Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V7Part4

Part 4

First-time visitors to the Urano Royal Palace are often left in awe of its vastness.

With a total area of 2,800 hectares, it's roughly a square with each side about 5,300 meters long. If you stand in the middle of the palace gardens and look around, the buildings, forests, and stone walls that separate the grounds from the outside world appear like cardboard cut-outs at the edge of your vision, sandwiched between the sky and the garden. Realizing it’s impossible to see everything in a single day, many tourists give up on visiting the famous fountains, canals, artists' quarters, and numerous secondary palaces, and instead begin the long walk toward the towering structure at the palace entrance—the Ulysses Palace.

After walking for about 30 minutes toward the palace, which gradually rises from the ground, visitors finally reach the grand main building, so tall that it forces them to crane their necks to look up. Built by 25,000 workers over 30 years, the palace is still expanding. Initially shaped like a U from above, further expansions added a larger U-shaped building on the outside, followed by wing-like structures extending out, and eventually multiple wings connected by aerial corridors. Today, it has developed into what could be called a "fortress" of sixteen interconnected four-story buildings, woven together with moats, flower beds, and courtyards.

This magnificent structure, named after the first king of Urano, serves as the residence of Urano's royalty and nobility. If the Urano Royal Palace is the political centre, Ulysses Palace is a symbol of royal authority, open to all Urano citizens. As a result, the palace has been transformed into a treasure trove of the sky, filled with all the wealth and riches Urano has amassed from the earth.

The palace's medieval-style interior, known in Urano as the "Romaine Style," features domed ceilings adorned with frescoes, sculptures, and stained glass, while massive chandeliers, lavishly decorated with gold, silver, and jewels, hang from above, dazzling the eyes. In the long, wide corridors—reminiscent of a whale's ribcage—that stretch as far as the eye can see, every surface from the walls to the ceilings and floors is covered in portraits, victory paintings, and sculptures, preserving the 2,000-year history of Urano.

According to the pictorial stories painted along the corridors:

The people born on the flying island of Pleiades spread massive sails across the surface of the earth to adjust their course. Every four years, they made contact with "flying islands" birthed from a sacred spring and conducted settlement missions. Sometimes, they descended to the earth by colliding with mountains as tall as 2,000 meters, bringing slaves from the ground to live on the islands, thus introducing new blood to their population. For nearly 2,000 years, they have lived a solitary life in the sky.

With limited farmland and scarce water, their population had to be strictly controlled. Despite their desire to live on the ground, they adhered to the myth that one day, they would rule both heaven and earth, enduring the harsh conditions of life in the sky for nearly two millennia.

This proud yet harsh way of life at an altitude of 2,000 meters began to change around 150 years ago with the invention of flying machines. Leading the way in "sky transport," Urano succeeded in attaching propulsion systems to the lower part of Pleiades and began to intimidate or attack ground nations from the sky, forcing them into submission. For the "people of the sky," who lacked human and material resources, the food, goods, precious metals, and new blood brought by slaves from the ground were essential for further development.

In other words, Urano's rapid rise to power occurred within the last 150 years. The fact that Urano remains largely unrecognized in the main sea regions of the world, except for the Multi-Island Sea, can be attributed to the fact that, before the invention of flying machines, they were considered insignificant.

Even the seemingly historic Ulysses Palace is only 60 years old. The residences of Urano's royalty before they had flying machines still remain on the slopes of the Petra Mountains as high-end homes, but none of them compare to this palace's grandeur. While the pictorial stories in the palace say nothing of the hardships endured before they gained wings, the official history of Urano, accessible only to a select few nobles, records dozens of cases of internal conflicts caused by factions advocating abandoning the flying islands for a life rooted in the earth. After nearly 2,000 years of wandering the skies, enduring immense hardships, they finally achieved their current prosperity.

Today, all the upper-class nobles of Urano, including former members of the Council of Elders, live in the Ulysses Palace. Though tourists are not allowed in the residential areas of the nobles, they return home with the image of the palace's "public-facing" lavishness etched in their minds. But those who live there must remember the palace’s darker side, where power-hungry demons lurk. In this palace, one must always be aware of who is connected to whom, which faction they belong to, and what interests are at play in any conversation, or risk being exiled, imprisoned, or even sent to the guillotine without warning.

Beneath the dazzling surface that symbolizes the authority of the Urano king lies a den of darkness, a "fortress of intrigue" filled with malicious spirits. And it was in the very heart of this darkness, on the second floor of the central wing of Ulysses Palace, that the room of Queen Nina Viento of Urano was located.

The Celestial Chamber.

Within the palace, it was known as the resting place of successive kings.

Late into the night, as Queen Nina finally freed herself from the heavy burdens of the day, Mio Syira, her attendant, stood by.

"Haa..."

As she removed her silver hair extensions, took off her pure white robe and tight bodysuit, Nina let out an uncharacteristic sigh. Concerned, Mio raised her eyebrows in worry.

"Are you tired...?"

Nina looked at Mio through the mirror and offered a faint smile to reassure her.

"Taking off this outfit is the best part of my day."

She said it as a joke.

"I’d give up after half a day. It’s heavy, tight, and hard to move in... I always think it must be hard for you, Nina."

"Sometimes I really do think about working in my nightclothes."

"Haha, that would be cute. I’d love to see it."

"It would be nice to just lie down on the bed and run the country."

Nina continued joking as Mio helped her undress and guided her to the bath behind a set of curtains. Nina sank into the marble bathtub, used by past kings, stretching out her limbs in the warm water. Once again, she let out a sigh of relief.

From behind the curtains, Mio called out to Nina in the bath.

"How about some rose oil afterward?"

"Oh, that sounds wonderful. Please do."

"Of course. Please take your time."

After finishing her bath, Nina moved to the bed, where Mio took some rose oil and began massaging it into her back. The only thing covering Nina’s body was a towel around her waist, and her back was stiff and hard. As the soothing scent spread, Nina closed her eyes in relief.

"This feels nice..."

"As expected, you’re quite tense..."

Nina’s small shoulders and back were as hard as stone. It was no wonder, Mio thought. This 20-year-old woman was bearing the overwhelming weight of the entire Urano nation on her shoulders.

Mio wanted to ease even a little of that burden. She couldn’t do much, but she hoped that at least during the time Nina was in this room, her heart and body could find some peace.

With that thought, Mio gently continued her massage.

"It’s been six months since we came here."

As Mio massaged Nina’s calves, the queen spoke, as if remembering.

"Only that long...? It feels like it’s been ten years."

Mio answered honestly. Though she was just an attendant, her days at Ulysses Palace felt endlessly long. For Nina, it must have felt even longer.

Though Nina never complained, Mio had heard from Countess Ulshyrra and Ignacio that the queen’s government work wasn’t going well. The palace's scheming nobles had not welcomed the new queen, and the great aristocrats openly disrespected Nina and occasionally even opposed her.

Constantly under surveillance, living a life fraught with the threat of assassination, and dealing with members of the Council of Elders loyal to the first prince Demistri and his faction, it was no wonder Nina’s body was so tense.

──There’s not much I can do, but...

──At the very least, I can be someone she can talk to...

Right now, the only person Nina could talk to casually was Mio, a girl her age.

That’s why Mio tried to talk to her as much as she could without overstepping. She didn't expect Nina to laugh heartily, but at least she wished Nina could allow herself a bit of laughter. It had been nearly a year since they met, but Mio had never once heard Nina laugh out loud. Since becoming queen, Nina’s smiles had become rare, replaced by a constant tension. So, Mio told Nina about something that had happened today, hoping to lighten her mood a little.

"The new butler got lost again."

With a playful tone, Mio tattled on the butler, and Nina's response took on a slightly lighter tone.

"Again? Is he really that bad with directions?"

"He was grumbling about how he can’t remember the layout of the main hall. He was going on about how he needs to know exactly where everything is in the palace, but he still got lost on the way back and missed dinner."

"That’s surprising. I’ve known him for over ten years and never knew he had such a weakness."

"The palace is just too big. He’s even started making his own map because he doesn’t trust the ones made by others. He keeps saying it’ll come in handy someday, but... who knows? Maybe he just does it because he has nothing else to do when you’re not around."

"It will probably come in handy someday. Ignacio is that kind of person."

"Maybe. But he ate his dinner cold today, muttering about how the palace architect must have been crazy."

Nina gave a brief chuckle once again.

Ignacio Axis, Nina’s personal knight, had been reassigned as her butler since they moved into the palace. With resistance from the old palace guards, all of Nina’s new personal guards had been assigned to guard a section of the artist's district, three kilometres away. Given that distance, Ignacio had transitioned to being her butler and lived in the Celestial Chamber.

"How are Ignacio and Reiner getting along?"

When Nina asked this, Mio smiled wryly.

"They’re like cats and dogs. They don’t even make eye contact, let alone talk."

"I wish they’d get along better."

"It’s a bad match, personality-wise. Reiner is quite capable at being a servant, but that seems to annoy Ignacio even more."

Reiner Beck, too, had become a servant for the same reason as Ignacio and now lived in the Celestial Chamber. Since his original job as a spy made being a servant easy for him, he flawlessly handled tasks like meals, cleaning, repairs, and managing supplies, making him even more valuable to Lady Ulshyrra than Ignacio.

