of Urano, whose body, decaying after three weeks, rested on a bed of dry ice. Had he been born a commoner; he would have been buried the day after his death. However, due to his failure to clearly designate a successor during his lifetime, a three-week-long council had to take place, forcing him to wait in his frozen resting place.

The citizens who had gathered to witness the funeral procession mourned the death of their great king. Or perhaps, to not appear too caught up in the spectacle, they bowed their heads to the melancholic melody played by the military band. Without uttering a word, they watched as the sacred coffin was lowered from the carriage, carried by ceremonial guards, and ascended the steps of the holy temple.

Following the coffin, black-clad members of the royal family, surrounded by heavily armored knights, solemnly climbed the stairs and were greeted by the rows of pillars supporting the temple's façade.

The coffin came to a halt there. The funeral march ceased, and a clear, resonant bell echoed into the July sky. The seventeen royal family members each offered a single flower to the coffin and spread out in a line, after which only the coffin was brought into the temple. Ortega was now about to rest for eternity beside the former kings of Urano.

As the coffin disappeared, a bell tolled three times, resonating through the tens of thousands of silent mourners.

Through a prepared microphone, the first to address the soldiers and citizens was Pope Illustriali, the leader of the Holy Saint Aldista Church.

"When we are crushed by the enormity of the difficulties before us, we must remember that the guidance of the Holy Saint Aldista is always with us."

Beneath his bushy white eyebrows, Pope Illustriali’s deep-set eyes shone with profound compassion.

"My children, ask and you shall receive. Blessings come only to those who seek them. ...As the teachings of the Holy Saint Aldista tell us, the light of a lost star does not return. We must offer our sorrow and gratitude to the great king and then move forward once more."

Illustriali's words, spoken in a voice untainted by artifice despite his age of over sixty, were quietly received by both the soldiers and the people.

"That worthless priest."

Listening to the speech without interest, Prince Demistri, first in line for the throne of Urano, let a stream of curses fall silently into his heart.

—Someday, I will kill him.

Without showing any sign on his face, Demistri cast a silent curse into his own heart, directing his gaze at Illustriali’s slender back.

"The great era built by the wise King Ortega has passed, and now, we are weaving a new history. The Holy Saint Aldista has presented us with a choice. We must carefully consider, with all the wisdom and caution we can muster, what it means to have two heirs to the throne in this era."

Tens of thousands of people listened to Illustriali's speech without making a sound. When the first news of Ortega's passing spread through Pleiades, the interest of all five million citizens was immediately focused on one question: "Who will be the next king?"

By rights, the first prince, Demistri, should have ascended to the throne. Although he was still young at twenty-one, he was the eldest son born to Ortega and his legitimate wife, and his legitimacy as the successor was unquestionable.

However, four years ago, when "The Girl Who Calls the Wind," Nina Viento, arrived in Pleiades, everything changed.

The second in line to the throne, Prince Manius Sidus, born to a concubine, had been sent as an envoy to a distant frontier nation beyond the Sacred Spring, but in his place appeared the legendary figure prophesied to lead Urano, "The Ruler of Heaven," to become "The Conqueror of Heaven and Earth," and bring everlasting peace to the world. Since then, the radicals who had once supported Manius had eagerly shifted their backing to Nina, using the creation myth to constantly undermine Demistri’s support from the conservatives.

"Urano has awaited the arrival of Nina Viento for two thousand years. As prophesied by the Holy Saint Aldista, we must make her the next king. This is the contract between Urano and the Holy Saint Aldista..."

Demistri had watched these radicals for the past three weeks, seething with hatred. In the time when his father Ortega was alive, they showed not even a hint of unrest and had banished Nina to a distant palace, pretending as if nothing was amiss. Yet since Ortega’s passing, they had brazenly proclaimed Nina’s legitimacy to the throne, whether in public or in secret.

Demistri was convinced that the person pulling the strings behind the radicals was none other than Pope Illustriali, who was now addressing the people. He had yet to grasp the full evidence, but Demistri was sure of it. Using Nina as a puppet, the Pope sought to solidify the influence of the Holy Saint Aldista over the royal house of Urano.

Keeping his true intentions hidden, Illustriali continued to speak to the people with an air of benevolence, the very image of a compassionate holy figure.

"According to tradition, we will decide the next king at the Holy Saint Aldista's Festival of Saint's Birth, five months from now, on December 11th. Let us trust in the teachings of the Holy Saint Aldista, and with respect for both great heirs, entrust the future of Urano to the chosen one. The time of the prophecy is upon us. We will witness the day when Urano will reign over heaven and earth. Let us give thanks for this guidance."

There were no cheers or whistles. Illustriali lowered his joined hands from his brow to his chin, and the people bowed their heads in prayer, offering their mourning for the deceased king and their gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Saint Aldista.

Demistri, too, lowered his gaze solemnly, but without anyone noticing, he glared out of the corner of his eye at the girl standing to his right in ceremonial dress.

Silver hair. Eyes the colour of wild grapes. Dressed in an ostentatious white habit assigned to her by Illustriali, she gazed at the crowd in the square with her usual expressionless face, showing no interest.

—Nina Viento.

If only this woman had not appeared, I would have easily become king. His former rival, Manius, had been a clever man, but as a child of a concubine, he could not compete with Demistri in legitimacy. However, Nina had the absolute backing of the Holy Saint Aldista. As the prophesied saviour predicted by the incarnate god two thousand years ago, Nina's appeal surpassed even Demistri’s.

—Who knows how this will end.

At present, the conservative faction that supported Demistri held sway in the royal court. Most of the elder and lower council members had profited during Ortega’s reign. But depending on the actions of the radicals over the next five months, the situation could change unpredictably. After all, Illustriali was far too unsettling. With a mere gesture, the Pope could sway not only Urano but also the believers of the Holy Saint Aldista across the entire world. If Illustriali fully backed Nina, the royal house of Urano would be split in two.

—That wretched woman…

Nina, utterly indifferent to Demistri’s inner turmoil, stood there like a porcelain doll, her expression unchanged, showing no hint of emotion. Demistri had heard that she had been used as a political tool since childhood, and she likely understood that this current struggle for the throne had little to do with her own will. Even though she could take control of the world by claiming the crown, her detached attitude, as if calmly observing the frenzy of those driven by desire, only further enraged Demistri.

—Just wait. I will shatter that mask of yours.

Demistri was not merely a passive observer of the radicals' activities. He had already set several plans in motion. If things went according to plan, he could make Illustriali stamp his feet in frustration and bring Nina to tears, humiliating her in every possible way.

—You’ll regret coming to Pleiades so carelessly, Nina Viento.

Turning his back on the crowd and walking under the arching ceiling toward the royal sanctuary, Demistri silently cursed Nina as she walked alongside him, as if it were only natural that they should both make their way toward the king's tomb.

—The throne is not where you belong.

—Your proper place is a brothel in the slums...

As the heavy bronze doors of the sanctuary creaked open, Demistri channelled his dark resolve into the shadows within, then solemnly watched as his father Ortega was laid to rest beside the kings of the past.

Daily Life at the Lamia Palace is One of Resignation

It had been a week since Mio Syira moved from Zenon Kavaris's private estate to the Lamia Palace, and she had grown quite accustomed to her new life. As she cleaned Nina Viento’s room with a bucket and rag in hand, she couldn’t help but reflect on the sense of resignation that pervaded the palace.

The staff at the palace included three maids, five gardeners, and Mio, making a total of nine. In addition, there was Nina’s tutor, whom she had brought from her homeland, and twenty palace guards. Including Nina herself, thirty-one people lived permanently at the estate. Despite the number of residents, a constant, quiet, and lonely atmosphere hung over the expansive grounds.

The palace had an austere presence, almost as if it had absorbed Nina’s own reticence. Yet, for Mio, the living conditions weren't particularly difficult. She had been freed from the terrifying assassination training she'd endured at Zenon’s estate, and her current duties, which mainly involved keeping Nina company, were so monotonous that they felt like a relief.

In fact, what she did now could hardly be called work.

Zenon’s vague instruction to "heal Nina's loneliness and become friends with her" had amounted to little more than a formality. Whenever Mio tried to engage Nina in casual conversation, she was met with nothing more than disinterested responses like "yes," "okay," or "I see," and conversations never really took off. Since Mio wasn't particularly keen on following Zenon’s orders either, she would quickly leave Nina’s presence after a failed attempt at communication and spend her time assisting the gardeners, preparing meals for the other staff, or chatting with off-duty guards. She could essentially use her free time as she pleased.

