Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V8Part6

Part 15 (Part 6 of Volume 8)

The only duty of Queen Nina Viento of Urano was to approve the resolutions of the royal government.

The government was composed of the Senate and the House of Commons, but the House of Commons, which gathered representatives from the general populace, was a body that could be easily manipulated by the Senate. In reality, power resided with the senators—members of the noble class who belonged to Urano’s elite.

The Urano monarch was nominally granted veto power over government decisions, as well as the authority to issue imperial decrees. Founders like Ulysses and the previous king, Ortega, had frequently issued decrees, using them to eliminate opposing nobles and cement their absolute power within the court. However, this was only possible because they had strong family ties within the court. Nina, lacking such blood connections, could not wield such authority, no matter how much she might desire it.

One year and ten months since her coronation. Laws, ordinances, policies—various documents had passed across Nina's desk, and for all this time, she had signed them without being able to refuse. Even reports about the war, which a queen should naturally be informed of, were not coming to her properly.

A completely powerless puppet.

Nina had accepted this reality when she took the throne, and she was aware that if she lost the support of her backer, Pope Illustriali, she could be exiled from the City of the Sky as soon as tomorrow. However, she had no intention of remaining a mere figurehead forever.

There was the monthly Council of Sages.

In the past, this prestigious council had decided national policies through closed-door discussions between the king and two or three influential lords. Now, it had become merely a formality—a place where the top few members of Urano’s elite gathered once a month to exchange information, gossip, and barbs, all while putting on a show of unity. The content of their discussions was irrelevant; the real point was for participants to signal to their political rivals that they had been invited to the council.

However, for Nina, it was her only opportunity to express her will to the two men who truly ruled Urano: Pope Illustriali and Supreme Military Commander Demistri.

The meeting was customarily held in the special room known as the “Onyx Chamber,” within Nina’s residence, the “Heavenly Palace” in the Ulysses Palace. In this small room, just large enough for three people to sit around a small table with their toes touching, some of the most important policies had once been decided, policies that brought disaster to both heaven and earth.

And now—

Nina Viento entered the Council of Sages with a resolution in her heart.

Imperial Year 1351, October, Pleiades, Ulysses Palace, “Heavenly Palace, Onyx Chamber.”

Up until now, Nina had always felt suffocated during these meetings. She had no right to speak and was forced to read Pope Illustriali’s expressions while enduring Demistri’s aggressive rhetoric. But the time had come for her to take action. With the Second Isla Fleet having arrived in the Archipelago Sea, now stationed in the Kingdom of Sylvania and preparing for a decisive battle with Urano, doing nothing would render her reign meaningless.

She had taken the throne precisely to avoid a war with the Isla Fleet.

The time had come to fulfill her role.

In the small room, just the three of them, without any aides.

Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with rare volumes of Urano’s secret histories, accessible only to the king and a few high-ranking lords. The furnishings consisted of a small, old-fashioned table and three chairs, their backs engraved with images of Saint Aldista. If the three leaned forward slightly, their foreheads would nearly touch, making the distorted face of Demistri and the wrinkled smile of Illustriali uncomfortably close.

In contrast to the fiery-tempered Demistri, Illustriali always smiled serenely. His white hair and eyebrows, his deeply sunken eyes and wrinkled face, and his frail body, almost like that of a teenage boy, gave him an appearance far older than his 68 years. Despite his calm demeanour, as head of the Church of Saint Aldista, he held immense influence not only in Urano but also over the faithful on the surface. Illustriali never spoke of politics in front of Nina, usually only exchanging a few polite words about daily life or health before sitting back and smiling as Demistri delivered his lectures.

After the usual exchange of pleasantries, discussion of court ceremonies, and gossip about the nobles, Nina finally gathered her courage to bring up politics.

“Is a decisive battle with the Isla Fleet truly necessary?”

In that moment, Demistri’s already twisted expression contorted even further. But Nina continued, undeterred.

“They must want to negotiate with Urano. If we send envoys, they will surely respond, just as they did during the negotiations at the Holy Spring. Before resorting to military force, shouldn’t we explore diplomatic solutions?”

Demistri’s face turned as red as an apple. Nina had seen it so many times before that it didn’t faze her anymore. She could already predict what he would say next.

“Do you really think those barbarians understand human language!?”

Just as she expected.

“They attacked our Archipelago Fleet without warning! Where is there room for negotiation? We must crush them completely, or the honour of our military will be tarnished!”

He slammed his fist on the table so hard that spittle flew, his voice a thunderous roar. Meanwhile, Illustriali simply smiled as usual.

Nina calmly wiped her face with a handkerchief and then looked Demistri squarely in the eyes.

“In February last year, at the Holy Spring, the Second Isla Fleet requested negotiations, but Urano attacked them unilaterally. Is that not correct?”

For a moment, Demistri’s expression faltered.

Nina pressed on with the information she had learned from a former senator with whom she had a close relationship.

“This was two months after my coronation, wasn’t it? Why was I not informed of this? Could you explain that, Commander?”

Demistri swallowed his words and tried to smooth the wrinkles on his brow.

“…It’s those Micene supporters, isn’t it? I’ve heard you’ve been getting cosy with them. Do you think you’ve secured the Senate’s favour by doing that?”

Nina took a deep breath and raised her determined gaze.

“Why did you attack them? Please, answer me.”

Demistri let out a low growl. Clearly, he was feeling the pressure. Until now, Nina had always stayed silent no matter how much he yelled. But today, she was standing up to him.

“…I am the Supreme Commander. In times of crisis, I act on my own judgment.”

“But I was not informed of this matter.”

“It was a minor incident. There was no need to report it.”

“Moving an entire fleet is a minor incident?”

Demistri’s jaw shifted noticeably to the right. Nina had seen many of his expressions over the years, but this was a new one, twisted in a way she had never seen before.

“You ordered an attack on the Isla Fleet without my approval. Doesn’t this violate the constitution, which grants me supreme command over the military?”

Nina continued to press, knowing full well that Demistri wasn’t one to be swayed by reason, but she could no longer tolerate his unilateral actions.

“The constitution is nothing but a smokescreen to manipulate the people.”

Demistri responded dismissively, his words hoarse.

“I won’t let the military be run by a woman’s whims.”

He didn’t hesitate to voice his inner emotions, throwing them at Nina without restraint. Demistri was a surprisingly straightforward opponent.