"They should just go shopping together sometime."

Nina's suggestion made Mio laugh. Just imagining those two shopping together was enough to make her burst out laughing.

"If you ever have the time, we should all go on a picnic."

"…That sounds lovely. A picnic with everyone..."

There was a hint of soft longing in Nina’s response. Mio thought it would be wonderful if they could really make it happen. But she knew that as soon as they proposed the idea, everyone around them would quickly shut it down. After all, there were many who sought Nina’s life, both inside and outside the palace. Before Nina’s coronation, Mio and Ignacio had once snuck Nina out to a pool, but now that she was crowned, such outings were impossible.

Still.

"You need some way to unwind, Nina."

When Mio gently suggested this, Nina shook her head, softening her tone just a little.

"I’m a homebody. I like being inside the palace."

That’s a lie, Mio thought. If Nina ever went out, it would require enormous effort from everyone involved. Nina was aware of that, which is why she told this little lie. Mio loved Nina for being this way and sincerely wanted to create even a little more time for her to relax.

After finishing the oil massage and leaving Nina’s bedroom, Mio headed toward the servants' dining hall. A total of twenty-two people, including butlers, attendants, cooks, and other servants, lived in the Celestial Chamber, tending to Nina’s needs. The dining hall also served as a break room, and it was where Countess Ulshyrra, the head servant, would receive reports about the day’s activities.

When Mio entered the dining hall, Ulshyrra and Ignacio were deeply engaged in conversation. As soon as Mio walked in, their discussion came to an abrupt halt.

"Her Majesty Nina has gone to sleep," Mio reported.

Ulshyrra, always looking tense, gave Mio a sharp, probing glance.

"Did you notice anything unusual with the queen?" she asked, in her typically interrogative tone. Mio had grown used to this. At first, she thought Ulshyrra suspected her of scheming, but over time, she realized this was just Ulshyrra’s way of speaking, and she no longer took it personally.

"No, nothing in particular," Mio replied honestly, causing Ulshyrra and Ignacio to exchange glances. Mio pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Is there a problem?"

Ulshyrra dismissed the question curtly. "If the queen is the same as usual, then there’s no issue."

The conversation was abruptly cut off. There must have been some issue earlier in the day, perhaps during one of the palace salons where noble officials gathered—places Mio wasn’t allowed to enter. All she knew were the rumours circulating among the other servants, but from what she had heard, the nobles’ treatment of Nina was disgraceful.

It was no longer a time when a monarch held absolute power. The authority granted to Nina during her coronation was purely ceremonial—written on paper only. In reality, the great aristocrats who sat in the Council of Elders controlled the politics. The Queen's role was merely to approve the decisions made by the Council, with no power to reject them. Such sentiments were voiced even in Mio's circles.

As queen, Nina should stand with dignity and confront these rebuffs with strength, but she had no family connections. The nobles, bound by strong blood ties and even engaging in close-kin marriages, viewed Nina, who lacked a political base, with complete disdain.

It was well known among the aristocrats that Nina was a puppet of the Illustriali Church. Though those loyal to the Church did not oppose her outright, they were not truly allies either. They sought to use Nina for their own gain, eager to expand their influence by appearing equal to the queen, which only further undermined her authority.

In the medieval era, such nobles would have been exiled or sent to the guillotine without hesitation. However, Nina could never do that. While she might understand that true political power is only realized by instilling fear and commanding respect, she was unable to act on it. The Illustriali Church likely chose Nina as their puppet for this very reason—she was far easier to control than her ruthless and self-absorbed older brother, Crown Prince Demistri.

"It’s also your duty to be a conversation partner for the queen, Mio. Are you fulfilling that role?" Ulshyrra asked pointedly, putting Mio in a difficult position. She didn’t feel like she was doing a great job.

"Her Majesty has seemed tired lately... I don’t feel right pushing her into small talk," Mio explained, but Ulshyrra’s eyes narrowed with dissatisfaction, her gaze cold.

Mio felt a bit awkward. She did try. She wanted to talk to Nina as if they were friends; she thought it would be fun.

But no matter what, she couldn’t ignore the fact that she was an outsider.

After all, she was a servant sent by Zenon Kavaris, the head of Urano’s intelligence agency, and that alone was suspicious. If Zenon asked about the inner workings of the Celestial Chamber, Mio would have no choice but to report the details. She couldn’t deny that she was working for Zenon. So even if she asked for trust, Nina's long-standing aides, like Ulshyrra and Ignacio, were bound to think, "How could we trust a spy for Zenon?"

That’s why she knew there was always a distance between herself and Ulshyrra or Ignacio. Just like how their conversation had stopped the moment she entered the room.

It was the same with Nina. No matter how much she tried to grow closer to her, there was always a subtle distance that Nina maintained.

──I can’t help it... I am a spy, after all...

It made Mio sad, but the truth was the truth.

She became a spy to save her family. In her quest to find her missing step-parents and step-siblings, she needed Zenon’s help. Zenon had already saved her brother from enemy hands, and he was still assisting in the search for her family. If Mio didn’t follow Zenon’s orders, her path to finding them would be closed. Therefore, she had to prioritize Zenon’s wishes over her bond with Nina.

──That’s why I can’t be friends with them...

She reminded herself of this. It was better this way. She had no reason to hate or resent them. As long as they didn’t make her life unbearable, wasn’t that enough? If she got too close and it ended up like what had happened with the "Seven of Eriadore," it would be far too painful. She didn’t want to hurt her friends again, so she preferred to avoid getting too involved with others.

"…That’s how it is. Well, I’m off to my 'lessons'…" Mio said, excusing herself to go train in combat, as she and Reiner did every night. Just then, Reiner entered the dining hall, wearing his usual sly half-smile.

"Hey, Ulshyrra, I’ve brought the new recruit," he said, introducing a girl behind him with his usual nonchalant tone.

"This is Kiliai. She’s going to be working in the kitchen or somewhere like that, so don’t worry about her too much."

The girl, small in stature with lively red eyes, spoke bluntly and seemed quite streetwise.

"Like that women over there, I work for Zenon too. So let’s all get along and try not to step on each other’s toes, alright?"

Her words suggested that she already anticipated the tension between Nina’s old guards, like Ulshyrra and Ignacio, and Zenon’s subordinates, like Mio, Hachidori, and herself. It was a bold statement for someone so new, but perhaps it was better to be upfront than to constantly tiptoe around each other. However, Mio was slightly irked that Kiliai referred to her as "that woman."

Ulshyrra pushed her glasses up her nose and ignored Kiliai’s insolent tone, focusing instead on the question at hand.

"I’ve heard from Zenon that you’re a poison specialist. You can detect any kind of poison... Is that true?"

Kiliai laughed, a twisted kind of laugh that made it seem like something was missing from her personality.

"I’ve already found some. This room has poison in it," she declared.

"What?" Ignacio spoke for the first time, his expression darkening.

Kiliai glanced at Ignacio out of the corner of her eye, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"You’re the new butler everyone’s talking about? Hachidori told me you’re pretty inflexible. Such a shame for a handsome guy like you."

Ignacio’s gaze turned deadly, and his voice dropped as he spoke, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior.

"Show me. Where is this poison hidden?"

Kiliai smirked and walked over to a shelf in the corner of the dining hall.

She picked up a container of white powder from the everyday supplies neatly arranged there. It was the powder used for Nina’s makeup every day.

"This is the poison," she said.

Ignacio’s expression grew suspicious. Mio and Reiner exchanged confused looks, also unsure what she meant.

Ulshyrra, after a moment of thought, took the container of powder from Kiliai and opened it. She scooped a bit of the solid substance onto her finger and sniffed it, then turned to Mio.

"Where did this powder come from?"

"Oh, um... I believe it was provided by the Urad family. They said it would make the skin look whiter…"

The Urad family belonged to the Church faction and had generously supplied various necessities for Nina, who lacked knowledge about palace life.

"Stop using it. I’ll select new cosmetics for her. I trust the Urad family means no harm, but we can’t take any risks."

Mio was shocked. "Poison? In the powder?"

"It contains mercury. It’s dangerous to apply it to the skin, and it could easily be added to food in small amounts."

Mio took the powder from Ulshyrra and examined it. Now that Ulshyrra had mentioned it, she noticed a faint shimmer. As Ulshyrra said, it was possible that by applying the powder to her hands daily and transferring it to Nina’s utensils, mercury could slowly accumulate in her body over time.

Despite being so cautious about poison, they had been blindsided by something so simple. The Urad family might be loyal to the Church, but they were nobles, and many noble houses crossed political lines. Mio realized that they couldn’t trust gifts from anyone. It was safer to assume all gifts contained poison.

Kiliai, accustomed to this sort of situation, smiled darkly.

"So, here’s the deal. From now on, I’ll check every meal for poison. You can trust me when it comes to poisons. Don’t worry about the rest."

Ulshyrra shot Kiliai a cold glance and replied with her usual formality.

"Please refrain from unnecessary actions. Even though you serve under Zenon, while you’re working in the Celestial Chamber, you will follow my instructions. Understood?"