Today, Nina had left early in the morning, accompanied by the palace guards, to attend the funeral of the late King Ortega in the Evangelis District. It was hard to believe that Nina, who spent most of her time secluded in her room at the top of the round tower, rarely exposed to sunlight or engaged in conversation, was now standing side by side with the first prince, Demistri, at a political event filled with intrigue and powerful figures. Mio couldn't help but worry, despite herself, about whether Nina would be able to handle such a challenging situation.

As Mio finished cleaning the floors and windows and began dusting the bookshelf, she accidentally knocked over a statue placed on top of the shelf.

"Oh no…!"

She managed to catch the statue before it fell, but in her panic, she bumped into the shelf, causing a brown envelope to fall to the floor and scatter its contents.

"Seriously…!"

Feeling frustrated with herself, Mio knelt down to pick up the contents and put them back into the envelope. Though she knew she shouldn’t, she couldn’t help but notice that the scattered contents were letters.

They were numerous letters sent by various people, each containing what appeared to be words of farewell. The name on each letter was not addressed to Nina, but instead, they were all addressed to someone named "Claire."

—Could Claire be Nina’s real name...?

—She had so many friends... How surprising...

Once Mio finished putting the letters back in the envelope, she realized it was already getting dark outside. Nina would be returning soon. Mio picked up her bucket and was about to leave Nina’s room when she ran into the tutor, Countess Ulshyrra.

"Good evening, Countess," Mio greeted her as she tried to walk past, but Ulshyrra stopped her.

"Mio, I need to speak with you."

"With… me?"

Mio tilted her head slightly in confusion, looking up at the older, nervous-looking woman. The countess, who appeared to be in her late fifties, pushed up her silver-framed glasses with her fingertips, her narrow eyes darkening slightly behind the lenses.

"It’s about Miss Nina."

"Yes?"

Mio had a vague idea of what Ulshyrra wanted to say, and her prediction was soon confirmed.

"I feel sorry for her, you see. The young lady does her best to avoid causing us trouble and puts on a brave face, but… to me, it looks like she’s forcing herself to appear cheerful. If she had a friend her own age, perhaps she would be able to enjoy her days a little more."

Ulshyrra spoke with the gentle tone of a mother concerned for her child. It seemed that she had grown fond of Nina after spending so much time with her during their lessons. Being much older than Nina, however, Ulshyrra couldn’t become her friend, so she was left with no choice but to rely on Mio, who was nineteen, the same age as Nina.

"There’s no need to rush things. With time, I think a relationship of trust will naturally develop," Mio responded in a somewhat cold tone. For her, she was here only because Zenon had ordered her to be, and she had no particular enthusiasm for the job. She figured that as long as she went through the motions, things would work out.

"True, but the young lady has seemed quite down lately. She’s been distracted during her studies, and if possible, I’d like you to make more of an effort to engage her in casual conversation. It would really help."

Though Ulshyrra’s tone was polite, Mio finally realized that she was being subtly criticized for her work attitude. It seemed that Ulshyrra was essentially telling her to take her job more seriously.

Well, it’s true that she couldn’t really argue with that criticism.

Reflecting a little, Mio responded, "I see. But the truth is, I don’t really know much about Nina. I don’t know what she likes or dislikes, or what kinds of conversations would be appropriate. I’m worried that I might say something unsuitable."

"In that case, consult Ignacio. He’s been serving the young lady as her most senior knight since he was in his early teens. I’ll make arrangements, so meet with him tomorrow morning to learn more about her."

"Uh, okay…"

"Thank you, Mio. I’ll set the time and place for your meeting with him."

With that, Ulshyrra quickly descended the spiral staircase, having made all the arrangements unilaterally.

Left alone in Nina’s room, Mio let out a sigh.

"Ignacio… that guy..."

He was the young man who had greeted her when she first arrived at the palace. He had an incredibly beautiful face for a man, but his manner was arrogant and haughty, and to be honest, Mio didn’t like him. The last thing she wanted to do was ask him for a favour, but since she was getting paid for the job, she figured she might as well at least pretend to be working seriously. Despite her reluctance, it seemed like following Ulshyrra’s instructions would help maintain the peace in this lonely palace.

She should have never agreed to it.

"…………………"

Looking at Ignacio, who sat before her with a sullen expression, Mio let out a silent, deep sigh in her mind.

The meeting place Ulshyrra had chosen was the palace courtyard, where the pleasant morning light shone down. Mio had arrived on time, but Ignacio showed up more than twenty minutes late, without so much as an apology. He stood there in silence, his face full of irritation.

Birds chirped in the awkward silence.

As frustrating as this was, nothing would change if she didn’t start the conversation herself.

"Um… I believe the Countess has already informed you about this. I’m Mio Syira."

"…………………"

Suppressing her rising anger, Mio forced herself to smile sweetly as she looked up at Ignacio, who towered over her.

"You’re Ignacio Axis, right? Nina’s most trusted and senior knight."

"…………………"

Answer me, damn it. Mio bit back the urge to yell and kick him, continuing on despite his silence. It seemed like Ignacio was still suspicious of her intentions. She needed to start by making it clear that she meant no harm to Nina.

Mio was used to dealing with difficult types like Ignacio, thanks to her experience with Balthazar. If you tried to hide anything from such people, they’d only become more stubborn and wary, so she decided to lay all her cards on the table right away.

"I’m here because Zenon ordered me to become friends with Nina. It’s just a job, so I have no choice. Please cooperate."

"…………………"

"If you want to keep Nina locked away at the top of that tower, then don’t help me. But my job is to have pointless conversations with her all day, to make her laugh if possible. If I succeed, Zenon will be happy, I’ll score points, and Nina will be in a better mood. Everyone wins. No one loses."

"…………………"

"If you want Nina to stay gloomy and miserable, then don’t help me. But if you want her to be a little happier and livelier, then help me."

"…………………"

No matter how much Mio spoke, Ignacio’s expression didn’t change. He continued to look down at her with irritation.

Mio clenched her teeth in frustration, forcing a strained smile as she folded her arms and stared back at him.

Silence.

—What’s with this guy?

Mio, now out of sheer stubbornness, vowed in her heart that she wouldn’t leave until Ignacio spoke. She glared at him, maintaining her smile.

Silence.

Ignacio remained motionless, and Mio refused to back down, staring each other down.

—I absolutely won’t lose.

Mio glared at Ignacio with all the contempt she could muster, silently criticizing him for his arrogance and rudeness in not replying when spoken to.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ignacio’s thin lips parted.

"I can't trust someone from Urano."

The cold voice was within expectations, but at least he was capable of speaking, and it seemed that he could understand human language.

"Don’t you understand words? I was brought to Urano. I’m originally from St Vault. Due to various circumstances, I had no choice but to side with Urano. Don’t misunderstand."

"…………………"

"I'm only doing this because it's my job. I have no intention of harming Nina. I’d rather go about this half-heartedly and just play around, but Ulshyrra scolded me, so now I’m stuck here asking favours from someone as stuck-up as you. Don’t think I’m doing this willingly, talking to a self-important jerk like you."

As she explained to Ignacio, Mio found herself getting angrier. She wasn’t sure why she was putting so much effort into following Zenon’s orders.

—What am I even doing?

Reflecting calmly on her actions, she realized how absurd it was. She was being forced into a job she didn’t want, and now here she was, begging this stone-faced man for help just to do it. The frustration she had been bottling up began to surge uncontrollably, and she lashed out at the statue-like man standing in front of her.

"I don’t want to be involved with Nina. She barely talks, and having to make conversation with her is such a hassle."

"…………………"

"Why the hell do I have to lower my head and ask a narcissist like you for help? This is ridiculous. I wanted to stay with my friends in Air Hunt. I don’t care what Urano does with Nina, it’s none of my business. Why am I being forced to be her friend? It makes no sense."

"…………………"

As Mio continued to yell, including things that had nothing to do with Ignacio, her frustration began to overwhelm her, and her voice started to crack with tears. Sniffling, she vented her anger.

"I don’t care anymore! Let her do whatever she wants! Whether Nina stays locked up, gets depressed, or dies alone, it’s none of my concern! Just leave me out of it! You can stay here like a statue forever, staring at the ground. Don’t move. Ever. You all can just stay here like dried-up trees, standing around in this lonely palace until you die. It suits you. I don’t want any part of it, so I’m done. Zenon might get mad, but I don’t care anymore. Bye!"