“Commander, this isn’t about a woman’s whims. It’s the will of the monarch. And this is not a casual discussion by a village well—it’s a meeting about the future of Urano. My words are backed by the support of the citizens, and I ask that you respect that.”

“…”

“It’s not too late. We should send an envoy to the Isla Fleet. Do you have any objections?”

Without letting his crude words provoke her, Nina calmly pushed her agenda. Demistri, still fuming with anger, found himself unable to make a quick decision.

“First, we negotiate. We should hear their demands, consider our own situation, and seek a solution that benefits both sides. If we strike immediately, we will only waste resources and lives.”

“…”

“I’ve already consulted with Foreign Minister Micene. He believes that the same group who met with Amelia, the Isla Fleet’s foreign minister, six years ago would be best suited for the task. Amelia is a wise woman. I’m certain that if we meet at the negotiating table, we can find a solution that works for both sides.”

“…”

Demistri didn’t respond, but his gaze was filled with seething hatred.

“What is your opinion, Your Holiness?”

Nina turned to Illustriali for his view.

“As Your Majesty wills,” he responded calmly, smiling as usual. The elderly man immediately sided with Nina and glanced at Demistri.

“It seems His Highness is not entirely convinced.”

Even when Pope Illustriali was addressed, Demistri merely cast a gaze filled with all the negative emotions he could muster toward Nina, refusing to answer. Although Nina felt a deep sense of disgust in response to his look, she maintained a calm exterior.

“I understand that a decision cannot be made immediately. However, I believe we should always begin with dialogue.”

“Perhaps this is enough for today. We can discuss specific plans at a later time,” Illustriali suggested.

“Yes, I expect the Foreign Minister to bring this matter to the next cabinet meeting. I sincerely hope it will be approved.”

When Nina mentioned that she had already spoken with Foreign Minister Micene, Illustriali nodded once, while Demistri’s face twisted into an even more unrecognizable form.

The elderly Illustriali was the first to stand and leave the Onyx Chamber. His attendants, who had been waiting in the adjacent room, greeted him as he exited. Next, Demistri slowly rose from his seat and walked toward the narrow room’s exit before turning back to face Nina.

“I know what you’re up to.”

“…?”

“Kal-el Albus. That’s your man’s name.”

For a moment, Nina’s eyes hardened. Now, in this confined space, it was just her and Demistri, with no one else to hear what was said.

“You became queen for a man, you wretched harlot.”

His gaze and words wrapped around her like vines, seeping into every fibre of her being. The sheer revulsion was too much, and she found herself stepping back involuntarily.

“You will pay for the sin of bringing disgrace upon Urano.”

Demistri spat his curse before slamming the door shut.

Nina was left alone in the dark room.

Perhaps she had moved too soon. Maybe she should have gathered more allies in the Senate and laid stronger groundwork before acting. A flicker of regret ignited within her, but given the situation, she had no choice but to take some risks.

—Above all, I must prevent this battle.

—I became queen to stop this senseless war…

She reminded herself of this resolve as she took a deep breath and opened the closed door with her own hand.

After the Council of Sages concluded, Pope Illustriali, surrounded by five attendants, left the Heavenly Palace. It took about fifteen minutes to walk from there to his personal quarters within the Ulysses Palace. As he walked slowly, his serene smile never faltering, he called out to the small man leading the way.

"Atori."

Atori, ranked first among the S-class operatives of the Patriotis, responded without turning back.

"Yes, Your Holiness."

"Deliver a message to Zenon. Tell him to send the doll to the prince."

"Understood."

Atori acknowledged the order and turned a corner in the hallway. By the time Illustriali reached the same corner, Atori had already disappeared. A different attendant took the lead, and Illustriali continued walking down the long corridor as if nothing had happened.

As he walked, he recalled the beauty of Nina, whom he had observed up close in the Onyx Chamber. And beside her, the pitiful figure of the prince, whose mind and body had been twisted by her beauty.

Nina Viento—the wise, noble, and beautiful queen, prophesied as the saviour in ancient myths.

The end of a life continually toyed with by strange fates was all too clear to Illustriali. Now that she had lost his backing, her only true support, Nina had no future.

"She became queen because she had no roots in the court," Illustriali murmured to himself, still smiling.

"But when you side with those beneath you, this is what happens."

In the depths of his sunken eyes, there flickered the colour of a demon king who ruled over a nest of sinister spirits.

"To end up as nothing more than the plaything of a foolish prince..."

Whispering such unsettling words, Illustriali silently counted the next candidates for Nina's replacement as he strode down the long corridor, his serene smile unbroken.

The dream from long ago refuses to fade.

A summer sky, towering clouds. A field of rapeseed flowers. The high-pitched chirping of a bird.

A boy with black hair.

Ah, am I seeing this dream again?

"I’m going to marry Kiyoaki!"

I’m laughing, wearing a tiara made of rapeseed flowers.

"And then, I’ll give Kiyoaki a silver ring! That completes the ritual, and our love will be eternal!"

Even though I was the one who trampled on that dream.

Even though I shattered it so thoroughly it could never be repaired.

How much longer will I cling to this dream?

When I wake up, once again, I feel tears trailing down my cheeks.

“Pathetic.”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Mio stared up at the familiar ceiling of the servant’s bedroom and berated herself.

“…The worst.”

As if it were part of her daily routine, she continued to insult herself while sitting up, placing her hands over her eyes, trying to push out the lingering emotions.

It had been three years and one month since she had betrayed her comrades, thrown insults at Kiyoaki, and left Air Hunt Island. She had thought that with time, her memories would slowly fade, and the pain would vanish—but that had not happened. The pain was deeply rooted within her, extending from her nervous system’s core to its farthest reaches, never letting go. Occasionally, it would resurface, cutting through her insides and wearing her down.

—This is what I deserve.

How can I complain about this level of pain? It’s nothing compared to the wounds I inflicted on Air Hunt Island, the officer academy, and my comrades.

After scolding herself again, Mio got out of the rough wooden bed.

Next to her, Kiliai was lying down, watching her with a mischievous smile as she asked, “Who’s Kiyoaki?”

It seemed she had once again muttered that name in her sleep. Fighting to control her reaction, Mio replied, “Oh, did I talk in my sleep again? It’s the name of a monster that often appears in my dreams. No matter how much I run, it keeps chasing me.”