"Aye aye, understood," Kiliai said nonchalantly.

"Answer with one word," Ulshyrra corrected.

"Yes, ma’am," Kiliai replied with a smirk, throwing a mocking wink at Ignacio as he glared at her.

Mio then left the dining hall with Reiner and headed to the training grounds, where they practiced their combat techniques as usual.

Having trained every day since arriving in Pleiades almost two years ago, Mio could feel herself improving significantly.

"You’re getting better," Hachidori, who took over Reiner’s persona during training, said with uncharacteristic praise. During their training sessions, Hachidori became a merciless instructor, pushing Mio to her limits. But he seemed genuinely pleased with her progress.

"I’m honoured," Mio replied, blocking Hachidori’s high kick with her right arm before spinning to sweep his legs. Since she always sparred with Hachidori, she had no idea how her skills would fare against regular soldiers.

During the day, the training grounds were noisy with soldiers and guards honing their skills, but at night, it was just Mio and Hachidori under the flickering torchlight and the starry sky, practicing techniques designed to kill.

"Do you know that girl, Kiliai?" Mio asked as she slipped behind Hachidori and attempted to lock her arms around his neck.

"You could say we’re colleagues, though that’s putting it mildly."

Even as Mio poured all her strength into the hold, Hachidori remained unfazed, speaking in his usual tone.

"More like elite operatives from the same unit?"

"I’ve never considered her a comrade."

"That’s a bit cold. She’s pretty impressive."

"She has a natural talent for handling poisons. But while she’s protecting Nina now, with one order from Zenon, she could easily switch sides and poison her. By placing Kiliai here, Zenon can keep Nina alive or kill her at will."

Mio felt a chill run down her spine. Hachidori was right. Kiliai could protect Nina from poison, but she was also in a position to poison her at any time.

"Is that really okay?"

"It depends on the political tide. There’s nothing you or I can do about it. But Ulshyrra is what concerns me more."

"Ulshyrra?"

Mio was taken aback by Hachidori’s unexpected response, but before she could react, he grabbed her left wrist, twisted her middle finger, and bent it backward.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!!"

Hachidori easily broke free from her hold, pinned her down, and pressed his elbow against her throat.

"She’s extremely knowledgeable. It’s no wonder she was entrusted with Nina’s education. She’s also very cautious. Though she’s a countess, I suspect she’s been through quite a bit at court."

Mio wanted to reply, but with her airway blocked, she couldn’t speak. She tapped the ground with her right hand to signal her surrender, but Hachidori, seemingly lost in his thoughts, continued voicing his suspicions.

"The fact that Nina has survived for six months is proof of Ulshyrra’s skills. She’s been adeptly avoiding dangerous situations."

"…ugh…!"

As Hachidori continued his monologue, Mio’s face turned blue, and she desperately tapped the ground to signal him to stop.

"That’s enough for today."

Finally, Hachidori lifted his elbow, allowing Mio to gasp for air, coughing violently. She had become accustomed to losing in these sessions, but it was still exhausting. Even though he stopped choking her, Hachidori remained straddling her, continuing his questions.

"Why did Ulshyrra come to Pleiades with Nina, leaving her life behind? Answer me."

For some reason, Hachidori seemed very curious about Ulshyrra’s true nature. Struggling to catch her breath, Mio shot back angrily.

"Would you stop pinning me down when you’re asking questions? Get off of me!"

"This is not a question. It’s an interrogation."

Hachidori reached out, grabbing Mio’s nose and pulling it upward.

"This is your punishment for ordering me around. Now, answer while making a funny face."

"Stop it!"

Mio flailed her head from side to side, trying to escape his grip, but Hachidori didn’t let go.

"I heard something from one of the Imperial Guards, Kevin, but I’m not sure if it’s true!" she finally shouted.

"Tell me."

"Let go of my nose first!"

Hachidori slowly released her nose but remained straddling her. Clearly, he didn’t want to move. Resigned, Mio looked up at him and shared what she had heard.

"Apparently, Ulshyrra’s husband had a fierce temper. He sent her to a convent in her twenties just because she couldn’t bear children, leaving her there for over thirty years while he had affairs."

"Hmm."

"Ulshyrra was well-known for her intelligence and education, and many thought it was a waste for her to be treated like that. That’s how she became Nina’s tutor. She spent all those years in isolation reading, which only sharpened her knowledge. But... being treated that way also left her bitter. At first, she was cold toward Nina too."

"I’ve heard that her trip to Isla was essentially exile, and now she’s followed Nina all the way to Pleiades. Why would she do that for just one student? Isn’t there another reason?"

"You need to stop being so suspicious of everyone’s motives. Don’t you get it? After spending so much time with Nina, most people end up liking her. I like her too."

"I don’t understand at all."

"According to what Kevin said, Nina was treated as a witch when she was a child and abandoned by her mother... She doesn’t have any family. Since Ulshyrra couldn’t have children either, I think... they’re probably filling the gap for each other, something like that."

"They’re licking each other’s wounds."

"Stop phrasing it like that. If you’re done with your questions, get off already. I’m not your couch."

Hachidori snorted and finally stood up. Mio let out a sigh of relief, brushed the dirt off her back with a displeased look, and gazed up at the starry sky.

"Ugh, I’m exhausted. Now I still have to do celestial measurements."

Mio’s daily routine didn’t end here. Ever since Nina ascended to the throne, she had been continuing with the celestial observations at Ulshyrra’s request. When Ulshyrra found out that Mio had learned celestial navigation techniques at the officer academy—skills used to determine the current position of a ship by observing the stars—she managed to obtain a sextant, celestial ephemeris, star charts, celestial navigation tables, and a map of the Multi-Island Sea that only the Queen could access from somewhere, and asked Mio to "always keep track of Pleiades' current position." Mio didn’t understand how it would be useful, but since then, she had been conducting celestial measurements every night after training to determine the position of the floating island Pleiades.

After six months of measurements, Mio had accurately determined Pleiades' current location and speed. According to her observations, Pleiades had been hovering above the capital of the Harmonia Empire, Alcacerdo, for about two weeks.

"Okay, please assist me, assistant."

She handed over the logbook, and Hachidori closed his eyes with a bitter expression. In the next moment, Reiner Beck's signature cheeky grin spread across his face. Hachidori always left the tedious work to Reiner.

"I’d prefer the training, though. The boss just takes all the good parts."

"Absolutely not with you."

Combat training inevitably required close physical contact. If Reiner were the partner, he would definitely touch her inappropriately. In that regard, Hachidori could be considered a gentleman. He showed no mercy, but it was purely out of a desire to improve Mio’s combat skills, not out of malice or spite.

She measured the celestial coordinates of the moon, stars, and the fixed star Etica using the sextant and relayed the numbers to Reiner. After plugging the numbers into the celestial navigation tables, they discovered that Pleiades was floating about 50 kilometres west of the capital, Alcacerdo.

However, since this was just data on paper, it was necessary to visually verify the surface to ensure there were no errors. Once a week, Mio would go to the Martios military port on the rear edge of Pleiades to observe and photograph the ground below, which was part of her job. By combining celestial and terrestrial navigation, the accuracy of the numbers improved.

After finishing the measurements, she packed up the equipment and asked Reiner:

"Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be going to the military port, and after that, I’ll head to the Oratorio district. I have to submit a report to the director. Is there anything you want me to pick up?"

"Tomorrow, huh? I’m off too. What should I do?"

"Want to come along? You can carry my stuff."

"Uh... No, I’ll just wander around by myself. It’s my day off, and I want to forget about work."

"Ah, I see. Alright then. It’s a pain, but I’ll go by myself."

Once a month, Mio also had the task of reporting on Nina's condition to Zenon, the director of Urano’s Unified Intelligence Agency. When Nina became queen, Zenon was promoted to the highest position in the Urano Intelligence Agency for his efforts in bringing her to Pleiades. He now monopolized all the information from both the heavens and the earth, analysing and refining it to report to the military command. It was an important position.

Honestly, every time Mio had an audience with Zenon, it weighed on her.

Since Zenon held information about Mio’s family, she couldn’t defy him and had to answer even his strangest questions. Although Zenon always wore a gentle expression, his eyes were like a bottomless swamp. Answering his questions felt like being wrapped up by a venomous snake, with its flickering tongue licking her cheek. Mio had hoped that Reiner would accompany her and make the experience a bit easier, but her plan fell through. Maybe he had something more important to do.

On the way back, they walked together while gazing at the distant Ulysses Palace at night. Even though it was within the same royal grounds, it took about twenty minutes to walk there from the training grounds. Illuminated by the pale blue torches, the palace had a menacing, eerie grandeur fitting for a demon's den. That ominous and imposing palace was now Mio's residence.

"So, I live there, huh... It feels strange."

She mumbled this to herself, and Reiner, with his hands behind his head, looked up at the stars and grinned.

"We’ve come a long way, huh. I never would have imagined back at the officer academy that I’d end up doing something like this with you in a place like this. What do you think will happen next?"