With that, Mio kicked at the ground, turned her back on Ignacio, and stormed off, her shoulders tense.

She sensed no movement behind her. She stomped her way back to the servants' quarters, checked to make sure no one else was around, and then crouched against the wall, wiping away her tears.

"What am I doing?"

A surge of emotion, difficult to categorize, welled up inside her. Ignacio’s coldness had ignited a fuse, setting off an emotional explosion that had been building in her gut. Sniffling and wiping away her tears with her sleeve, Mio waited for the feelings to subside.

After a while, the tears finally stopped. Mio stood up, took a deep breath, and smoothed her hair with her fingers.

Nina and Ignacio didn’t matter. Who cares? It’s not her problem. She didn’t want to get involved with anyone. As long as she could pass the time peacefully in this mansion, that was enough.

She decided to sweep the garden. Picking up a broom, she stepped out of the servants' quarters into the garden, only to find Ignacio standing there, leaning against the wall.

"…………………"

Mio ignored him and started walking away.

"I won’t let down my guard."

Ignacio’s cold voice followed her back. But Mio didn’t turn around and instead walked around the back of the mansion to the wooded area, where she began sweeping the fallen leaves.

After an hour of sweeping the entire area, picking up every piece of debris, and stuffing them into a garbage bag, Ignacio appeared from the woods.

—Where does he keep coming from?

Suppressing the urge to point this out, Mio continued her work, pretending not to notice him.

"Don’t walk away when someone is talking to you."

Ignacio’s mechanical reprimand reached her ears.

Apparently, he was used to ignoring others but not to being ignored. "Serves him right," Mio thought, still not bothering to respond, as she briskly walked away with the garbage bag in hand.

After dumping the contents into the incinerator and putting away the cleaning tools, Mio filled a watering can and started watering the flowerbeds. From a distance, she saw Ignacio approaching with determined strides.

"I’ve been looking for you."

If you were looking, you could have just followed me. Suppressing the urge to point that out, Mio kept her eyes on the flowers.

"…What? I thought our conversation was over."

Her voice was deliberately low and cold as she spoke. For the first time that day, Ignacio’s expression twisted slightly as he turned his face away.

"…It’s not that I trust you. Don’t get the wrong idea."

What is he talking about?

Mio, still looking at the flowers, shot a retort at Ignacio, who was now staring off into the distance.

"Don’t jump to conclusions by yourself. You’re not explaining anything properly, so I don’t even know what you’re talking about. What don’t you trust, and what am I supposedly misunderstanding?"

"…I said I’d allow you to interact with Nina. As for how we ended up here, I can tell you what I’m allowed to share. …Is that unsatisfactory?"

His tone was still cold and indifferent, but it seemed he was finally opening up a little.

—What a difficult person...

He really is similar to Balthazar, Mio thought as she continued to look at the flowers, responding in a businesslike manner.

"That helps. But let’s go somewhere more suitable for talking."

"…There’s an air defence observation post on the hill. …It’ll do. …But first, correct one thing."

"…?"

Ignacio turned his eyes back to Mio, looking slightly awkward.

"…Don’t call me a narcissist."

Mio finally tore her gaze away from the flowers and looked up at Ignacio.

"…? Oh, the insult from earlier? What, did I hit a nerve?"

"…I have someone in my life who’s the real deal. When I hear that word, their face pops into my mind… and it pisses me off."

Apparently, despite his beautiful appearance, Ignacio was surprisingly childish on the inside.

—What a strange person.

Mio set the watering can down on the ground and looked at Ignacio with a sincere expression.

"Alright, then let’s go to that observation post. I’d like to hear more about the situation."

With that, Mio began to ascend the stone steps of the hillside, Ignacio’s stone-faced presence following behind her.

Near the top of the hill stood a wooden watchtower. Climbing the ladder to the top, they were greeted by a panoramic view of Pleiades.

From this vantage point, they could see the entire perimeter of the flying island and the blue sky beyond. It was a lookout point meant to provide early visual warnings of enemy aircraft.

As they stood side by side, gazing up at the deep blue summer sky, Ignacio began to tell Mio about Nina's past.

Leaning against the watchtower railing, Ignacio spoke of an unfamiliar country far removed from both the Mitterland and Vestelant continents. It was the tale of the "Flying Island" that had departed from that distant land.

Though Ignacio didn’t seem particularly skilled at conversation, Mio asked him detailed questions to piece together the story, listening intently to the account of a far-off world that felt like something out of a fairy tale.

The flying island "Isla," passing over the erupting sea of the "Sacred Spring," was suddenly attacked by the Urano airborne fleet.

Nina, hiding her true identity, had been attending the aviation department as a student, piloting aircraft. In the midst of the battle, she witnessed the deaths of many of her classmates. Although her power to call the wind had been lost by that time, Nina desperately wished to regain that ability to protect the people she cared about.

At the end of a journey filled with despair, during the final battle, Nina managed to recover her lost power and annihilated the Urano airborne fleet, saving Isla.

However, this event marked the discovery of the prophesied "Girl Who Calls the Wind" by Urano— a legendary figure foretold two thousand years ago.

Zenon Kavaris, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Urano, succeeded in inviting Nina Viento to the royal capital Pleiades as a goodwill ambassador, in exchange for the second heir to the throne, Manius Sidus, as a hostage.

Four years have passed since then.

Nina now spends her days in this lonely palace, awaiting the day when she will inevitably be thrust onto the political stage.

"Nina must have been forcibly brought here, separated from her friends too…"

After listening to Ignacio’s story, Mio muttered her thoughts aloud. The bundle of letters she had seen in Nina’s room the previous day had likely been farewell messages from her classmates on Isla.

A bittersweet feeling spread within Mio.

Though their circumstances were different, Mio couldn’t help but empathize with Nina. She, too, had been sent to Pleiades from Air Hunt Island, forced into espionage. She saw her own situation reflected in Nina's.

Mio sighed as she gazed down at the streets of Pleiades, exposed to the high-altitude air, and then turned to look at Ignacio’s profile.

"…I understand. Thank you. I might not be able to do much, but… I’d like to at least have some enjoyable conversations with Nina. She seems lonely…"

"…She tries to maintain a brave front, but over time, it’s clear that she’s becoming mentally exhausted. If nothing changes, it will take a toll on her health."

"Doesn’t she ever go out to have fun?"

"…She hasn’t."

"…Not even once in the past four years?"

"……………"

Ignacio’s awkward silence spoke volumes. Mio felt her frustration rising.

"…What’s that supposed to mean? Do people here really care about Nina? Why would they let things get this bad? Are they stupid?"

"…Nina is the only one who could rival Prince Demistri in terms of succession. There are many in the Urano royal court who wish to see her dead. If she were to roam the streets carelessly, her life would be in danger…"

"But when she attends official functions, she’s disguised with that silver wig and makeup, right? If she just goes out in regular clothes without the wig and makeup, no one would recognize her."

"The opposition forces—Prince Demistri’s supporters—are already well aware of Nina’s true face. Furthermore, Nina cannot leave the palace as a private citizen without the permission of the royal court. If we go through official channels, Demistri’s faction would know exactly when and where she’s going. They could easily send assassins to blend in with the crowd and eliminate her. The risk is too great."

Mio thought for a moment before looking up at Ignacio.

"I see… So all we need is a bodyguard, right?"

"……………………"

"If you’re the most experienced knight, surely you can protect Nina no matter how difficult the situation, right?"

"Hey…"

"You’re going to take Nina out to have fun and cheer her up. You wouldn’t seriously leave such an important job to a newcomer like me, would you? You were so diligent that you treated me like a suspicious person and threatened me on the first day. You’re so dedicated to keeping out intruders, so why not take your job more seriously?"

As Mio rattled off her words in one breath, Ignacio’s sullen expression deepened. With an air of righteousness, she criticized Ignacio and the rest of the palace staff for their negligence and lamented Nina’s isolation. Though Mio wasn’t particularly passionate about her work, the pent-up frustration she’d been harbouring since leaving Air Hunt Island found an outlet in her outburst at Ignacio.

Twenty minutes later, Ignacio finally gave in. Still facing the panoramic view of Pleiades, he sighed and, in a tired voice, agreed to seek permission for Nina’s outing and to serve as her bodyguard.

"…If you insist that much… I’ll let you accompany Nina. Since you’re both the same age, maybe you’ll be able to ease her loneliness."

Mio, with a triumphant expression, nodded but soon realized that she had perhaps gone too far. Ignacio had accepted her criticisms so earnestly that she couldn’t help but feel guilty for using him as a target for venting her accumulated stress.