“Really? What’s it like?”

“Well, it’s this huge, disgusting thing with an awful colour, and it makes this ‘Wee-Wee’ sound while frogs pour out of its mouth. Super scary.”

“Oh my, and you want to marry this monster, huh?”

Wondering how much she had said in her sleep, Mio continued to play dumb.

“It chases me, saying, ‘Marry me, Wee~,’ until I agree. I’m just avoiding it, that’s all. Anyway, we need to prepare breakfast. Let’s hurry.”

Mio forcibly ended the conversation and began changing into her maid uniform. Kiliai, still grinning, did the same, slipping into her uniform as they prepared for the day’s routine. The important Council of Sages had concluded the previous day, and from today, the busy schedule would resume.

Last night, after the meeting ended, Nina, having shed her royal garments, spoke briefly with Mio about the council. As expected, Demistri had been furious, but Pope Illustriali’s response had been positive. Nina felt hopeful that, with the pope’s continued support, she might be able to exert some control over Urano’s military movements.

Mio thought it would be wonderful if things turned out that way.

Although it was too soon to be optimistic, perhaps it was time for Nina’s luck to change. Nina had been used by others, sacrificed herself constantly, and never once in her life had she experienced true happiness. After enduring so much, Mio felt that it was time for the gods to smile on her.

If the war could end with a peace treaty between the surface nations and Urano, and Kal-el could lead the Second Isla Fleet to Pleiades, greeted by confetti, fanfare, and the blessings of the people, and if Nina could reunite with her fated one, it would be the perfect happy ending she deserved.

Dreaming of such a future, Mio headed to the servants' mess hall. It was 5:30 in the morning. In the kitchen, the chefs were already preparing Nina’s breakfast. The ever-punctual head steward, Ulshyrra, sat at the table, scanning through several newspapers.

“Good morning,” Mio greeted as she sat down across from Ulshyrra, who looked at her sharply over the top of her glasses.

“…The Seven of Eriadore, was it? You, Reiner, Queen Elisabeth… And now, Colonel Balthazar Grim, currently serving in the St Vault Imperial Army…”

“Uh, yes…?”

Mio was a bit surprised to hear Balthazar’s name come up from Ulshyrra. Glancing at the newspaper she was reading, it appeared to be a St Vault publication. Sometimes, Foreign Minister Micene, with whom Ulshyrra had close ties, would receive newspapers from the surface. Perhaps something about Balthazar had been mentioned.

“Is there something about Balthazar?”

“…It seems his reputation has risen considerably. He’s reportedly anticipated Urano’s military strategies multiple times and has earned the title ‘Strategist of Achilles.’ It’s said he’s now General Raphael’s trusted right-hand man, responsible for drafting key strategies.”

“Really!? That’s incredible…!!”

Ulshyrra handed the newspaper to Mio, who eagerly accepted it and began reading. A familiar frown from Balthazar stared back at her from the accompanying photo, while the article detailed his numerous accomplishments. Not only had he earned respect within the Imperial Army’s command, but he had also been appointed as a military advisor to Queen Elisabeth of the Sylvania Kingdom, now holding responsibility for the fate of the Archipelago Sea.

“Balthazar is amazing. He really is…”

A smile broke out on Mio’s face, one she couldn’t suppress. During their time at the Air Hunt Officer Academy, he had completely ignored Mio’s will, forcing her to attend high-ranking officers’ parties, treating her like a coffee maker, and insisting she make sandwiches to his exacting specifications. During the Eriadore airship’s dangerous missions, he had even suggested leaving Mio behind, yet afterward boasted that he had led the crash landing to save her. He had truly been the worst person. But even as she reminisced about those times, her frustrations faded in light of his accomplishments, though she couldn’t quite shake the realization that he was still an awful person. Still, hearing of a former comrade’s success brought her joy.

Mio clutched the newspaper to her chest.

“May I keep this newspaper?”

“Feel free. There are other pages as well.”

“Wow, wow, Balthazar is doing so well.”

“No, not about Colonel Grim. There’s an article about the remaining members of the Seven of Eriadore.”

Mio froze at Ulshyrra’s words.

“The remaining members…?”

“Yes. Sakagami Kiyoaki and Illia Kreischmidt. There’s an article about the two of them in another St Vault newspaper.”

Mio’s heart skipped a beat.

Ulshyrra, noticing Mio’s sudden pallor, continued.

“…It seems that Queen Elisabeth requested them personally. They are now serving with the Sylvania Kingdom’s fighter squadron, the Valkyries. Illia recently transferred officially, becoming a member of the kingdom’s military. Sakagami Kiyoaki, driven by his loyalty to the Akitsu Federation and his sense of justice, deserted the Federation Army and joined the Valkyries alongside Elisabeth…”

Ulshyrra’s words echoed inside Mio.

She couldn’t respond.

“Illia and… Kiyoaki… are in the Valkyries…”

That much, she understood.

So, Illia and Kiyoaki had chosen to fight under the banner of Elisabeth, or rather, Cecil. The Valkyries were known as the strongest fighter squadron in the world. Yes, it was the perfect environment for the two of them to soar together.

Yes. It’s good that they found a place where they belong.

That’s good…

“…Mio, are you all right? You look pale.”

Ulshyrra’s cold voice brought Mio back to reality.

“Eh? Oh, no, I was just surprised… Well, more than a little surprised, but I’m fine.”

“…Do you want to read the rest for yourself?”

“Ah, yes, thank you…”

With trembling hands, Mio accepted the newspaper and began to read the relevant article.

It was just text. There were no pictures. As she scanned the words, her emotions swirled.

…The Valkyries of the Sylvania Kingdom, renowned as the world’s strongest fighter squadron. After the tragic death of their captain, Akmed, during the Second Battle of Sierra Greed, the vacant captaincy was filled by Captain Sakagami Kiyoaki. Having fought with the Imperial, Federation, and Kingdom forces, Sakagami now boasts nearly 300 confirmed kills, and it is expected that he will soon rival the greatness of his predecessor. Illia Kreischmidt, now deputy captain, supports Sakagami as they undergo intense joint training with the Isla Fleet’s air units, preparing for the inevitable showdown with Urano. These two rare pilots, both born in the same era and soaring through the same skies, have transcended their parents’ histories. Together, they now defend the skies over the Archipelago Sea as the Valkyries' wings. As long as they fly, Urano will not be able to lay a finger on the Archipelago Sea… and so on.