"Yeah... just going with the flow, I guess…"

Looking back at how they ended up here, it certainly felt that way. Buffeted by external circumstances, they were manipulated without ever being given proper choices. Mio had just wanted to save her family, and in doing so, she betrayed her comrades and ended up here in the sky palace. As she met new people and interacted with them, those people became important to her.

She gazed at the starry sky.

The faces of "The Seven of Eriadore" who were not here overlapped with the stars.

──I’m sure everyone’s doing their best...

The stories Reiner had told her about each person weighed heavily on Mio’s heart, stirring emotions that were somewhere between envy, jealousy, and regret. Each of them had a goal, and they were all fulfilling their duties with everything they had.

──I haven’t done anything...

That thought of self-deprecation sprouted within her, and she closed her eyes, shaking her head from side to side. It felt arrogant to compare herself to them.

──I’m just a traitor...

Scolding herself like that, Mio tried to shut out any unnecessary emotions from within.

The next day, Mio was dressed in a clean white shirt and slim jeans, ready to go out when Kiliai suddenly spoke to her.

"Mio, you’re going out, right? Could you do me a favour?"

Mio’s current room was a large servant’s quarters in the corner of the celestial palace. It was a modest room with six wooden beds, two desks, and two wardrobes, leaving barely enough space to walk. Kiliai was now living there with her.

"What is it?"

"There’s someone I’d like you to visit. They’re in a clinic in the Stefano district. Could you deliver this for me on your way out?"

Kiliai smiled as she handed over a small paper bag.

Mio hesitated. The Stefano district was a civilian area on the left bank of Pleiades. It wasn’t as safe as the area she was in, with slums and other places of concern. Today, Mio had business in the Oratorio district, which wasn’t even on the way to Stefano.

In other words, it was a hassle.

"Ugh... it’s a bit far…"

Mio looked at the address of the clinic Kiliai handed her and hesitated even more. It was deep in the Petra Mountains, an inconvenient and remote location.

Kiliai maintained her smile, but her gaze now carried a hint of malice.

"Come on, aren’t you the one the director likes just because of your looks? Consider this as extra training and take the long route."

In terms of rank among Zenon’s eight personal S-Class operatives, known as the "Patriotis," Kiliai was apparently ranked higher than Hachidori. From the perspective of Mio, who was still a spy-in-training, this shorter girl was someone she had to look up to from a great height.

However, being told straight to her face that she was liked only "because of her looks" was infuriating. While Kiliai might have a much higher rank as a spy, Mio had been in the celestial palace longer and was technically her senior here.

"Sorry, I have to report to the director, so I don’t have time for detours."

When Mio refused, Kiliai kept her smile but demonstrated a talent for making her gaze and tone as cold as possible.

"You really don’t understand, do you? Did you think this was just a favour?"

"…"

"Do you even know your rank? Oh, wait, I guess no one’s taught you yet. I’m so jealous of how being favoured by an important person means you can ignore common sense."

Kiliai spoke these insolent words with a cheerful smile. Incidentally, the term "people of the lower ranks" was a derogatory term that Urano people used to refer to those from the surface.

Mio glared at Kiliai. She now understood this wasn’t a request—it was an order from S-Class operative Kiliai to a spy-in-training.

Kiliai, still smiling with hidden malice, held out the paper bag.

"It has to be done by morning. You better leave now, or you won’t make it."

"…"

Still glaring at Kiliai, Mio silently took the paper bag. She received the memo with the clinic’s address and the patient’s name, turned her back without saying a word, and grabbed the doorknob of the large room.

"The patient is feeling lonely, so maybe keep them company while you're at it. You might learn something interesting."

Mio slammed the door shut, cutting off Kiliai's words. She leaned her back against the hallway wall, looked up at the ceiling, and calmed her emotions. Then, she decided to finish this unnecessary task as quickly as possible.

After two hours of being shaken around in a shared carriage, Mio got off deep in the Stefano district. From there, she hiked for about 20 minutes into the Petra Mountains before finally arriving at the clinic.

The quiet grove was washed by the fresh mountain air. The stench of the slums she had passed through in the carriage didn’t reach this far. The clinic was a sturdy log cabin-style building, and it seemed that the patients here were quite wealthy.

Mio carried the paper bag she had been entrusted with and told the receptionist the patient’s name, "Natasha Belour." She was given the number of a private room and ascended the stairs to the second floor.

It appeared that this was a specialized ward for patients with mental disturbances. Was this person a family member or acquaintance of Kiliai? If so, she should have visited herself. Mio couldn’t understand why Kiliai had specifically sent her to do this.

Mio knocked on the door of room 201, as instructed. There was no response. She knocked again, but only silence greeted her. Perhaps the patient was not in. Deciding to just leave the paper bag behind, she opened the door.

The clean, spacious room was empty.

A single elegant bed stood in the room. Sunlight streaming through the large windows reflected off the patched wooden floor. Several framed family photos and pictures of a child hung on the bare log walls.

Mio entered the empty room and examined the photos one by one. In one family photo, there were a father, a mother, and a child around five years old. Both the father and mother were clearly dressed as high-ranking nobles, and the child, presumably their legitimate heir, stood with a stiff posture and an air of self-importance.

Mio recognized the child’s face.

"Reiner…?"

There was no mistaking it. Even as a child, Reiner’s facial features were unmistakable. So, Natasha Belour, the patient, must be...

"!?“

Suddenly, a light impact hit Mio’s temple, and she turned around in surprise to face the bed.

An old woman with white hair was huddled, half-hiding behind the bed. Her crazed eyes were fixed on Mio as she threw a crumpled-up piece of paper at her.

"Leave…!!"

Her hoarse voice had a disoriented tone. As Mio stood there in shock, the old woman bared her gums in a snarl.

"I won’t hand Thomas over!! I won’t let you lowlifes have him!!"

Though her hair had lost its colour and her face was deeply wrinkled, Mio realized that this woman was the mother from the framed photograph. She instinctively understood that there was a tragic story behind this family portrait.

"Uh, I’m just here for a visit…"

Trying to calm the old woman down, Mio explained her reason for being there while enduring the paper balls being thrown at her. But the woman’s shrill accusations didn’t stop.

"Get out!! The Belour family is innocent! We won’t submit to the schemes of you lowly scoundrels!!"

There was no doubt in Mio’s mind now that this was a fallen noble family. Perhaps they had been caught up in a sinister power struggle and ruined. Mio’s heart burned with a mix of pity and sorrow.

"Yes, I’ll leave. I’m going, but please let me just leave this here…"

Mio placed the paper bag by the side of the bed and moved to exit the room. She had no idea what was inside the bag, and she had no desire to find out. Just as she was about to grasp the doorknob, turning her back on the old woman’s screeching voice, the door suddenly opened from the other side.

"!?“

Her eyes widened at the sight of Reiner, no, Hachidori, standing there in civilian clothes.

"…!?“

Hachidori, too, seemed unusually surprised to meet Mio’s gaze.

However, after a brief moment of stiffness, Hachidori’s movements were as swift as ever.

He immediately grabbed Mio by the wrist and dragged her out of the room.

Then, with a slam against the side wall, he pinned her by the throat.

"What do you think you’re doing…!? Why are you here…!?"

Hachidori’s sharp, murderous gaze was much more intense than during training, and it pierced through Mio from close range. The anger in his suppressed voice was obvious. Mio instinctively realized that if she lied, she would be killed. Panicking, she quickly explained.

"K-Kiliai ordered me!! She told me to bring a gift here…!!"

"Kiliai!? How does she know about this place!?"

"I-I don’t know!! I was just asked to deliver a package…!!"

"What package? What did you bring here!?"

The grip on her throat tightened. At this rate, she thought she might really be strangled to death. She had never seen Hachidori this visibly furious before.

"I didn’t look! I’m not interested! I just brought what I was told!!"

Her frantic, almost pleading explanation finally made Hachidori’s grip on her throat loosen. Mio hastily stepped back, coughing violently.

Leaving Mio behind, Hachidori stormed into the room.

The old woman showed her anger toward Hachidori as well.

"Don’t come near me, lowlife!! I won’t let you lay a hand on Thomas!!"

Hachidori bit his lip and found the paper bag Mio had brought. He pulled out its contents—a package of sweets and an envelope with no name or sender on it.

As the woman’s angry screams filled the room, Hachidori tore open the envelope and took out the letter. The message was brief:

"Our general knows everything."

The veins on Hachidori’s temple bulged. His boiling emotions burst out in a curse.

"Is this supposed to be a warning, you damn four-eyed freak…!?"

He crumpled the letter in his hand and angrily threw the package of sweets into the trash bin. After casting a bitter glance at the old woman, he forced himself to suppress his emotions and spoke.

"I’ll visit again, Mother."

He had hoped to take it easy on his rare day off and care for her, but now it couldn’t be helped. It seemed he needed to make excuses to Zenon, who had clearly caught on to his secret actions.

Hachidori left the room.

In the hallway, Mio was standing there, looking at him uncomfortably.

"Uh... sorry about that. It seems like I wasn’t supposed to be here…"

She apologized, looking genuinely remorseful. Hachidori dismissed her with a bitter expression.

"You were planning to meet the director, correct?"

"Oh, yeah."

"I’ll accompany you. I have a report to make to him as well."