But now that she had said all this, she had no choice but to follow through.

Mio resolved herself.

"Alright. Leave it to me. Now, where should we go? I’d love to go to Evangelis, but is there anywhere that’s both a tourist spot and easy to guard? I don’t know much about Pleiades…"

"Avoid crowded places. It’s best if I can keep a clear view of the surrounding ten meters at all times. The historical museum would be a good choice—open and not too crowded. Nina might find it interesting."

"But I’d also like to take her somewhere fun. If she laughs, then that’s mission accomplished, right?"

"If you decide on the location beforehand, I can arrange for plainclothes guards to be stationed in advance for protection. The royal court’s outing request form requires detailed information on the destination, but there’s no penalty for not adhering to it. We could submit a false destination to the royal court, while visiting a completely different place in reality. Assassins wouldn’t be able to set up an ambush."

"Yeah, we’ll be fine. With a skilled personal knight guarding us, Nina will be safe. We could go see a movie or a play, stop by a trendy restaurant, or do some shopping on the main street. Nina is still a girl, after all—she probably wants some cute accessories or clothes, and I’m sure she’d enjoy eating something delicious, too."

Mio and Ignacio put their heads together and continued to discuss how to safely and enjoyably take Nina out on a trip.

As they brainstormed and refined their ideas, Mio found herself enjoying the process. It had been a long time since she’d allowed herself to think ahead to something enjoyable like this. Feeling a rare sense of excitement, Mio spent the entire morning planning the trip to Pleiades with Ignacio, and they finally completed their plan for a sightseeing excursion with Nina.

One week later.

On a clear morning in early July, Mio climbed into a two-horse carriage waiting at the front gate of the palace. She wore a dress with a short bolero jacket trimmed with lace and low-heeled sandals. Smiling, she greeted the guest sitting across from her.

"I’m glad the weather’s so nice today. Nina, let’s enjoy ourselves!"

"…Yes."

Nina responded with her usual faint, unsteady voice.

Without her wig, makeup, or the nun-like outfit she usually wore, Nina Viento was dressed simply in a plain white blouse and a navy skirt. She sat stiffly in the narrow seat, her posture straight.

Since using an elaborate carriage would draw too much attention, they had rented a modest two-person carriage, like those commonly used by the public, for today’s outing. The interior was cramped enough that Mio’s and Nina’s knees bumped against each other.

"I’ve never really had the chance to explore Pleiades before, so I’m not much of a guide. But let’s make the most of it today!"

"…Yes."

Nina didn’t seem at all excited, and Mio could sense that she had resigned herself to treating this as "just another duty." It was as if Nina had completely given up her own will, accustomed to being used and manipulated by others.

—I hope she can at least feel a little better…

—I need to stay cheerful too, otherwise, it’ll defeat the purpose.

Mio herself hadn’t felt genuinely happy in the past year. She had been living under the weight of heavy emotions, suppressing her true self. But today, with the task of cheering up Nina, she was determined to act bright and energetic, even if she had to force it.

Glancing out the window, Mio waved to Countess Ulshyrra, who stood nearby, seeing them off.

"Thank you for everything. We’ll be on our way now."

Ulshyrra had handled all the troublesome bureaucratic procedures of submitting and receiving the royal court’s approval for the outing request. She had also assured Mio that, if questioned later about the false destination provided to the court, she would handle it.

"Take care, Mio. Miss Nina, please return safely."

Ulshyrra’s farewell was tinged with a sense of solemnity, as if she were seeing off soldiers heading into battle. Nina nodded slightly, her soft voice answering.

"We’ll be on our way."

"Ignacio, I’m counting on you as well."

Ulshyrra called out to Ignacio, who stood behind the carriage.

"Leave it to me."

Dressed in a thick tunic and riding breeches, Ignacio sat astride an ash-coloured horse, responding from the saddle. His gear was simple, and a short sword hung at his waist, giving him the appearance of a bored nobleman out for a casual ride. Twelve plainclothes guards had already been deployed at the various locations they planned to visit, ready to keep a close eye out for any suspicious individuals.

They had prepared as best they could.

All that was left was to enjoy the day.

Mio turned to the driver and called out.

"Let’s go."

The whip cracked through the morning air, and the carriage slowly began to move.

"Miss Nina, please stay strong."

"We’ll be waiting for your safe return."

Those seeing them off continued to wave with grand gestures as Nina left Lamia Palace.

After leaving Lamia Palace, the carriage descended along a narrow mountain path, passing by the guard station midway down the mountain. As they continued downward, the view opened up to reveal the plains on the left bank of Pleiades.

In the distance, towering white cumulonimbus clouds stood out against the blue sky. Beyond the olive groves and along the well-trodden main road, the high-rise buildings of the Evangelis district loomed, hazy in the midsummer air.

As she gazed out the window, Mio casually spoke up.

"Nina, have you been to Evangelis before?"

"…For official duties, a few times. …But this is my first time as a private citizen."

"I’ve never been there either, so I’m not familiar with the area at all. Let’s get lost together!"

Mio said this jokingly with a smile, and Nina gave a small, awkward smile in return, almost like a polite laugh.

—Well, at least we can communicate socially…

Mio had already discovered that much in her previous attempts to get closer to Nina. However, whenever she tried to take a step beyond the surface, it felt as though her words were absorbed by an invisible barrier around Nina, preventing any real emotional response. Today’s goal was to break through that barrier and reach Nina’s true feelings.

Nina’s faint smile quickly faded, and only the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle clopping of the horses’ hooves filled the silence between them. As the carriage rounded a bend in the road, the summer sunlight streamed in, illuminating Nina’s pale profile.

—Still, she really is beautiful…

Sitting so close, with their knees nearly touching, Mio couldn’t help but admire Nina’s delicate beauty. Her lustrous black hair and pure, grape-coloured eyes seemed fragile, as though they could shatter if touched too roughly. With such striking features, if Nina had lived a normal student life, she surely would have been very popular.

—Did she ever have a lover?

From the story Ignacio had told Mio a week earlier, there had been no mention of anyone like that, and Mio hadn’t asked. Ignacio had said, "There are things I can’t tell you. If you want to find out, ask Nina herself. It’s up to her whether or not she talks." So perhaps there had been a romantic story during her time on the flying island Isla.

—She’s so beautiful, sweet-natured, and modest…

—And she lived the life of a student. It wouldn’t be surprising if she had a lover…

Though Mio knew it was a bit presumptuous to speculate, she couldn’t help but think about it. After all, they were both teenage girls, and love stories were always a great topic for casual conversation, especially when it came to noble affairs.

After about an hour, the carriage finally entered the Evangelis district.

The road was now paved with stone, and traffic had increased. Four-horse and eight-horse carriages carrying wealthy passengers, hydrogen-powered vehicles, double-decker buses, and armoured cars passed by. The people walking along the streets wore bright, vibrant clothing, and there was no sense of mourning for the king, who had passed away just a week earlier. Instead, happy smiles bloomed on the faces of the citizens wherever they went.

—It’s really like a paradise here. But…

—This wealth is built on the wars being waged on the ground below…

Urano had a long history of lending its aerial combat forces to ground nations for a reasonable fee. In exchange, Urano inserted its personnel into the political core of the borrower nations, eventually turning them into satellite states. These puppet nations would then wreak havoc on others, seizing their underground resources and funnelling them to Urano, a resource-poor nation. Behind the smiles of the people outside the carriage window lay the corpses of countless ground-dwellers.

For a brief moment, the image of a burning Air Hunt Island overlapped with the scene of Evangelis before her. The familiar officer academy had gone up in flames, the town where she’d spent time with friends had been reduced to ashes, and countless innocent people had been killed. Mio wondered if the people walking these streets were aware that their happiness was built on such horrors.

—And now, I’ve become a pawn of Urano…

Mio bit her lip and clenched her fists.

Her chest ached. The more idyllic the scenery outside seemed, the deeper the pain in her heart grew.

"…Are you alright?"

A sudden voice from across the carriage snapped her out of her thoughts.

"…What?"

Nina’s emotionless face was staring directly at her.

"You don’t seem well… Is something wrong?"

Nina must have thought Mio was feeling ill. Mio hurriedly forced a smile and responded.

"Oh, I’m fine. I was just thinking about the past, that’s all."

"……………………"

"Thank you for your concern. We should be arriving at our first stop soon, I’m looking forward to it!"