Mio read the article twice.

Her hands, which had been trembling at first, finally steadied as she raised her tense face.

Ulshyrra asked, “...Are those two also acquaintances of yours?”

“...Yes. They were comrades... from when we broke through enemy lines together on the Eriadore airship,” Mio answered, adding the past tense, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart. Her racing thoughts gradually began to settle.

—Kiyoaki... is the captain of the Valkyries...

—Illia... is the deputy captain...

—They both joined the Sylvania Kingdom for Cecil...

She processed the information. After more than three years of no contact, her first reaction was relief that they were alive. Then, the pain came.

She didn’t know the name of this pain. She didn’t want to. All she knew was that the complexity of her emotions left her feeling lost, ashamed, and on the verge of tears.

—Of course. They’ve both become aces of the Archipelago skies now...

—They’re working hard to keep Urano at bay from above...

Mio tried to cut off the lingering feelings inside her, mentally whipping herself.

—Don’t hold on to regrets.

—I’m a traitor. I don’t even have the right to worry about them...

Ulshyrra’s stern voice broke through her thoughts.

“Were you particularly close with the two of them?”

Mio flinched, startled, and hurriedly replied, “Ah, well, not exactly... It’s just been a long time since I’ve heard their names, and it made me feel a bit sentimental...”

“...I see. But for their accomplishments to reach even this far, they must be truly remarkable individuals, the Seven of Eriadore.”

“Haha... Yes, everyone except me is truly exceptional.”

“That’s not true. You are plenty exceptional, Mio. Your intelligence, your character, and your courage.”

Mio was taken aback, unsure how to respond. She had been used to being watched carefully by Ulshyrra, but never praised like this.

“W-What’s this all of a sudden? It’s flattering, but...”

“Mio.”

Ulshyrra remained as upright and composed as ever, but her tone suggested that she had something important to say.

“Yes?”

After a brief pause, ensuring they were alone, Ulshyrra spoke.

“I hope that, no matter what happens, you will act as an ally of Her Majesty.”

A faint current of tension coursed through Mio’s mind as she grasped the underlying meaning in Ulshyrra’s words.

“Yes, that’s my intention.”

She accepted it easily. After all, words were easy.

“I’m glad.”

Ulshyrra replied emotionlessly, her gaze returning to the newspaper. Mio pressed further.

“Is there something you’re concerned about?”

Without looking up from the article, Ulshyrra spoke calmly, “There are unsettling movements within the court.”

“...”

“As Her Majesty grows closer to certain powerful nobles, those who are displeased with this have begun to stir. It’s possible they’ve already laid the kindling beneath the Heavenly Palace.”

“...”

“All that’s left is for someone to pour the oil and strike the match. Or perhaps the oil has already soaked into the wood. It’s difficult to know for sure, as we can’t see beneath the floorboards. We can only sense that something is stirring below.”

Ulshyrra sighed lightly, still scanning the article as she continued, “When the kindling is set alight, those close to Her Majesty will need to be wise. Who will protect Her Majesty? Who will put out the fire? Who will flee? And for those who flee, what will be the best way to serve Her Majesty afterward? Only those with such wisdom will be able to navigate what’s coming.”

There was something unnervingly significant in her measured words. Mio realized that Ulshyrra was sharing something of grave importance.

“You possess that wisdom. When the time comes, I hope you will use it for Her Majesty.”

“...”

“For your friend, Nina Viento, your strength is needed.”

That final statement tightened Mio’s chest.

It was clear now that Ulshyrra had been observing Mio closely. Despite her efforts to keep her friendship with Nina hidden, it had been uncovered. Ulshyrra had likely pieced it together from Mio’s behaviour and her subtle shifts in loyalty, realizing that her allegiance had begun to lean toward Nina, or rather, toward Nina. And now, in this private moment, Ulshyrra had chosen to confront her with this truth.

From the first moment Mio met Ulshyrra, she had found her unsettling. Ulshyrra never revealed her own emotions yet seemed to have the ability to examine Mio’s every move as if dissecting her. She wasn’t someone Mio would have wanted to get close to.

Yet, Mio could sense that Ulshyrra’s actions were always in service of Nina. No matter the method, regardless of how others perceived her, Ulshyrra was determined to protect Nina. That much was painfully clear.

So, Mio wove sincerity into her response as best as she could.

“...I understand. When the time comes, I will act for Nina.”

Not for Zenon Kavaris.

For Nina Viento.

I will risk my life.

“I expected nothing less from you.”

Ulshyrra finally looked up from the newspaper, her eyes behind her glasses meeting Mio’s. For a moment, Mio thought she saw a faint smile cross Ulshyrra’s usually stoic face.

The formidable new fleet of Urano's Archipelago forces spread out before Zenon Kavaris’ eyes. This fleet, far surpassing the old one destroyed by the Second Isla Fleet four months ago, had gathered at Martios Naval Port, just beyond Pleiades.

“It’s time for some bullying, isn’t it?”

Zenon looked out from the fifth floor of the naval base's command post, surveying the more than a hundred warships spread across the bay. From destroyers to regular aircraft carriers and battleships, these airborne vessels, ranging from 100 to 200 meters in length, swarmed the sky like locusts, dominating the azure expanse. These were only the airborne warships equipped with levitation devices, while over two hundred seafaring vessels lacking such equipment were conducting daily exercises nearby, preparing for the imminent showdown.

“In truth, there shouldn’t even be a need for a decisive battle.”

Urano’s Chief of Staff, General Achilles Karamakion, responded to Zenon’s words. The aged general, who had driven the St Vault Empire to the brink of collapse, had originally opposed the formation of this new fleet.

“Why fight a decisive battle at all?” Achilles had questioned. The St Vault Empire, having been driven from its homeland and barely surviving in the colonies of the Archipelago, could be gradually choked off with attrition warfare, ensuring victory without effort.

“Do you think we’d lose in a decisive battle?” Zenon asked, though he already knew the answer. Achilles shook his head.

“We would win, no question. Unlike land battles, where terrain plays a role, naval battles are a simple numbers game. The side with the more advanced and numerous ships wins. Our fleet is twice the size of theirs, and our equipment is a generation ahead. There’s no contest.”

“Then why not go for the decisive battle? Attrition warfare is tedious.”