"Huh? Oh, really? Uh, okay... sure…"

Mio nodded, unable to refuse. If Reiner had been present instead of Hachidori, she would have bombarded him with questions, but Hachidori, for some reason, didn’t seem willing to switch places today. Even though spending time alone with Hachidori was exhausting, it seemed she had no choice but to accept that this was just an unlucky day.

──Well, he’s an S-Class operative of the Patriotis, so he’s probably well-paid. Maybe he’ll at least cover the transportation costs.

With that faint hope, Mio left the clinic.

She was naive.

"Hey, are you poor or something?"

"……………………"

Hachidori, with a sour expression, borrowed money from Mio to pay for the carriage ride and they arrived at the Martios military port at the farthest end of the Isla’s right bank.

"How do you go on long trips without even carrying your wallet? Are all elite operatives like this?"

"I didn’t plan to come here in the first place... That’s all."

Hachidori offered a flimsy excuse, but for someone of his rank, he could have at least travelled with enough funds. Watching him get cold glares from the coachman for being unable to pay his fare made the situation almost comical.

"It’s fine, but pay me back. I’m broke too, you know."

"…I’ll pay you next month. Cover me for today."

The fact that he couldn’t even repay a carriage fare until next month meant he had almost no savings. Mio sighed dramatically through her nose and began walking toward the pier to observe the ground below. As she walked, a possible reason for Hachidori’s financial trouble crossed her mind.

──That clinic seemed expensive...

Urano didn’t have any kind of health insurance system, and receiving proper medical care in such a well-equipped facility would cost a commoner several years’ worth of wages. Even with an S-Class operative’s salary, paying for an extended stay at that clinic would likely leave very little left over.

──Maybe he’s spending his entire salary on his mother’s medical bills...

That thought crossed her mind, but she didn’t bring it up. It didn’t seem like the kind of thing an outsider should pry into.

And then...

──Is his real name Thomas?

Not Reiner Beck or Hachidori, but Thomas Belour.

Could that be his true name?

They showed their permits at the checkpoint at the entrance to the military port and walked toward the pier. As they did, Mio couldn’t help but wonder about the process that had transformed that well-dressed child in the photograph into an S-Class operative of the Patriotis.

Six airships were moored at the pier.

One heavy cruiser, one light carrier, two light cruisers, and two destroyers. The number of airships flying around Pleiades had been increasing lately, suggesting the possibility of a major operation.

Mio looked down at the distant ground from the pier, comparing it with her map and taking photographs. Her celestial navigation had been successful, and just as she had calculated, Pleiades was still hovering 50 kilometres west of Alcacerdo, the imperial capital. She looked eastward and could see Alcacerdo’s skyscrapers faintly reflecting the midday sunlight. Though she had never visited the city from the ground, she was impressed by its size. It seemed to be an advanced metropolis with more than thirty-story buildings, comparable to the capital of the St Vault Empire, Selfaust. If the Harmonia Empire were to declare war on the St Vault Empire, it would likely result in an unprecedented war, greater even than the Second Multi-Island Sea War.

"Alright, we’re done. The celestial measurements were pretty accurate."

Mio put her camera and map back into her bag and informed Hachidori. Hachidori was gazing far off to the east of Alcacerdo and muttered.

"Two air fortresses have arrived."

Mio looked in the same direction, but due to the atmospheric haze, she couldn’t see anything.

"I can’t see anything."

Without even squinting, as if he were merely looking at flowers, Hachidori muttered to himself.

"Leon and Zigos... They must have turned around from the Multi-Island Sea. No wonder they couldn’t be found."

Though Mio still couldn’t see anything, she knew the names from her officer academy studies.

The 10th Urano Air Fortress "Leon" and the 12th Urano Air Fortress "Zigos."

They had been dispatched to the Multi-Island Sea alongside the captured "Balsinos" and "Kalkinos" after the Sierra Greed naval battle, but the St Vault army hadn’t been able to locate them, no matter how hard they searched. Even though they were supposed to be engaged in operations to secure the Multi-Island Sea, why had they come to the Harmonia Empire?

"This is a sign of a major operation. Exciting, isn’t it?"

"I don’t find it exciting at all. Can’t Lady Nina stop this?"

"Nina holds no real power. She’s just a puppet of the Holy Pope Illustriali. The real power lies with the pope and the elder council members. If they wish it, the Urano army will burn the surface, regardless of Nina’s will."

Just as Hachidori said, this operation was likely being carried out by the first prince, Demistri, who held the de facto command of the military without seeking Nina’s approval.

When Nina became queen, the elder council felt the need to save face for Demistri, the first in line for the throne, so they created a special position for him: "Commander-in-Chief of the Urano Unified Fleet and Operations." While the title didn’t sound particularly grand compared to "Grand Marshal," the Urano Unified Fleet referred to all the air, sea, and land forces of Urano combined with the military forces of the surface nations under its control. In other words, Demistri now had command over all of Urano’s military forces, land, sea, and air. He essentially held all the military power in his hands.

Nina Viento was merely a figurehead queen sitting on the throne.

Demistri was the true commander-in-chief of the military—effectively the king.

That was the current reality of Urano.

Why had the elder council arranged things this way?

Although Nina was popular with the people, she was firmly against war. It was clear that her purpose in ascending the throne was to bring an end to war in Urano. The elder council was well aware of this.

But considering Urano's two-thousand-year ambition, they needed Nina to move in favour of "dominion over heaven and earth." Therefore, they entrusted the military’s command to Demistri, who opposed Nina, and allowed him to proceed with the conquest of the surface. Nina might protest, but in the end, she was a rootless outsider with no family ties to the royal court, and her protests, lacking political power, would amount to nothing more than words. Since Nina’s backers, the Holy Pope Illustriali, desired "dominion over heaven and earth," Nina’s will could be ignored. Urano was effectively ruled by a group of high-ranking nobles—the elder council—and Nina’s role was simply to appease the overburdened populace, serving as a mascot for the heavenly and earthly conquest.

Nina wasn’t foolish, and she had likely anticipated this outcome before ascending the throne. She wouldn’t allow herself to be disregarded forever. Each day, she carefully observed the court’s power dynamics, gradually working to establish her influence. It was a slow process, but it was the only way to change the current situation. Mio supported Nina wholeheartedly in this Endeavor.

However, most of the people living in the palace shared Hachidori’s perspective.

"Without blood ties or factional support, sitting on the throne changes nothing. The people of the surface will surely come to see Nina as a war-hungry, blood-soaked queen. It’s ironic. She took the crown to end war, but because she has no power, she’s accelerating the invasion of the surface. From here on out, Urano will only intensify its actions toward dominion over the surface."

Hachidori’s harsh words made Mio clench her fists involuntarily.

The memories of her burned hometown, Messus Island, came flooding back. The Elder Council members gathered in the Ulysses Palace’s salon... it was the high-ranking nobles who committed that massacre.

──To end the war. I will destroy Urano.

The words that fourteen-year-old Kiyoaki Sakagami had sworn as he looked down upon his razed homeland, after his beloved parents and sister were killed, resurfaced in Mio’s mind. The enemies Kiyoaki vowed to defeat were now living in the same palace as Mio. And now, Mio was one of them, part of those nobles.

──Even though Kiyoaki’s enemies are right in front of me... I can’t do anything.

The thought of her own helplessness filled her with an urge to scream. The unending pain swelled inside her, overflowing into her expression. She felt utterly useless and full of guilt toward Kiyoaki.

──I swore together with Kiyoaki...

──And yet, I haven’t kept a single one of the promises I made...

An invisible pool of blood spread beneath Mio’s feet. Even years after parting from Kiyoaki, the pain hadn’t dulled.

Hachidori glanced at Mio with one eye, clicked his tongue, and urged her forward.

"There’s no time for idle thoughts. Move it, we’re going to see the director."

"…Stop giving orders. You don’t even have money for the carriage fare."

Mio snapped out of it and hurried after Hachidori, who had already started walking. Their final destination for the day was the Unified Operations Headquarters building in the Oratorio district. On the seventh floor, Mio’s superior was waiting for her report...

Zenon Kavaris, the Director of the Urano Unified Intelligence Agency, greeted Mio with a smile as she entered his office. He looked at Hachidori with an expression as if he were watching a dung beetle roll something around.

"Can you imagine a scenario where I listen to your report, then fall off my chair, rolling on the floor in laughter?"

"No."

"Then leave. I’m not in the mood for anything but jokes right now."

"I came here urgently because there’s something that requires immediate explanation to you, Director."

"Hmm," Zenon responded with a dismissive sniff, placing his elbows on the desk, resting his chin on his hands, and staring at Hachidori with a twinkle in his glasses before continuing with a playful tone.

"Could it be that you’ve realized I know all about your personal activities?"

His phrasing was like a riddle, but Mio figured it must be about the incident at the clinic. Without hesitation, Hachidori responded.

"I was investigating the private lives of Elder Council members as part of intelligence gathering, taking advantage of living in the Ulysses Palace. That’s all."

"Your duty is to protect Nina and train Mio. I didn’t ask you to peek under the skirts of any monsters."