"…Yes. …Um…"

"Yes?"

"…If you’re not feeling well, you don’t have to push yourself to accompany me…"

Nina spoke hesitantly, lacking confidence. Mio quickly waved her hands in front of her, trying to dismiss the concern.

"No, no, I’m not pushing myself at all! In fact, I was probably more excited about this than you were! I could hardly sleep last night!"

Mio laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood, and Nina gave another small, awkward smile. It seemed that Nina was more considerate than Mio had originally thought.

She’s such a kind person.

Mio thought this with a sense of warmth. As they left the palace, she had noticed how worried the staff had been for Nina, and now she understood why. They weren’t just doing their jobs; they genuinely cared about her.

—She’s not arrogant or proud at all… It makes sense why people would be so fond of her.

Just as Mio was coming to this realization, the carriage came to a stop, and the driver turned around to announce their arrival. Mio cheerfully opened the door.

"We’re here! It’s an outdoor pool, Nina!"

"P-Pool…?"

"Yes! It’s one of Pleiades’ famous spots! Don’t worry, we’ve got swimsuits ready! Let’s swim and relieve some stress!"

"Ah… I see…"

Nina nodded awkwardly, still looking a bit bewildered.

The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with cumulonimbus clouds, and the sound of splashing water and children’s laughter filled the air.

The Royal Pool Park, a popular attraction in Evangelis, was packed with nearly a hundred men, women, and children in swimsuits. The park featured five pools of various sizes, a water slide nearly twenty meters high and two hundred meters long, and plenty of water, thanks to a pump system that drew seawater from two thousand meters below. It was a popular amusement park, offering fun for both children and adults.

Against the backdrop of the deep blue summer sky, Nina and Mio stood by the pool, now dressed in their swimsuits.

"Nina, you look amazing!"

"……………………"

"I made sure we had matching swimsuits! I asked Ulshyrra for your size, and they fit perfectly! You look absolutely stunning!"

Mio was genuinely excited. Both of them wore matching two-piece swimsuits with pareos tied around their waists. Nina, with her fairy-like beauty and perfect figure, looked as if she had stepped right out of a storybook.

"Here I go!"

With a shout, Mio jumped into the pool. Water splashed up, bubbles rose to the surface, and soon Mio’s smiling face appeared above the water.

"It feels great! Nina, come in!"

"……………………"

Nina, still wearing a stiff expression, remained by the poolside, hesitant to move. Mio wondered if Nina might not know how to swim, but just as she began to worry, Nina sat down on the edge of the pool, cautiously dipped her toes into the water, and then slowly lowered herself in, submerging up to her shoulders as if she were taking a bath.

"…It feels nice…"

She said this expressionlessly, not really looking like she was enjoying herself. Having spent so much time shut away at the top of a tower, Nina might have felt uncomfortable exposing herself in such a lively and public place. Mio began to think that perhaps the pool had been too bold a choice for their first outing, but she smiled and encouraged Nina.

"Let’s swim! A little exercise will make you feel better!"

"…Yes, that's true."

Seeing Nina faintly smile, Mio resumed her slow breaststroke, her face still above the water.

It felt wonderful. The ripples she created glistened in the strong sunlight, reflecting its rays in all directions. The water that touched her lips tasted salty, and the scent of the sea carried on the breeze. Mio glanced behind her to see Nina following along with the same breaststroke as they both swam the full twenty-five meters.

As Mio reached the pool’s edge, setting her feet on the bottom and taking a deep breath, she heard a voice from beside her.

"Are you both here by yourselves? How about joining us for some tea?"

Startled, Mio turned to her right, where two young noblemen, their blonde hair slicked back, smiled suavely at them.

Ah, great…

Mio sighed inwardly, letting it sink to the pool’s bottom.

She had expected this sort of encounter the moment she saw Nina in her swimsuit, but the appearance of these types had happened much sooner than she'd anticipated. Just like the men back in St Vault, it seemed that men in Urano also couldn’t help but flirt with women as naturally as they breathed.

One of the noblemen, brushing his hair back in an exaggerated manner, invited them in a practiced, confident tone.

"You two are truly beautiful. It’s hard to believe any commoners would leave you unprotected. We would be honoured to offer our services and safeguard you."

Nina, who had just caught up to Mio, stood frozen, confused. The other nobleman quickly approached Nina, mimicking his companion’s gesture by brushing back his wet silver hair.

"It would be a tragedy if some filthy commoner were to lay a hand on you. Please, allow me to protect this delicate flower."

Ugh…

Mio barely suppressed a groan, about to politely reject their offer, when she realized she didn’t need to.

Standing before Nina, clad in swim trunks, was her personal knight, Ignacio, his fierce gaze stabbing into the two noblemen.

"……………………"

He didn’t say a word, but the palpable aura of hostility radiating from Ignacio was almost visible.

The noblemen hesitated, taking a small step back. Even Mio hadn’t noticed Ignacio’s approach—he was that stealthy. It wasn’t surprising that these clueless outsiders had been caught off guard.

Moreover, with his upper body exposed, Ignacio’s physical strength was plainly evident. Though not overly muscular, his lean, well-trained physique was as hard as iron. His body was crisscrossed with scars—old wounds covering his arms, chest, shoulders, and abdomen.

Mio immediately recognized them as battlefield injuries: slashes, stabs, and even gunshot wounds. Most were on the front of his body, with few on his back. She could only assume they were scars from battles fought while protecting Nina.

"…Excuse us. I just remembered we have a meeting…"

"…I have some business as well…"

Clearly understanding that they had encountered someone not to be trifled with, the two noblemen quickly turned away and gracefully swam off.

Ignacio, now directing a reproachful look at Mio, remained silent.

"……………………"

Still, he didn’t utter a word, but his expression clearly said, "This is why I told you not to come to the pool."

Mio was briefly taken aback, but quickly recovered, meeting his glare with one of her own. After all, she had chosen this pool park as their first destination, ignoring Ignacio's objections to get them here.

"What’s with that look? There’s nothing wrong with the pool; we’re having fun."

"……………………"

"If you have something to say, say it like a man. Stop giving me that annoying look—it’s getting on my nerves."

Mio fired back at him, and Ignacio let out an exaggerated, sarcastic sigh, before finally muttering in a low, reluctant voice.

"I told you not to come to the pool… not just because of Nina… but because of you as well."

"Me? Why me?"

Mio asked, genuinely confused. Ignacio’s face contorted even further, clearly uncomfortable, as he averted his gaze and answered.

"When you and Nina are together… you attract too much attention. Discreetly observe your surroundings."

Taking his hint, Mio glanced around. Families and groups of young people were swimming and having fun, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first glance.

"…Focus on the young men. Pay attention to them."

Following Ignacio’s advice, Mio subtly shifted her gaze to the younger men in the area.

And then she saw it.

Several of them were indeed glancing over in their direction. Their eyes were fixed not just on Nina, but on Mio as well. As she quickly scanned the area, she made eye contact with a few young men, and an uncomfortable chill ran down her spine, raising goosebumps.

Without thinking, Mio sank into the water up to her shoulders and looked up at Ignacio.

"They’re staring… but do you think they recognize Nina?"

"…No. Are you really that unaware? It’s you they’re looking at. Even in normal clothes, you attract attention, but in a swimsuit…"

Ignacio’s hesitant words finally made sense to Mio, who had been too dense to catch on earlier.

It had been the same back at the Air Hunt Academy.

Despite not seeking it, many of the male students had approached Mio, asking her out. During her time as one of the "Seven of Eriadore," Mio had often received compliments about her appearance. Even Zenon had focused on training her as a spy, using her looks as a weapon. Having been judged this way her whole life, Mio wasn’t entirely unaware of how her appearance affected men.

But still…

She felt a sudden surge of irritation. She glared at Ignacio, her shoulders still submerged in the water.

"What’s your point? If you don’t want Nina getting hit on, then you should be protecting her more closely. If you were always by her side, no one would approach. The only reason those guys came near her is because you weren’t close enough. Do your job properly."

"……………………"

"Right, Nina? Swimming’s fun, isn’t it? It feels great, doesn’t it?"

When Mio turned to Nina, she looked slightly startled but nodded timidly.

"…Yes. It’s been a while since I’ve gone swimming… and it feels nice."

Nina’s response was soft and hesitant. Still, Mio, now fully immersed in the water, clenched her right fist and pumped it triumphantly in Ignacio’s direction.