“The St Vault Empire has 1.7 million soldiers stranded on the Akitsu continent. They can’t withdraw. If we maintain this situation, they’ll weaken on their own. There’s no need to stand them up and shoot them like starving animals.”

It was Achilles who had spent over two decades forcing the St Vault Empire into a two-front war, weakening them slowly. The Empire, believing in the defence of the Kukuana Line, had opted to fight both Urano and the Archipelago powers simultaneously—a decision that had sealed their fate. Now, with their homeland lost, they were trapped in a costly stalemate, squeezed between Urano and the Sword Emperor Kingdom in the east and west.

And yet, Demistri insisted on settling matters with a decisive naval battle, leading to the formation of this new fleet.

“Marshal Demistri seems determined to defeat Prince Manius,” Zenon observed.

“They say Prince Manius was the one who provoked the Isla Fleet. That man is just as unpredictable as Demistri,” Achilles replied. Manius, Demistri’s half-brother, had been too brilliant for his own good, exiled beyond the Holy Springs by the Senate. Yet, Manius had returned, leading the powerful Second Isla Fleet directly in Demistri’s path.

“However, the formation of this new fleet has raised morale. Even the citizens are eager for a decisive battle. It has its uses as a spectacle,” Zenon added.

Achilles snorted in response. “If they say fight, I’ll fight. Ending this nonsense with a decisive victory isn’t so bad if it stops the comparisons to that fool, Raphael.”

The St Vault Empire’s Chief of Staff, General Raphael, had been bested by Achilles in every encounter. To Achilles, being compared to such a third-rate strategist was an insult, but this upcoming victory would solidify his place as one of history’s great commanders.

“I hear Balthazar Grim is making a name for himself on the other side,” Zenon mentioned.

Achilles twitched slightly at the name, acknowledging it with a grimace. “That young upstart who saw through Operation Judeka.”

“Yes. He also foresaw the breach of the Kukuana Line’s airborne defences,” Zenon added.

“There’s no denying he’s capable. But he’s too young to lead a general staff. Even if he sees through our strategies, they won’t matter unless they’re executed.”

“Still, it seems his voice carries more weight in their command. They’re calling him ‘Achilles’ Strategist’ now,” Zenon noted.

Achilles scoffed, though he appeared intrigued. “Let the boy lead if he wants. The odds are so stacked in our favour that it hardly matters. Perhaps he’ll give us some excitement.”

Achilles had also been a young genius, rising quickly through Urano’s ranks. It was his brilliance that had allowed Urano to expand its dominion over the surface powers. If a similar talent had appeared in the enemy’s ranks, Achilles was eager to see what the young strategist could do.

After discussing the fleet’s future movements for a while, Zenon shared something he had learned the previous day from Atori.

“…Pope Illustriali has decided to replace the puppet.”

“Oh?” One of Achilles' eyebrows lifted in mild interest.

“The operation is tonight. In the Heavenly Palace.”

“That’s rather sudden.”

“The puppet was too intelligent, too virtuous.”

“How ironic. The noble and the brilliant are cast aside, while the vulgar and ordinary are elevated to the throne,” Achilles mused, gazing out at the immense fleet gliding through the blue sky. Once the deed was done, Demistri’s authority would be unshakable.

At that moment, Kiliai appeared beside Zenon.

“The preparations are complete.”

Kiliai knelt, bowing her head deeply, not making eye contact with Zenon.

“Good. You weren’t noticed by Mio, were you?”

“No, sir.”

“Well done. You don’t need to return to the Heavenly Palace tonight. After tonight, Nina will be discarded. I’ll assign you a new task.”

“It’s an honour.”

Zenon turned to Achilles. “I believe Kiliai is one of your favourites, isn’t she?”

Achilles cleared his throat. “Not while she’s on duty.”

“My apologies. Kiliai, we’ll speak later,” Zenon said. Kiliai briefly hesitated before acknowledging the order.

Kiliai was one of Zenon’s hand-raised female spies, skilled in seducing high-ranking officers and extracting secrets from them. It was a method male spies could not use, which made female operatives like her invaluable.

Speaking of female spies...

—I should start training Mio in that direction soon.

After dismissing Kiliai, Zenon continued his idle conversation with Achilles while contemplating his next move.

Tonight, a coup would strike the Heavenly Palace, but Zenon had not informed Mio. Kiliai and Hachidori were already aware and waiting for their moment.

Why hadn’t he told Mio?

—That girl is leaning toward Nina.

From the reports Kiliai and Hachidori had provided, Zenon had picked up on it. Apparently, Mio and Nina were playing at being friends in secret. Yet Mio had never once mentioned this to Zenon, sending only cursory reports about her daily life.

—Tonight, I’ll see whose side you’re really on.

Zenon licked his lips in anticipation.

Frankly, it wouldn’t matter much if Mio betrayed him. She was just a pawn, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But as a toy, she presented an interesting challenge.

—If your loyalty to me is genuine, then good.

In that case, he would keep her as she was, training her into a clever and beautiful pet who would carry out his orders faithfully, no matter how twisted they were.

—But if you side with Nina, then you’ll need to be re-educated.

In that case, he would bring her back under control, using her family as hostages, and personally break her until she could never defy him again. That, too, would be enjoyable.

—I don’t mind either way, Mio.

As visions of her body floated behind his eyelids, Zenon indulged in fantasies of how he would toy with her future. In contrast to the grim business of dealing with demons like Demistri, Achilles, and Illustriali, Mio was a delightful diversion. He could enjoy her slowly or break her quickly.

—I’m looking forward to tonight.

As the time for the coup approached, Zenon sent a silent message to Mio, who would likely be playing at friendship with Nina in the Heavenly Palace.

“The fact that we didn’t see either Reiner or Kiliai all day is odd. It’s rare for both of them to be off together. Maybe they’re slacking off,” Mio said, her voice carried by the night breeze as the autumn insects chirped under the starry sky.

“I’m not sure, but everyone needs a break sometimes. What about you, Mio? Aren’t you taking any time off? Are you getting your proper days off?” Nina replied, sitting with Mio on the balcony of the Heavenly Palace, enjoying a cup of tea together after a long day.

“Oh, I don’t really need a break. Even if I had one, I wouldn’t know what to do with it.”

“That’s not good! I’ll tell Ulshyrra. You should at least go shopping with Reiner or something, take a breather once in a while.”