"…Perhaps I was impatient to make up for my previous failure. I sincerely apologize for acting on my own and causing unnecessary concern."

Zenon clearly wasn’t interested in Hachidori’s explanation and twirled his pen absentmindedly.

Zenon’s expression silently conveyed: "Do you really think such a shallow excuse would fool me?"

"I can’t help but wonder, Hachidori... In this modern age of peak civilization, you’re not planning on enacting some primitive revenge plot, are you?"

"Absolutely not."

"Good. Let me remind you, your father’s head and body were separated because of years of embezzlement. He spent over a decade squandering the people’s taxes on his mistress. Don’t you think such a useless fool deserved to die?"

"…"

For a brief moment, something like heat radiated from Hachidori. Mio couldn’t help but glance at his profile. His expression hadn’t changed. It was the usual cold, emotionless look.

"I’m ashamed of my father’s foolish actions."

He said this in the same calm tone as always. But the heat Mio had felt earlier must have been Hachidori’s seething anger, she thought.

"As long as you understand that. I just wanted to warn you, in case you got any ideas about inventing some non-existent mastermind to take revenge on. Don’t worry, there’s no mastermind. Your father was an idiot who strangled himself with his own hands. That’s all. So, make sure you and your family refrain from any foolish actions."

"…Understood. I will keep that in mind."

Hachidori answered meekly, and Zenon continued twirling his pen as he observed him. Mio couldn’t tell what unspoken thoughts were passing between them, but she had grasped the general situation.

Hachidori had likely been conducting personal investigations in the Ulysses Palace, trying to find out which Elder Council member had destroyed his family. Zenon had caught on to this and, through Kiliai, had sent Hachidori a warning. The paper bag Mio had delivered was a subtle message from Zenon to Hachidori. After receiving it, Hachidori had rushed to his superior, desperately trying to explain himself.

──This guy is such a jerk.

Mio thought this, genuinely annoyed. She wanted to curse Zenon out on Hachidori’s behalf, calling him a "damn four-eyed freak." It was obvious that Zenon wasn’t doing this because it benefited the job. He was just messing with his subordinates for his own amusement.

──This is infuriating…!

Mio didn’t like Hachidori. If anything, she found him difficult to deal with. He was relentless in training, insulted her constantly, and had once dislocated her shoulder. But still, watching him silently endure this bullying made her incredibly angry at Zenon.

Before she realized it, her mouth had started moving.

"Um... excuse me for interrupting. His activities have also been helpful to Lady Nina."

"Oh?" Zenon raised one eyebrow, clearly amused, urging her to continue.

She had done it now.

Mio regretted speaking but steeled herself and continued.

"Lady Nina has memorized the faces and names of the Elder Council members thanks to her daily efforts, but by learning more about their family situations, smoother interactions have become possible. He’s been helping Lady Nina by providing information, ensuring her duties as queen run more smoothly. While there may have been personal reasons involved, he was also acting in service to the queen. So, I ask that you please... show some leniency…"

This was a lie. Hachidori had never helped Nina. Mio had just felt sorry for him and stepped in to defend him. That was all.

Zenon, still looking amused, stared at Mio.

He kept staring.

His mouth and cheeks were smiling, but behind his glasses, his eyes were laughing.

Even without saying a word, Zenon’s expression conveyed what he was thinking to Mio.

• Are you trying to fool me?*

It was probably just her imagination. She hoped it was. But Zenon, still smiling silently, continued to communicate his thoughts through subtle changes in his expression—small tugs at the corners of his mouth, the lowering of his eyebrows, a slight twitch in his cheek.

• When did you become so arrogant? Do you really think your shallow mind can manipulate me?*

Zenon’s disturbingly eerie smile transformed into those words in Mio’s mind.

It was probably just her imagination. She wished it was. But Zenon’s cheerful, continuous smile turned into another message in Mio’s mind.

• Looks like you need to be punished.*

A cold shiver ran down Mio’s spine. Had she just made an irreparable mistake?

"Mio, you’re so kind."

Zenon said it as if he were praising a puppy. Then he leaned slightly over his desk, peering into Mio’s fearful expression.

"You care so much for your family, and your friends. You really are a good person. Bright, clever, beautiful... You’re perfect in every way. I can’t find a single flaw."

"Ah... yes. I suppose that would be nice."

Mio barely managed to respond, but the situation felt so creepy that she wanted to flee the office immediately. However, Zenon, still smiling gently, continued to speak softly.

"I’m human too, and when I see someone so flawless, I can’t help but want to find their flaws. It’s comforting to find something they lack, something below average. Don’t you think that’s just a natural part of being human?"

"Ah, no, um... I’m really not perfect... I have plenty of flaws."

"Really? That’s quite surprising."

"Yes. Honestly, I find myself irritating at times."

"Mind if I check? I’d like to confirm those flaws."

"Check…? Uh, how would you…?"

"Take off your clothes."

"…"

"All of them. Right here, right now."

"Uh... um…?"

"Can’t do it alone? If you need help, I can have Hachidori assist you."

A cold sweat trickled down Mio’s temple.

He wasn’t joking. Zenon was serious.

"Ah... I’m not sure I understand what you’re…"

"I’m saying I want to observe your natural form to find your flaws, Mio Syira, the kind and thoughtful friend and family member."

Though Zenon's face was smiling, his tone was anything but.

Mio took a half-step back. Zenon’s smile followed her, unwavering.

• Do you not care what happens to your family?*

• If you upset me, you can kiss any hope of rescuing your family goodbye. Are you okay with that?*

Mio’s legs trembled. Zenon was serious. He truly intended to make her undress right here.

"If I manage to find a flaw in you, I’ll permit Hachidori to report his activities to the queen. And if I’m in a good mood, the rescue of your family will progress even faster. It’s a win-win for you. You’re the luckiest girl alive—how enviable. Now, undress and strip completely naked."

With a smile reminiscent of the twin-headed snake from Urano mythology, Zenon issued his command.

Good and evil, light and darkness, saint and devil. The twin-headed snake, embodying both, was preparing to wrap its long tongue around Mio.

"If that doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps we should keep a diary? I could record how you steadily overcome your flaws. We could document your progress regularly."

Desperately, Mio glanced at Hachidori, hoping for some help.

Hachidori’s expression remained cold and indifferent as usual, his gaze fixed straight ahead, focused on a spot on the wall just above Zenon’s head.

However—.

• If you try to resist, the orders will only escalate.*

Hachidori’s whisper reached Mio, even though his mouth never moved. A focused, quiet voice that only Mio could hear.

• It’s the director’s quirk. He gets pleasure from forcing his subordinates to carry out unreasonable commands.*

Upon closer inspection, Hachidori’s lips were barely parted on the left side, just enough to let the faint whisper pass through. With that tiny gap, Hachidori was instructing Mio on the best way to escape this situation.

• Don’t resist. Endure it for now.*

Hachidori’s barely audible whisper echoed distantly inside Mio’s mind.

"Hurry up, will you? I tend to get irritated when people try to stall."

The mythic snake’s words cut off Hachidori’s whispers, leaving only Mio’s despair behind.

Dominion over Heaven and Earth.

The Urano doctrine that sought to sweep away every nation on the surface and establish a regime that governed the earth from the sky.

Urano’s grandiose and ancient doctrine had, over two millennia, become deeply rooted in the psyche of its people, akin to a cultural disease, and had risen to the level of religious belief. To question the validity of the doctrine itself was tantamount to blasphemy against the gods.

The belief was that peace could only be achieved if the superior race of Urano, who lived in the sky, ruled over and guided the inferior races living on the surface. Once the technology of airship warfare had advanced enough to destroy any and all surface defences, the king of Urano would move immediately to conquer the surface. The people of Urano had endured the hardships and inconveniences of life in the sky for over two thousand years, all in preparation for the day when they would rule both heaven and earth. The day when they would finally reap the rewards of their ancestors' great endurance was drawing near.

Most importantly, the coronation of Nina Viento, the "Saviour Prophesied in the Myths," had signalled the beginning of the long-awaited holy war.

All that remained was for Queen Nina Viento to give the command.

In that instant, the three fleets that had been carefully prepared for this day would be unleashed.

Whether ignorant of Urano’s existence or stubbornly resistant, every nation on this planet would be scorched by Nina’s heavenly thunder. The greatest war in human history would engulf the planet, and in time, all the surface nations would submit to Urano, and the earth's riches would belong entirely to them...

──A child’s dream.

Reflecting on Urano’s doctrine, Nina Viento couldn’t help but think so.

──A childish dream that has been held for two thousand years as they wandered the skies.

This was Nina’s unspoken assessment of Urano.

──Even though their military is advanced, their ideas are too narrow...

The floating islands, much like hidden villages carved out of deep forests by people exiled from society, were isolated and insular. The villagers refused contact with the outside world, intermarrying only within the village, developing a closed-off worldview over centuries or millennia, leading to strange and extreme beliefs, completely cut off from broader society. In Urano’s case, their two thousand years of looking down on the surface from the sky had resulted in a pathological contempt for the people below and an almost fanatical belief in their own superiority.

──If this doctrine doesn’t change, the war will never end...

The difficulty of that task left Nina feeling helpless.