"Yep, I win! We’re going to keep swimming. You stay close and keep anyone with bad intentions away from Nina. We didn’t buy matching swimsuits for nothing—there’s still plenty of swimming left to do!"

"……………………"

Ignacio grimaced, biting his lip as if to hold back a retort. In response, Mio stuck her tongue out playfully and, turning to Nina, began swimming breaststroke once more.

"Get a grip, please…"

Watching the two girls swim off, Ignacio clicked his tongue in frustration before reluctantly following behind them with a slow breaststroke.

Ignacio was well aware of how much attention Nina attracted. But Mio, with her equally captivating appearance, perhaps drew even more stares. He had sensed it from the moment they first met, but in a place like this, where their figures were fully revealed, it was almost as if Mio’s allure held a magnetic force. Since they had arrived, young men, fathers with families, and even older gentlemen had all cast lingering, inappropriate glances at her body.

—That’s probably why Zenon took notice of her, too.

For a female spy, the ability to attract men was a powerful weapon in itself. Mio had mentioned she’d been forcibly brought to Urano from St Vault, and it was clear that her current situation was against her will. Through their interactions, Ignacio had begun to pick up on the complex circumstances lying beneath the surface of Mio’s past.

"She’s such a strange girl… really…"

Though he could resign himself to it for Nina’s sake, Ignacio couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment that he had to guard Mio as well. Nonetheless, his battle-hardened body served as a shield, protecting the two girls from the relentless stares of the men around them.

Thanks to Ignacio’s literal bodyguarding, Nina and Mio swam happily for over an hour until they were both thoroughly exhausted.

"Ahhh… that was a good swim… I feel amazing… Pools are the best!"

Lying on a deck chair by the pool, her wet body stretched out, Mio lazily stretched as she held a popsicle she had bought from the snack stand.

"Nina, are you okay? Did we swim too much?"

"No… It’s been a long time since I exercised, but… it was fun."

Nina, sitting primly on a deck chair next to Mio, gave an awkward smile and took a small lick of the vanilla ice cream in her hand.

"Wow, I’m probably going to get sunburned… but it’s fine, the sun feels so good!"

Mio stretched out completely, her pale skin exposed to the strong sunlight as she settled into a perfect nap position. Nina, somewhat absentmindedly, glanced at Mio’s body. Her eyes were drawn to a large scar peeking out from beneath the pareo wrapped around Mio’s left thigh.

"……………………"

It was an incongruous mark on Mio’s otherwise flawless skin. As Nina’s eyes lingered on the scar, Mio turned to her.

"Nina, you should lie down too—wait, what’s wrong?"

"Oh, nothing… I’m sorry."

Nina awkwardly averted her gaze as Mio noticed the old scar peeking out from under her pareo.

"Oh, this? I got it a long time ago when I was flying in an airship and some debris got lodged in my leg. Believe it or not, I’ve been on the battlefield before," Mio said with a carefree laugh. Nina hesitantly returned her gaze and spoke quietly.

"…I’m sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? It’s what they call an "honourable wound." I lost a lot of blood and almost died, but my comrades saved me…"

As Mio explained, memories of her companions aboard the Eriadore airship suddenly surfaced.

Back then—Mio had been gravely injured on her left side, and with little hope of survival due to blood loss, her six crewmates risked everything to attempt a dangerous night landing on water. It was Kiyoaki who had insisted on the landing, taking charge and successfully pulling it off.

Thanks to Kiyoaki, Mio was alive today.

This scar was a reminder of that time.

"…Because of that… I survived…"

Mio tried to put on a brave front, attempting to keep her tone light, but it wasn’t working.

Sadness, guilt, and regret welled up from deep inside, and her face twisted as she struggled to hold back the emotions.

—Kiyoaki.

Just thinking of him made it impossible for her to remain composed.

Turning her face away from Nina, Mio tried to hide her emotional turmoil.

"Um… really, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry into your personal matters," Nina said in her soft, apologetic tone from behind. Her words weren’t mere formalities; Mio could tell that Nina was genuinely sorry. Trying to control her feelings, Mio turned back toward Nina.

"No, no, it’s not a big deal. I just got lost in some memories, that’s all."

"……………………"

Nina, looking deeply concerned, furrowed her brow as she watched Mio. It was clear that Nina was genuinely worried about her, probably because Mio’s distress had been so visible.

—She’s so kind…

Mio was moved by Nina’s kindness. Despite her position as a potential heir to Urano, Nina was considerate of someone like Mio, who was essentially just a servant.

"…I had some really good friends. They risked their lives to save me. I just remembered that and got a little sentimental."

Mio tried to make light of it, flashing a shy smile.

Nina’s expression softened a little, and she nodded once.

"…I see. They must have been wonderful friends."

"Heh, it’s kind of embarrassing. But yes, they were great friends."

As she replied, a wave of strong emotion surged again, and Mio felt a stinging sensation in her eyes. Not wanting Nina to notice, Mio quickly took a big bite of her ice cream, wiped her eyes, and then stood up with renewed energy.

"Alright! We still have a lot on the schedule today! Nina, let’s go try some of Pleiades’ famous food!"

"Famous food… in Pleiades?"

"Yes! It’s something called ramen! I’ve never had it before either, but the gardeners at the palace were all raving about how delicious it is! Apparently, it’s a type of noodle dish from a distant ground nation, but it’s become really popular here."

"…Ramen…"

Nina murmured the word, her expression showing a hint of surprise.

"…Yes. I know it. …I know of some… very special ramen."

For someone as reserved as Nina, her reaction was unusually enthusiastic, nodding with more vigour than usual.

"Oh, really? It’s not something we have in my country, so I’m not sure if it will suit your tastes, but would you like to try it?"

Nina slowly stood up from her deck chair.

"…Yes. …I’d like to go. …I really like ramen."

"Ah, okay. Let’s get changed and head out then…"

At the mere mention of ramen, Nina’s demeanour shifted. For once, she was clearly expressing her own desires. Mio, somewhat taken aback by this, headed toward the changing room. It seemed Nina might be quite particular about ramen.

It appeared that Nina was particular about ramen.

"……………………"

"Um… Nina? Are you feeling alright?"

After taking a single bite, Nina had gripped her chopsticks tightly, staring down at her bowl of ramen with a sorrowful expression.

Puzzled, Mio took a second bite of her own ramen.

It tasted fine. In fact, it was delicious—a new dish she had never experienced before. The rich aroma of seafood, the savory char siu, and the smooth, slurpable noodles were all tantalizing.

The ramen shop they had chosen, located on the main street of Evangelis, was quite popular. It was bustling with customers, and many were seated at the open terrace, happily digging into their bowls. Given that all the palace gardeners had recommended the place, it was no surprise that it was so successful.

"I think it’s really good… Does it not suit your tastes, Nina?"

Nina had barely eaten a single bite, and yet she remained motionless, staring sadly at the contents of her bowl.

Was she allergic to something? Though Nina was generally expressionless, her eyes now seemed to carry a mix of sadness and faint disappointment.

Perhaps Nina, accustomed to finer dining, wasn’t used to commoner food like this. In hindsight, Mio wondered if she should have chosen a more upscale restaurant.

Sensing Mio’s concern, Nina glanced up at her.

"As I mentioned earlier… I do like ramen. Mio, did you enjoy this ramen?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Mio was momentarily confused. Still, she appreciated that Nina was finally speaking her mind, so she nodded honestly.

"Ah, yes… I think it’s really tasty."

"…I see…"

Nina turned back to her ramen and took a second bite. It was unusual for Nina, but she ate it in a slightly more vigorous manner.

After carefully chewing, Nina fixed Mio with a determined gaze.

"…What are our plans for the rest of the day?"

"Huh? Oh, um, well, after this, we’ll go shopping, try the famous crepes, then catch a monster movie at the theatre, and finally have dinner at a restaurant before heading back."

"Um… Mio."

"Yes?"

"…Could we… cancel all of those plans?"

"What, cancel?"

"…If possible."

Nina’s expression was serious, almost pleading.

"Uh… well, if that’s what you want, we can definitely cancel. But do you want to head back already?"

"No, I wanted to go shopping for ingredients for tonight’s dinner."

"Huh? Dinner preparations…?"

Nina glanced up at Mio, her gaze unusually firm for her, and she nodded.

"…I want to make the ramen I know for you, Mio."

"Wait… I’m going to eat it?"

"…Yes. …Please allow me to treat you to it."

This was a completely unexpected development. Mio had considered many scenarios while planning today’s outing, but this was definitely not one of them.

Mio glanced over her shoulder.