“I don’t need it. I like working. Besides, Nina, you never take a break either. Why not go shopping with Igna sometime?”

“Why Igna? He’s the last person for that kind of fun. He’s still hung up about that last outing.”

“Oh... he really is... He shouldn’t worry about it so much,” Mio muttered, sipping her iced tea. She was referring to the incident earlier that year when she had been shot while protecting Nina during an outing. The bullet had missed any vital organs, and the small caliber had left no lasting effects, but Igna had still apologized to her afterward, quite out of character for him.

‘I... failed. I put you through this... and I’m sorry,’ Igna had said, lowering his head as Mio lay in bed. It had been so out of place that Mio didn’t know how to respond. She had tried to brush it off with a joke, but Igna had insisted.

‘You shielded Nina... I won’t forget this debt. If you need anything, just ask. I’ll do my best to repay you.’

That cold, emotionless man had clumsily, but sincerely, offered his gratitude, which had been so unsettling to Mio that she had yelled at him to leave. Though Mio no longer thought much about the incident, Igna clearly couldn’t let it go.

“Well,” Mio said with a mischievous smile, “since Igna says he’ll do anything for me, maybe I’ll take him up on that.”

“Don’t tease him too much. He’s so serious, he’ll take it all literally...”

“I want to get a picture of him cuddling a kitten, smiling and rubbing his cheek against it.”

“That sounds adorable! I’d love to see that. Do that instead.”

“Now you’re teasing him too,” Mio said, laughing along with Nina at the thought. But their playful moment was abruptly interrupted when the glass door to the balcony burst open, and Igna himself rushed in, looking frantic.

“Nina, excuse my intrusion. Mio, do you know where Kiliai is?”

“Kiliai? I saw her briefly this morning, but not since then.”

“After dinner, did you feel anything unusual, even the slightest change in your condition?”

“Uh, no. I didn’t have much of an appetite, so I didn’t eat.”

At dinner, Mio had barely touched her food and ended up giving most of it to her colleagues. Igna’s expression grew tense as she answered.

“There’s a high chance the dinner was drugged with slow-acting poison. All the servants in the Heavenly Palace have been reporting physical symptoms.”

“...What?”

“Some have started experiencing numbness in their limbs. Be on guard—something’s happening...!”

As he spoke, Igna suddenly dropped to one knee.

“Igna!” Both Mio and Claire knelt beside him in shock. His legs were shaking, and beads of sweat dripped down his forehead. His lips had turned slightly purple, giving him the pallor of someone gravely ill.

“Damn it... Kiliai wasn’t just the poison tester; she was the one administering it as well...!” he muttered, his voice laced with regret. Mio’s mind flashed back to Ulshyrra’s ominous words from that morning—something about the stacked wood beneath the palace now set alight.

And then they heard it: the sound of shattering glass in the distance, followed by a woman’s scream.

Voices rose in anger, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of military boots echoing through the Heavenly Palace. The peaceful routine was being trampled by violence.

“...!?”

“This is bad...!!” Igna growled, glaring toward the east side of the palace. “At least thirty armed men...!”

Mio couldn’t see anything, but from the sound alone, Igna had assessed the situation. His eyes, wild with urgency, locked onto Claire.

“Claire, you need to escape! Head downstairs and flee through the west servant's door to the salon. The Micene faction nobles will shelter you.”

For once, Igna addressed her as "Claire" instead of “Nina,” his tone commanding. The tension in the air was palpable, and even Mio could sense the overwhelming threat closing in on the palace.

“Claire, run. I’ll buy you some time!” Mio urged.

But Claire, her face tight with worry, shook her head. “But what about you two...?”

“We don’t have time! Go, now!!” Igna roared, grabbing Claire by the scruff of her neck like a cat and dragging her inside. He forcibly led her toward the west entrance, where the servants’ quarters were located.

“Let go, Igna!” Claire struggled.

“Run. They’re after you.”

“But what about you two...?” Claire’s voice was laced with fear, but the sounds of chaos—soldiers shouting, glass breaking, furniture smashing, gunfire—grew louder, as did the repeated cries for Nina. This was clearly a rebellion aimed at the queen.

The Heavenly Palace, despite its high security, had allowed a group of thirty soldiers to breach its defences. The only explanation was that someone with great authority had permitted their entry, and the plot had been meticulously planned. There was no time for a proper defence, and both Mio and Igna knew that Claire’s only option was to flee.

Igna, still dragging Claire, spoke earnestly. “I’m not the only one who swore to protect you. He did too. Until he arrives, no one will lay a hand on you. Now go. Stay alive, and meet him when he comes. He will come. He’ll come for you!”

“Igna!” Claire struggled, but before she could argue further, Ulshyrra appeared, rushing toward them.

“Your Majesty, come with me to the west exit. Mio, wear this to distract the enemy.”

Ulshyrra handed Mio a scarf and a long cape that reached her ankles. With the scarf covering her head, leaving only her eyes visible, and the cape draped over her, she could easily pass for Queen Nina from a distance.

“Igna, act as if you’re protecting Mio and draw their attention. Escape through the north exit. If all goes well, we’ll meet at the designated place,” Ulshyrra ordered.

“...Understood!”

Though Mio hadn’t been informed, it seemed that Ulshyrra had previously discussed an emergency escape plan with Igna. True to form, Ulshyrra hadn’t shared the location with Mio, one of Zenon’s subordinates, further proof of her cautious nature.

The voices of the soldiers drew closer. Someone was loudly declaring that they were conducting a search under legitimate orders, all while calling for Nina.

There wasn’t much time left. Mio, her face half-hidden by the cape, turned to Claire.

“Claire, stay safe. I’ll see you again.”

Claire, her expression tense, suddenly opened her arms and embraced both Mio and Igna.

“Don’t do anything reckless. Don’t die. Find a way to escape,” she said, her voice low and serious. Mio returned the hug with one arm around Claire’s back.

“I know. I’ll be fine. I’ve trained for this. I’ll see you again soon.”

Claire held back her tears as she lifted her face.

"Igna, you too. You need to survive and meet Kal again."

"...I know. I won’t die. Now go, quickly."

For the first time, Igna placed his hand on Claire's shoulder. There was something in his tone—something Mio had never heard before, a gentle, brotherly tenderness as if he knew this might be a final farewell.