She hadn’t believed that simply ascending to the throne would allow her to immediately stop the war. Even a queen couldn’t wield such drastic power right away. But she couldn’t gain any power at all unless she ascended. She had resolved to do whatever it took to prevent a battle with the Second Isla Fleet led by Kal-el, and that’s why she had accepted the crown.

But she hadn’t expected to be able to do so little.

She wasn’t even given the opportunity to act politically.

In the six months since she had taken the throne, Nina had been forced to attend daily ceremonies, concerts, and plays, meeting over a thousand high-ranking nobles and officials at each event.

Looking back on just today:

After waking and getting dressed, she met with thirty high-ranking nobles. After breakfast, she met with another hundred nobles of slightly lower rank. By the time that was done, it was already past noon. In the afternoon, she attended a concert in the palace. Before the performance, she met with two hundred average nobles. After thirty minutes of listening to music, she met with another hundred fifty local nobles. By then, it was time for dinner. She dined with a group of 130 nobles she had met earlier that day in the vast dining hall. After dinner, she met with each of the 130 nobles again, just like in the morning. By the time she returned to the celestial palace, it was eleven at night—bedtime.

──All I do is greet nobles...

For the past six months, this had been almost every day. Occasionally, she had meetings with Demistri, the first prince, or the military’s top brass, but these were always purely ceremonial and superficial. Apart from that, all she had done was greet nobles.

Time and again, she had expressed to the Holy Pope Illustriali and the Elder Council that she wanted to fulfill her duties as queen. But their answer was always the same: This is no longer a time when the king intervenes in politics. Instead, they insisted it was more important for the queen to gaze upon the faces of the nobles daily, to speak to them, and to encourage them, so they would always swear loyalty to her.

She was not allowed to do anything.

Just a puppet.

It was exactly like the time of the Wind Revolution. She had been placed on the throne because she was popular with the people, but her own will had no impact on the world. Now that she had lost her ability to call the wind, Nina was just a lonely girl in the palace with no one to rely on.

She didn’t even know the whereabouts of the Second Isla Fleet.

Demistri, the supreme commander of the entire Urano military, was moving the forces without even consulting Nina. Although Nina was the official supreme commander of the national military, this was clearly a violation of her command authority. As queen, she was obligated to punish such an act severely, but if she tried to imprison the first prince, there would be protests from all sides, and Urano’s royal government would be thrown into chaos... and so the Holy Pope Illustriali stopped her from doing anything. In reality, Nina lacked the resolve to take such drastic action and imprison the prince.

No sane person could be a king.

All great kings were, without exception, egotists.

They were fanatically devoted to their own beliefs, and anyone who stood in their way was eliminated. Intrigue and scheming were par for the course, and they didn’t hesitate to confiscate the lands and execute the entire families of rebellious nobles. Sometimes they even killed their own siblings. Only those with such unshackled minds could instil fear and awe in the high-ranking nobles under them and lead a nation.

So, the only course of action for Nina now was to kill Demistri and his entire family—to root out the bloodline of Urano’s royal family that had continued for generations.

But Nina couldn’t do it.

──I’m not fit to be queen...

She finally realized this, feeling a deep sense of disillusionment with herself.

However, she couldn’t afford to wallow in despair. To change the current situation, she needed to raise her value within the palace and gain the support of the Elder Council members. Lately, she had begun to match the faces of the over one thousand nobles with their names, and she was starting to understand their personal circumstances. During her audiences, she had found that adding just a few words about their parents' health, ongoing lawsuits, or their children's academic success made them immensely pleased. Being personally addressed by the queen, in front of all their rivals, greatly boosted their status. It might seem trivial or even foolish from an outsider’s perspective, and the work of a queen might seem dull, but these personal connections eventually build trust, garner support, and give the queen the power to enforce her will. It was a gradual process, but it was all she could do.

──There’s nothing else I can do.

Encouraging herself, Nina spent her days greeting the nobles until she was utterly exhausted, returning to the celestial palace where Mio helped her out of her grandiose outfits, finally allowing her a brief moment of peace. The time she spent alone with Mio before bed was now Nina’s only true comfort.

Or at least, it should have been.

But tonight, something seemed off about Mio.

"…Mio? Are you feeling unwell?"

After her bath, Nina changed into her nightwear and asked. Mio, looking deathly pale, kept her head down and didn’t respond.

Something was clearly wrong. Usually, Mio would chat about interesting things that had happened in the palace or bring up small talk to lighten Nina’s mood while helping her change, but tonight, she hadn’t said a word.

Nina peered at Mio’s face. It was pale. Her eyes, usually bright, were dark and clouded, like a dying rabbit’s, devoid of their usual vitality.

"Mio, you look ill. You should rest if that’s the case…"

Mio, still looking down, barely shook her head, offering a faint response.

"…I’m fine... Well then... goodnight."

With a voice that was anything but fine, and as if wringing out the words, Mio weakly turned to leave the room.

Nina couldn’t help but call out to her retreating figure.

"Something happened, didn’t it? Did someone do something unpleasant to you?"

Nina had an intuitive sense about it. This expression and demeanour weren’t from an illness. It was the reaction of someone overwhelmed by deep sadness or suffering. Nina had seen this kind of expression many times before and recognized it immediately.

Mio barely glanced back, biting her lip, her face still pale as she shook her head from side to side.

"…It’s nothing... I’m fine…"

Though her words said one thing, her pain was palpable. Nina didn’t know what had happened, but it was clear that Mio’s heart was teetering on the edge. Nina hurried over to Mio, grasping her hands firmly, and stood before her.

"You don’t seem fine at all."

Mio lowered her head even more, trying to avoid Nina's gaze.

"…I’m fine. It’s not something you should worry about, Lady Nina…"

Mio’s hands, which Nina held, felt weak. Her life energy seemed faint and distant.

Nina retraced her memories, trying to deduce what had caused the change in Mio. She remembered that Mio had had the day off yesterday and had gone to Martios Military Port for celestial navigation and her daily report to Zenon. Something must have happened during her meeting with Director Zenon.

"Did Director Zenon do something to you?"

At the mention of Zenon, Mio’s back visibly tensed for a moment. She was clearly afraid. Nina could feel the tremor in Mio’s hands, a clear sign of the fear she had experienced.

For some reason, Nina felt like crying. Though she couldn’t quite understand why, an overwhelming sadness scorched her heart.

"Mio…"

She called out gently, but Mio, barely able to stand on her trembling legs, remained silent, her head still lowered.

"Mio."

Nina called her name again and wrapped her arms around Mio’s back. She didn’t know why, but she just wanted to comfort this terrified and hurt person in front of her.

As she pressed her hands against Mio’s shaking back, she felt as if Mio’s despair was pouring directly into her own heart.

──This is horrible. How could someone so kind be so scared, so hurt…?

──Who could have done something like this…?

"Please, tell me anything. I may be just a queen, but I can still help."

"……………………"

"I can at least do something for the people close to me. Please, tell me what’s troubling you."

"…Lady Nina... You’re too kind…"

Mio’s words were barely holding back tears. Nina could tell Mio was trying to convince herself not to cry.

"Who did this to you? Who hurt you?"

"…It’s fine... I’m fine…"

Mio, still grateful for the embrace, slowly but firmly squeezed Nina’s hands, gently trying to pull away.

"Mio…"

"…Just the fact that you care about me is more than enough…"

Feeling the need to cry herself, Nina reluctantly released her hands. Without ever looking up, Mio moved as if to escape, placing her hand on the door handle.

"I’m fine... There’s no need to trouble yourself with me…"

With a voice so frail it seemed to belong to someone else, Mio said these words and closed the door behind her.

Nina was left alone, staring at the door through which Mio had just disappeared. A crushing feeling of helplessness washed over her, causing a deep ache in her heart.

She remembered how, when they had lived at the Lamia Palace, Mio had planned outings to take her to the pool or shopping to cheer her up during her reclusive days. Nina had enjoyed it so much, and it had lifted her spirits from the depths of her depression.

She also recalled Mio talking about wanting to go on a picnic with everyone. Nina had thought that would be wonderful.

──I want to help Mio feel better.

──It should be okay to sneak out for a bit, right…?

Determined to make a secret outing happen, Nina gathered her resolve and made her way to Lady Ulshyrra’s room for a consultation.

"No, absolutely not."

Lady Ulshyrra, initially surprised by the unexpected visit, immediately responded after Nina presented her with the personal request—not as the queen, but as Nina Viento, an individual.

After displaying her habitual gesture of adjusting her glasses, Ulshyrra continued speaking.

"Mio is Zenon’s spy. While she may work diligently, we cannot place our complete trust in her. Do not forget that every action we take is reported to Zenon through Mio."

Even now, whenever Lady Ulshyrra spoke to her in this way, Nina felt herself shrinking inside. Having been raised under Ulshyrra’s strict guidance from a young age, Nina naturally assumed a posture of acceptance.

But tonight, Nina had something she wanted to say.

"That may be true... but I feel like Mio cares more about us than Zenon... She shows it in subtle ways."

"And what evidence do you have of that?"

"…None. It’s just something I feel."