Seated at the next table, Ignacio had his arms crossed, glaring at his bowl of ramen.

"…So, we’re good?"

"…We follow Nina’s will."

"…Right."

Nina was clearly expressing her own wishes. This was the first time Mio had seen her like this. Given that the whole point of today’s outing was to make Nina happy, it seemed only right to let her do what she wanted.

Mio smiled.

"Alright, got it. I’m happy to go along with you. So, where should we go to buy the ingredients?"

"Igna... please lead the way."

"Understood."

Ignacio rose from his seat, clearly familiar with the geography of Pleiades. He swiftly settled the bill and led the group down the main street. Following close behind, Nina and Mio soon arrived at a massive marketplace.

"This is the Evangelis Market, known for offering every kind of food ingredient from the ground."

"Thank you for your efforts. Let's go, Mio."

"Ah, yes..."

Despite her role as the guide, Mio found herself being guided, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the bustling market.

The market was enormous, an open-air bazaar teeming with goods. As expected of Urano, which traded with ground nations worldwide, the stalls were piled high with exotic vegetables, fruits, meats, and spices that Mio had never seen before.

The smell of roasting meat and fish was so strong it seemed to cling to her clothes. The smoke from grilled food mixed with the scent of various spices, making Mio's stomach rumble as she walked. The market was chaotic, with children running between the stalls, vendors shouting their sales pitches, and street performers like organ players and puppet shows adding to the noise. Despite all this, Nina walked confidently through the crowd, completely unfazed.

Mio had expected Nina to be a sheltered aristocrat, but here in the midst of the common folk, Nina seemed at ease. In fact, she even looked more relaxed and natural than in the confines of the palace. Maybe Nina had grown up in a place like this, among ordinary people. After all, her status as an heir to Urano was due to her power as the "Wind Caller," not because she was born into nobility.

"Nina seems comfortable in places like this, huh?"

Mio whispered the question to Ignacio, who was following closely for protection. The usually silent knight simply nodded, his focus entirely on watching for any threats that might approach Nina.

Nina carefully examined the items at each stall, picking up ingredients and thoroughly inspecting them. She seemed to be paying close attention to their freshness, colour, and smell, without worrying much about their appearance. It was clear she knew her way around selecting good ingredients.

While Mio had originally expected them to shop for cute clothes, Nina was more focused on practical items like chicken bones, pork bones, and other rather unglamorous ingredients. It was a surprising sight to see someone of her status purchasing such rustic items, but Mio quietly followed along, loading everything into a basket.

Apples, cabbage, onions, green onions, garlic, ginger, pork bones, and chicken bones... Soon, Mio’s hands were full.

"Let me carry some," Nina offered with a surprisingly matter-of-fact tone, but Mio shook her head.

"No, I’m the assistant. Let me do my job."

"……………………"

"I was trained at the officer’s academy, so this is nothing for me."

"Igna."

Nina glanced at Ignacio, and with a silent look, he reached out to take one of Mio’s baskets.

"Give it to me."

But Mio stepped back, refusing his help.

"Your job is to protect Nina. You can’t do that if your hands are full. I’ve got this."

"This is more than one girl should carry. Hand over half."

"Listen, I can walk for two days with a 20-kilo pack on my back. I didn’t finish my training, but I was a cadet. This is nothing."

Mio grinned as she teased Ignacio, then turned back to Nina with a smile.

"Nina, don’t hold back! Buy everything you need! I can’t wait to see what kind of dinner you’ll make!"

Mio cheerfully took the lead, encouraging Nina. Nina and Ignacio exchanged glances and nodded at each other. Ignacio gestured to one of the plainclothes guards stationed nearby.

"Mio, hand over the bags to him. He’ll take them back to the Lamia Palace."

"Huh? Is that okay? Won’t that leave you with fewer guards?"

"It’s fine. We’re almost done with the shopping. A few less guards won’t make much difference."

"He says it’s fine."

"…I can’t stand watching this. Hand them over."

At Ignacio’s command, the guard approached and almost forcefully took the baskets from Mio.

Now empty-handed, Mio watched the guard walk away with the bags before glancing up at Ignacio with a bemused expression.

"So, you can’t stand seeing a girl carry heavy things, huh?"

"…Not for you. Nina worries about you."

"Uh-huh… Well, okay, fine. But more importantly—"

Mio paused, then smirked playfully at Ignacio.

"This is the first time you’ve called me by my name."

Ignacio’s expression darkened, looking away awkwardly.

"…It’s not because I wanted to. It’s part of my job. Don’t misunderstand."

Mio burst out laughing, remembering how Balthazar had often said the same thing.

—He’s not a bad guy. He just has a rough way of talking.

She didn’t say it out loud, but she had realized that. Smiling, she turned back to Nina.

"Thank you for your consideration! Now that I’m free, we can shop for even more! Let’s make the most of today!"

"…Yes. Let’s finish getting everything we need."

With that, Nina, looking slightly more confident, continued her shopping. She discussed her purchases with the merchants, picking out what she needed. Mio watched as large pots, mesh bags, and oversized kitchen utensils were gathered—things too big to carry. The guards quietly took them away.

After two hours of walking through the market, Nina finally nodded and turned to Mio.

"…We have everything. …Let’s return to the Lamia Palace."

"Ah, yes. Time to start cooking, right? Let me help!"

Mio playfully rolled up her sleeves, ready to assist, as they headed back to the carriage together.

Back at the palace, they brought the ingredients and tools into the kitchen, and Nina began cooking.

Mio couldn’t help but find Nina’s apron-clad appearance adorable, enough to make anyone want to give her a hug. However, the actual cooking process was far from cute. It was a brutal, blood-and-grease-filled task as Nina skilfully hammered apart the grotesque pork bones and washed the chunks of meat with precision. Blood and fat splattered across her apron, but Nina remained unfazed, entirely focused on her task.

It was a scene far removed from what you’d expect of a princess, and Mio instinctively offered to help.

"Uh, if you need me to do that kind of thing, just say the word."

"No… If I don’t do this part myself, it will affect the flavour."

"But you’re getting really messy…"

"…Mio."

"Yes?"

"…Could you chop the green onions? After that, mince the onions. Then, please remove the roots from the bean sprouts."

Holding a bloodied hammer in one hand, her face and forehead splattered with pork bone residue, Nina calmly entrusted Mio with these basic tasks.

"Ah… Sure, no problem?"

"…Yes. It’s an important job. …Please."

It seemed Nina didn’t want any interference. Mio, a little disappointed not to be doing more impressive work, obediently went to the corner of the kitchen and quietly chopped vegetables.

Nina threw the prepped pork bones into a large pot and started boiling them, stirring the bubbling broth with a massive ladle, her expression as blank as ever. Watching her, Mio couldn’t help but feel like she was observing a witch brewing a mysterious potion. Despite her curiosity about what kind of dish would come from this, she also felt a bit nervous about whether it would be edible.

—No matter what it tastes like, I’ll have to say it’s good, right?

—My acting skills aren’t the best… Maybe I should practice.

As she chopped vegetables, Mio mentally rehearsed how she would complement the dish, imagining the worst possible meal and repeating lines like "This is delicious, Nina!" and "I’ve never tasted anything this good!" Even if the food turned out terrible, Mio was determined to lie convincingly to make Nina happy.

And so, she continued to chop vegetables and help skim the broth, preparing herself for the upcoming meal.

The cooking process took an astonishing six hours.

Mio now understood why Nina had cut the outing short—it was a time commitment far beyond what one would expect for a single meal.

It was 8:30 PM.

Mio sat at the grand dining table, trying to ignore her growling stomach. Nina had insisted that not only she but also the live-in helpers and gardeners join for dinner to enjoy the meal she had prepared. It was an unusual arrangement, as it was unheard of for the master of the house to sit at the same table as the servants, but Nina seemed to detest being put on a pedestal. She was always polite and respectful toward the staff, never lording her status over them. It was as if Nina had no regard for social hierarchy, much to the confusion of those who served her.

Since Nina wanted to share her cooking with the staff, there was no refusing. In fact, this was the first "party" since Nina had arrived at Lamia Palace, and the expressions of the gathered helpers and gardeners reflected more anxiety than anticipation.

—Even if it's bad, we have to say it's delicious.

It was as if that unspoken sentiment was radiating from everyone present. The smell that had filled the palace during Nina's cooking—reminiscent of a barn or pigsty—had already dampened any hope they might have had.

Just then, the doors to the grand dining hall swung open, and Nina entered, followed by her knights.