Mio had heard stories that Igna and Claire had served together for over ten years, since they were children. Although they never showed it in public, Mio had occasionally glimpsed moments of closeness between them. It wasn’t a romantic connection but rather a familial bond, one that made them feel relaxed and safe in each other’s company.

She had also heard from someone that both Igna and Claire were alone in the world, with no family to rely on. Yet, despite the lack of blood ties, it was clear that they had grown into a brother-sister relationship, forged through the long years they had spent together. This was something Mio sensed in their interactions now.

"Your Majesty, we must go," Ulshyrra urged, hastening Claire. Reluctantly, Claire released her hold on both Mio and Igna. She glanced between them one last time and added a final request.

"If anything happens to me, promise me you won’t seek revenge."

"................"

"If it comes to that, forget about me and live your life freely for yourself."

"Claire, don’t say such ominous things..." Mio tried to object, but Claire cut her off.

"Mio, I’m giving you back the words you once gave me. Think about your own happiness. You deserve to be happy."

Claire spoke in a rush, then hardened her expression.

"Your survival is the top priority. Understood? That’s an order—survive."

Queen Nina Viento had just issued what might be her final order to Mio and Igna.

"...Understood. We will survive."

As Mio accepted the order, Claire gave a firm nod. She then turned and fled with Ulshyrra toward the western door, away from the clamour growing louder with every second.

After watching their queen disappear, Mio and Igna exchanged glances and quickly devised their plan.

"We’ll act as decoys. We have to draw their attention," Igna said.

"But you’re already badly affected by the poison. If we’re chased, it could be dangerous for you."

"...There’s no choice. We’ll fight as we flee. Can you manage?"

"Yeah. Hachidori trained me well."

Fortunately, Mio hadn’t been affected by the poison. With Igna weakened, she knew she had to take on more of the burden. Just as they braced themselves, the eastern door burst open, and five armed soldiers stormed into the room, swords drawn and eyes filled with murderous intent. Their gazes fixed on Mio, who was disguised as Nina.

"Is that Nina Viento?" one of the soldiers demanded.

Mio remained silent, hiding behind Igna as if terrified. Stepping forward to shield her, Igna spoke with calm authority.

"Bringing swords into the Heavenly Palace? You are aware that this is the queen’s residence, correct? State your business. Depending on your explanation, I may take you to Her Majesty."

It was clear he was stalling, trying to buy as much time as possible. The soldiers exchanged glances, and then a large man, wearing the ornate uniform of the Royal Capital’s elite knights, stepped forward to confront Igna.

"The queen is under suspicion of treason. There are allegations that she leaked the current location of Pleiades to the Second Isla Fleet. If she wishes to make a defence, she must come with us immediately."

"Under whose authority? Show me the warrant."

The officer’s face twisted in irritation as he turned to his men and spat, "Enough talk. Find the queen."

With that command, the soldiers moved forward.

"Please, Your Majesty, escape now," Igna whispered, just loud enough for the soldiers to hear. Mio nodded and ran for the northern door.

"That’s her! After her!" The soldiers lunged after Mio, but Igna blocked their path, drawing a short sword.

Three of the soldiers’ swords were knocked from their hands in an instant. Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, Igna turned and ran after Mio. But—

"Damn it!" His legs buckled, and his movements lagged behind. His body felt sluggish, his reactions a fraction too slow. The peaceful days spent in the palace had dulled his instincts, and he cursed his lapse in vigilance toward Kiliai.

He barely dodged a thrusting sword and retaliated with a kick, sending one soldier crashing into another. But just as he twisted to flee, a gunshot rang out.

The burning pain in his left arm told him the bullet had grazed him. Then came the sharp pain in his right shin and back—he had been slashed by a sword.

Almost instinctively, Igna switched his grip on his dagger, reversed the blade, and stabbed behind him without looking. His hand met resistance, the blade plunging into the shoulder of an enemy soldier. Blood splattered, and with the last of his strength, Igna stumbled through the eastern door, closing it behind him and securing the latch with Mio’s help.

"Igna, are you okay?" Mio asked urgently, kneeling beside him.

Leaning against the door, Igna collapsed to the floor and began to assess his condition. His left shoulder was gouged, leaving his arm almost useless. His right shin had been slashed, exposing bone, and his back was soaked with blood. The poison coursing through his veins made it hard to even stand.

"This is bad. I can’t fight anymore," he muttered as if it were someone else’s problem.

Mio’s face paled. "We need to escape. You know the palace better than I do. Lead the way."

The door rattled as the soldiers outside tried to break it down. It was sturdy, but it wouldn’t hold forever.

Closing his eyes, Igna weighed their options and came to a decision.

"The rendezvous point is Hedwig’s Tavern on Third Street in the Stefano District. Ulshyrra’s contact owns it. You go on ahead."

"And what about you?" Mio demanded.

"I’ll buy you time. Go."

"Absolutely not."

Without a second thought, Mio forced Igna’s left arm over her shoulder and hoisted him to his feet.

"What are you doing? We’ll never escape like this."

"We were ordered to survive. You’re her knight, so you should follow her orders."

"You think you can carry me? We’ll both die, and it won’t mean anything."

"Did you know I can carry twenty kilos for two days straight on a march?"

Gritting her teeth, Mio began dragging Igna down the corridor. His protests were met with a firm response.

"Let go of me! I refuse to owe her another debt!"

Mio glanced back at him with a defiant smirk. "Save the tough talk for when you’re actually useful. I’ll let you pay me back later, useless knight."

Igna’s blood stained Mio’s clothes as it flowed from his wounds. She didn’t bother wiping it away, focusing all her energy on moving forward.

"Let me go...!" he growled.

"Shut up."

"Just leave me here. I swear I’ll never doubt you again—just go!"

"Why do you want to look cool so badly? Sorry, no deal. It’ll be more fun watching you live with the embarrassment."

Mio took a deep breath, gathering her strength, and took another step forward.

"If you make it out of this alive, you’ll cuddle a kitten with a smile. I’ll take a picture."

With that, she exhaled and pushed forward, drawing on every ounce of her strength as she carried Igna closer to the palace exit, inch by inch, one agonizing step at a time.

Mio scolded herself to keep going, summoning every ounce of strength, courage, and even desperate resolve she had left. She pushed through the hallways, descended two flights of stairs, and finally reached the servants' quarters.