Like a poor student, Nina gave her answer, causing Ulshyrra to sigh.

"Take a seat."

She gestured for Nina to sit in the wooden chair nearby. Nina obediently sat down, and Ulshyrra, her neck veins visibly tense, began to lecture her.

"Have you considered that Mio could be acting this way deliberately to make you believe in her?"

"……………………"

"You are the one who sits at the pinnacle of Urano. Many people want to take your life. A single moment of carelessness could lead to irreversible failure. If you make plans to go out with Mio, and she reports those plans to Zenon, who then informs Demistri’s faction, your life could be in grave danger. What good would it do to risk your life just to keep Mio happy?"

Ulshyrra laid out her argument all in one breath.

Ulshyrra’s reasoning was sound, and Nina understood that. But logic alone couldn’t suppress the emotions swirling inside her.

"I want to believe in Mio. There’s something about her... something different from ordinary people. I have this strong feeling that someday, she’ll be of great help to us... This feeling just won’t go away."

"That’s far too flimsy a justification. Are you really willing to risk your life based on a mere feeling?"

"…Yes."

"Why are you so fixated on Mio? She’s just a servant—one who could easily be replaced."

Nina, gathering her courage, looked Ulshyrra straight in the eyes and spoke honestly.

"It’s... because she reminds me of Ariel. Their faces and personalities are different, but at their core, Mio is very much like Ari…"

Ariel Albus. She had been Nina’s closest friend during their time on Isla, the one who had restored Nina’s ability to smile and believe in herself when she had lost all hope.

"When I talk to Mio, it feels like Ariel is here with me again... It gives me strength. Just having her nearby makes me feel like I can endure anything, no matter how tough it gets. That’s why... I want to help Mio feel better. For my own sake, too."

It had been a long time since Nina had expressed her true feelings so openly to another person. She looked at Ulshyrra with pleading eyes.

"The risks may be significant... but for the sake of my duties as queen, I need Mio by my side. Please."

Ulshyrra observed Nina through the thick lenses of her glasses, studying her for a while before finally letting out a breath.

"…Since Mio was originally employed to help ease your mind... If you feel she is that necessary to you, then it may be worth considering."

Nina’s face brightened.

"…Yes! She’s necessary!"

Ulshyrra made a slight grimace of reluctance and added:

"…You’re the queen. You should be giving commands as a public figure, not making personal requests like this. The reason I end up scolding you so much is because you insist on presenting yourself as a private citizen."

"I wanted your honest opinion, Lady Ulshyrra. Now, let’s make some plans. I’ll consult with Ignacio. He’ll probably object, but…"

As Nina smiled brightly, Ulshyrra, with a resigned look, watched her for a moment before slightly softening her expression.

Hachidori had thought that Mio wouldn’t come tonight. Still, he found himself standing alone in the night-time training grounds, gazing up at the starry sky, as had become his routine.

Torn clouds drifted past beneath his feet, and the air was humid. Pleiades, at 2,000 meters altitude, often saw clouds brushing near one’s body. The constant stream of clouds painted in red, orange, and blue, illuminated by the bonfires, gas lamps, and electric lights of the Ulysses Palace, passed overhead like a fleeting dream.

Lost in the haze of colours, Hachidori reflected on the events of the previous day.

He couldn’t understand Mio.

──Why did she say that?

Out of nowhere, Mio had suddenly told Zenon, who had been ignoring Hachidori’s excuse, that Hachidori had been investigating the Elder Council members to report back to Nina. It was an obvious lie, one that couldn’t possibly deceive Zenon, and it had only provoked Zenon’s wrath, resulting in the humiliating ordeal they had been subjected to.

──Foolish woman.

He spat the words inwardly. Yet, no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t summon any real contempt for Mio. Instead, a deep, gnawing regret and pain sat at the pit of his stomach. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why.

──It doesn’t affect me. It shouldn’t.

He assured himself. But the pain didn’t lessen. As the memory of Mio walking silently beside him on their way back, head bowed the entire time, returned to him, frustration and anger flared once again.

And then—

──Why am I even here?

It was clear that in her current state, Mio wouldn’t be able to participate in their nightly training. And yet, here he was, waiting for her, knowing she wouldn’t come.

──It’s just a habit. Coming here at night is ingrained in me now.

Just as he was making this excuse to himself, he spotted a shadowy figure walking toward him through the pale blue clouds.

His heart skipped a beat.

It was Mio.

Walking with slow, hesitant steps, she seemed almost like a ghost as she made her way across the training grounds.

"Idiot."

A voice escaped his lips as he instinctively started to rush toward her, but Hachidori caught himself, forcing himself to stop.

──I should say something to her.

A voice inside him echoed.

──Mio endured humiliation so that I could continue my investigation.

Zenon had allowed Hachidori to continue investigating the past of the Elder Council members at Ulysses Palace in exchange for Mio’s sacrifice. It was as if they had used Mio as a scapegoat to gain the freedom to continue their work.

However, Hachidori didn’t know how to convey this to Mio.

He didn’t know how to express gratitude.

Watching Mio approach, Hachidori bit his lip slightly and decided to run away from the situation.

"Switch with me."

──You’re the one who has to comfort her.

"Don’t mess around. Switch."

──Alright.

Hachidori closed his eyes.

A moment later, Reiner Beck scratched the back of his head as he opened them again.

"I have no idea how to handle this, though…"

──Do as you like. It’s up to you how you deal with Mio, whether you comfort her or not.

"Cooking her up isn’t going to solve anything... Damn it, I’m terrible at this... Whatever I say, I take no responsibility for it."

──I’m leaving it to you.

As the internal exchange ended, Mio stood before Reiner, still looking downcast.

Reiner shook his head and spoke.

"No training today. In your condition, there’s no way you’d be able to handle it."

"……………………"

"You take things too seriously. It’s okay to skip once in a while. Even the boss is giving you a break. I’m surprised. The boss isn’t the type to be considerate of others."

Hachidori didn’t protest as Reiner expected. Lately, this had become more common—Hachidori retreating deep inside, falling completely silent. While this made things easier for Reiner, he found it a bit strange, but he continued speaking.

"Uh... yeah. It’s understandable to feel down for a while. But compared to what female S-Class agents go through during training... you’ve still gotten off pretty easy. If you ask Kiliai, she could tell you all about it... but that training shattered her personality. What you went through yesterday? It’s actually mild by the director’s standards. I’m sure that’s no comfort, but at least it doesn’t seem like the boss wants to completely break you. He stopped just before doing any real damage."

"……………………"

"I’m terrible at comforting people. This is a nightmare for me. What do you even say in situations like this? How do I get you to feel better again?"

"……………………"

"I don’t know if this helps, but I’ll tell you one thing. Hachidori never looked at you, not even once, during that whole ordeal. He kept his eyes on the wall the entire time."

"……………………"

"If it were me, I’d have looked. No question. Hell, I might have even stared. You can’t blame me, though. I’m a guy, and if it’s right there next to me, I’d look. I wanted to switch places with him so bad, but the boss didn’t let me. From start to finish, he just kept staring at the wall."

"……………………"

"The boss feels guilty, in his own way. He knows you lied for him. I know that doesn’t make you feel any better, but... he’s grateful to you, in his way."

Mio didn’t move. The mist, tinged with orange, blue, and yellow, flowed around her, making her seem like a fairy from a story draped in an ethereal veil. She stood still, looking so fragile she seemed as if she could dissolve into the air at any moment.

Reiner kept talking to himself.

"Here’s some advice for when you’ve been through hell: think of it like stepping in crap while walking down the street. There’s no point dwelling on it—just forget it. You stepped in crap, but now it’s over. That’s it."

"……………………"

"Yeah... and another thing... maybe go somewhere quiet and scream. Shout all that pent-up frustration out of your system. Find a place where no one’s around, like this training field at night, and just let it all out. It might help clear your head a bit."

"……………………"

"…Anyway, I’m heading out. You can stay here as long as you like. It’s a wide-open space, and you’re all alone. You’re free to sing, dance, cry, or scream—whatever you want. Lucky you."

With that, Reiner waved lightly, stuck his hands in his pockets, and walked off at a leisurely pace, leaving the area.

Mio remained standing in the training grounds, alone. As Reiner walked away, he glanced back to see that Mio’s figure had disappeared into the mist.

Facing forward again, Reiner continued walking. The illuminated Ulysses Palace gradually emerged in the night, its towering structure filling his entire view. Just then, a thin, high-pitched sound echoed from behind him.

It was a piercing sound—a cry born of anger, frustration, sorrow, and despair compressed into a single moment and released into the atmosphere. It was a painful, heartbreaking cry that pierced through the night air and faded into the wind.

The sound rang out twice, reaching up toward the starry sky before vanishing into the night. All that remained was silence, as the mist-laden clouds tangled together and ascended toward the stars.

A sense of helplessness and stinging pain shot through Reiner’s body, as if bullets had torn through him, leaving countless holes in his consciousness.

No matter how much he tried to suppress it, the frustration and anger clung to his spine, crushing him.

──Zenon Kavaris.

His superior’s name burned hot into his mind, etched with a searing intensity, as it carried with it all the raw emotion Reiner had tried to suppress.