"Thank you for your patience. It's ready."

Nine knights took on the role of servers, placing steaming bowls in front of the helpers and gardeners seated at the table. It was a curious sight—humble servants gathered at a grand table illuminated by silver candlesticks, with "the Heir to Urano" Nina, and... ramen. Nina, however, remained serious, ensuring that everyone was served before taking her seat at the head of the table.

"I am always grateful for your hard work. I have been looking forward to this opportunity. I hope that tonight you can forget your duties and enjoy yourselves."

Her soft but clear voice carried over the table as she folded her hands in prayer.

"Thank you for today's blessings. May Saint Aldista bless this meal."

The servants echoed the prayer, inwardly adding their own wish: "May I be able to lie convincingly," before turning to face the labour of Nina's cooking.

A rich, cloudy white broth, medium-thick noodles, a slice of char siu, green onions, and bean sprouts—simple ingredients, but neatly arranged.

—It doesn’t look bad, at least.

Mio carefully observed the bowl before picking up her chopsticks. Having spent her youth in the Akitsu Federation, she was no stranger to using them. The other servants, being from a region known for its cultural diversity, also handled the foreign utensils with ease.

—The smell... maybe I’ve gotten used to it.

The pungent animal odour that had been unbearable during cooking seemed less offensive now. Perhaps the ginger had effectively masked it. Mio cautiously lifted some noodles to her mouth.

—Even if it tastes bad, I’ll pretend it’s good!

—No matter how bad it is...

Her thoughts were cut off.

"…Huh?"

When Mio came to her senses, she found an empty bowl in front of her.

Confused, she looked around. The three helpers and five gardeners who had also been served Nina's ramen all sat with blank expressions, staring up at the ceiling, with empty bowls before them.

—Did I... eat it?

She couldn’t recall anything after taking the first bite.

She had no memory of whether the food was good or bad—there was a complete gap in her recollection.

However, even though her mind had forgotten, her body hadn’t.

Tentatively, one of the gardeners seated across from Mio raised his head.

"Um… excuse me, but…"

He started to speak, but his words faltered. Another servant, sitting beside him, followed suit, glancing nervously at the knight who had served them.

"I… apologize for asking, but… um…"

The one who responded was Nina herself, sitting at the head of the table.

"I made extra. Please, don’t hesitate to ask for more if you’re still hungry."

The moment Nina spoke, everyone at the table reacted as if possessed, raising their right hands.

"Ah?!"

Mio was shocked to find her own hand raised without her conscious decision. Her body had responded instinctively to the overwhelming urge for more food. It was an experience unlike any she had ever had.

The knights brought more bowls.

Mio’s hands trembled as she held her chopsticks.

—What is this? I can’t wait!

She couldn’t suppress the primal craving within her. Despite having just eaten, her stomach growled as if she hadn’t eaten for days, eagerly awaiting another bowl of Nina's ramen.

As soon as the second bowl was placed in front of her, Mio dove in, determined to remain aware of her actions this time.

This time, she took a bite, focusing intently on the taste.

"…Mmm…"

To her surprise, what escaped her lips was an involuntary moan of pleasure. Shocked by her own reaction, Mio couldn’t stop herself from continuing to eat.

She glanced up at Nina, seated at the head of the table, who was calmly eating her own bowl while observing the servants devour their ramen with fervour. Her quiet demeanour made her seem as if she existed on a different plane of reality.

—A witch…!

There was no doubt in Mio’s mind now that Nina had used some form of magic. How else could food have such a powerful effect? As she continued eating, Mio felt a sense of awe and fear at Nina’s ability.

—She doesn’t just control the wind; she can control our senses too…!

Terrified yet mesmerized, Mio finished her second bowl.

"Ahem… Nina, this is... is this some kind of magic?"

As the dishes were being cleared away and everyone sat in a dazed state, enjoying dessert, Mio gathered the courage to ask Nina, who was quietly eating her melon.

Nina shook her head and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief before looking at Mio with her usual expressionless face.

"No. I simply followed the recipe taught to me by a friend, carefully and precisely."

Mio couldn’t believe it.

"But… this is beyond anything I’ve ever tasted…!"

As someone who loved cooking, Mio couldn’t accept it. It defied her understanding of what was possible in the culinary arts.

Nina’s answer was simple.

"When my friend makes it, it’s even better."

A faint smile appeared on Nina’s face. She gazed off into the distance as if remembering something, her voice softening.

"I… I ate it with my friends, back on Isla."

Nina’s smile deepened.

"Her name is Ari. We called it "Arimen." We made it together, with all our friends, and ate it… It was so delicious. I learned how to make it from her."

It was the first time Mio had seen Nina truly smile, not the usual polite expression but a real, fond smile. It felt as if she was speaking to those distant friends rather than to Mio, her tone relaxed and warm.

For some reason, that smile tightened Mio’s chest. She felt Nina’s warmth and the pain of her past reaching across the space between them, touching her heart directly.

According to Ignacio, Nina had been forced to leave her journey on Isla halfway through.

Nina had sacrificed herself to save Isla, offering herself to Urano so that the others could safely reach "the edge of the sky." Neither Nina nor Ignacio knew what had become of those left behind on Isla.

—Nina had many friends too…

Watching Nina, Mio could understand that all too well. Just as Mio had lost everything and drifted to Pleiades, Nina had also left behind many precious things when she came to this floating city.

—She’s just like me…

It felt presumptuous to compare herself, an apprentice spy, to someone like Nina, the heir to Urano. But Mio couldn’t help feeling a deep resonance in her heart.

"…She must be a wonderful person… Ari."

Mio offered the comment, and Nina’s smile grew warmer.

"Yes… She’s very special… my dearest friend."

It was the kind of innocent smile you’d expect from a young girl.

—I'd like to know more about this person.

That thought crossed Mio’s mind.

After dinner, Mio returned to her room, her duties for the night completed. The other three helpers were still basking in the afterglow of "Arimen," determined to ask Nina for the recipe so they could try making it themselves. Mio was just as interested and considered asking Ulshyrra or Ignacio if they could get the recipe for her.

Mio, along with the other helpers, stayed in a small room in the main building’s corner. After the usual post-sunset chores—cleaning the kitchen, putting away dishes, checking the lamps, and tending to the horses in the stable—she would return here, wipe down her body with a cloth, and go to bed. It was a simple room with four wooden beds, but it was Mio’s own space for now.

Tomorrow would come early. The day’s tasks began before sunrise. While the work wasn’t easy, it was nothing compared to the year-long training in covert operations she’d endured at Zenon’s estate. Besides, today had been an enjoyable day.

—It was supposed to be about cheering Nina up, but I think I ended up being the one who got cheered up.

As she lay in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling, Mio realized that.

Since arriving in the floating city, she had kept her heart closed off, but after spending the day arguing with Ignacio and trying to lift Nina’s spirits, she had opened up without even realizing it. It had been so long since she’d felt this kind of energy.

—I'd thought I’d thrown myself away a long time ago.

—I didn’t know I could still feel this way… that I could still cry, get angry, and laugh.

—I guess I’m tougher than I thought…

Even though she had betrayed her friends and funnelled information to Urano, here she was in a foreign land, putting on a facade of being a good person and trying to cheer up an important foreign dignitary. By all rights, she didn’t deserve to be here—she was a traitor, a failure.

Each night before she slept, Mio made it a point to berate herself, and today, even after such a happy day, was no different.

—I’m really shameless…

──The worst, most despicable person…

Mio continued to berate herself as the image of Nina's smile, seen for the first time that day, flashed before her closed eyes.

Though her circumstances of being forcibly brought to Pleiades mirrored Nina's, Mio still felt the differences between them.

That's what she thought.

──Nina's friends surely still care about her.

The letters she'd accidentally glimpsed in Nina's room, written by numerous companions, were proof of that.

If Mio's former comrades were to write her letters now, they would be filled with hatred and curses.

──I'm not like her…

──I just need to focus on not angering Zenon…

She chastised herself for almost allowing a misunderstanding to take root. The lightness she felt inside, after enjoying her day for the first time in a long while, left her feeling uneasy. It was precisely this fleeting happiness that made Mio turn her anger inward.

──I don't deserve to enjoy life…

At the end of each day, this ritual of self-punishment was Mio's way of atoning for the betrayal of her comrades. With harsh words and clumsy self-loathing, she waited for sleep to come. She prayed that the joy she experienced today, the lightness in her heart, would all disappear by morning.