It was eerily empty—her colleagues either captured by the soldiers or fled. She didn't know which. Grabbing bandages and disinfectant, Mio stuffed them into her pockets. She gulped down water from a jug, bundled supplies into a sack, and tied it to her waist before slipping out the side entrance into the labyrinthine grounds of Ulysses Palace.

Before her lay the maze-like expanse of the palace. Fortunately, not a single enemy soldier was in sight. Whether they hadn’t yet located the exits or were lost in the maze themselves, Mio couldn’t tell. Igna, his voice hoarse, directed her.

“Turn right. Enter the third room. There’s a hidden door at the back that leads to a staircase. Take it down.”

“Got it. Guess all your exploring finally paid off,” Mio replied with a strained smile, glancing at the barely conscious Igna. Despite getting lost countless times, missing meals, and sometimes wandering the palace all night, Igna had insisted it would one day be useful. His self-made map of the palace was now their lifeline. The very maze that had once been a nuisance was now protecting them from the Royal Guards.

“We’ll make it. We will survive...” Mio promised herself as she once again hoisted Igna’s weight onto her shoulders, teeth clenched in determination, and began navigating through the palace. The labyrinth that often confused even its own inhabitants was now working to their advantage, leaving the soldiers far behind. As the sound of pursuit faded, Mio stopped to disinfect and bandage Igna’s wounds before continuing their escape.

After two harrowing hours, they finally made it out of the palace. Mio hailed a passing carriage and instructed the driver to take them to Hedwig’s Tavern in the Third District of Stefano, a notorious slum area—perfect for hiding from pursuers.

As the carriage rattled through the night, Mio sat cradling the unconscious Igna, his body limp from blood loss. She stared out of the window, praying for Nina’s safety.

Please, Nina... please be safe...

But alongside the worry, a dark suspicion gnawed at her, something that had been lurking in the back of her mind since the attack began.

Did Reiner... did Hachidori know about this?

Hachidori’s absence from the palace today seemed far too convenient to be a coincidence. Neither she nor Kiliai had been seen. Both of them were under Zenon’s command, which meant they could have known about the attack in advance.

So... you really are on Zenon’s side, aren’t you?

Mio couldn’t blame Hachidori for it. She knew about his circumstances—how he was forced into his role as an S-Class agent for the Patriotis to cover his ailing mother’s medical expenses. He couldn’t defy his superiors without risking everything, including his mother’s life.

That’s right. I can’t trust him...

Mio reminded herself of this hard truth, though it made her heart ache. Deep down, she had hoped Hachidori might have been loyal to Nina. She had allowed herself the faint hope that he might be on their side.

But no... Hachidori—Reiner—is the enemy.

As she reaffirmed the painful truth, Mio sat silently, rocking in the carriage as it rumbled through the dark night.

The following morning, the capital city of Pleiades, along with all Urano-controlled territories, was abuzz with the shocking news of Nina Viento’s fall from power and arrest.

Newspapers and radio broadcasts amplified the military’s official announcement, spreading it not only across Pleiades but to every corner of the world where Urano held sway. Carefully crafted by Zenon, the information that reached the public was altered to work against Nina. The narrative portrayed her as a dangerous infiltrator, sent by the Second Isla Fleet as a special operative to aid in their attack on Pleiades. She had supposedly manipulated the ancient prophecy and posed as the saviour, all while conspiring with her lover, Karl La Hire, to deal catastrophic damage to the Urano fleet. The one to unmask this fraud was none other than the great General Demistri, who couldn’t bear to see the people of Urano ruled by a treacherous fox. In his wisdom and bravery, he had rooted out the sickness within the palace. The announcement promised that more evidence against Nina would surface from the records hidden within the palace, exposing the full extent of her betrayal.

This flood of Demistri-aligned propaganda quickly swayed public opinion. Urano citizens soon came to view Nina as a traitor who had sold out their nation, while Demistri was hailed as a hero who had saved the country. With even her only ally, Illustriali, now siding with Demistri, there was no force left to counter this narrative. Within three days, Nina's reputation had been irreparably destroyed. The once-admiring citizens of Pleiades now gleefully mocked her, labelling her as a harlot who had sold the country for the sake of a lover. In homes, schools, workplaces, and street corners, they eagerly embellished and shared scandalous details of Nina's private life, relishing the chance to tear down their former queen.

By the end of the week, there were no supporters left for Nina in the capital. Former servants gave interviews to newspapers and magazines, describing a queen who, according to them, neglected her duties and indulged in affairs with various lovers. These stories, meticulously fabricated by Zenon and inspired by Demistri’s own sexual exploits, were presented as truths about Nina. The grotesque articles fuelled the public's derision, spreading worldwide. People everywhere—whether allies or enemies of Urano—now reviled Nina as a fallen saviour, someone who should burn in hell for her crimes.

As for Nina’s current fate, the public was told she was being held in a political prison within Ulysses Palace, where daily interrogations were taking place. The specifics of her judgment remained unclear, but speculation ran rampant. At best, she might face execution; at worst, she could be sent to work in a brothel in the city's poorest districts. The citizens, eager for revenge, submitted petitions to the judges, demanding the latter fate, while rumours swirled that Demistri had the power to make it happen. Regardless of the outcome, one thing was certain: Nina Viento had lost all authority, reduced overnight from the prophesied saviour to the vilest of sinners.

No longer did Nina Viento have any place in the capital of Pleiades.

Mio sat curled up on the windowsill, hugging her knees, staring at the rain hitting the glass.

The city outside was invisible through the blackened window. Instead, she found herself staring vacantly at her own reflection, captured in the glass.

It had been eight days since the coup, now called the "October Revolution" by the newspapers and radio broadcasts.

Here, on the second floor of the Hedwig Tavern in the Stefano district, Mio had been caring for the gravely injured Ignacio, waiting for Nina and Ulshyrra to return. But no matter how long she waited, Nina never came.

According to the news, Nina was imprisoned. The twenty royal guards from her Isla days, who had been stationed in the Ulysses Palace, were disarmed and sent to a prisoner camp. There was no mention of Ulshyrra in the papers, and her whereabouts remained unknown.

Mio looked back at the dimly lit, shabby room, where only a single candle burned. Ignacio lay on the bed, his body wrapped in bandages, unconscious from the severe blood loss and poisoning. They couldn’t call a doctor, as it might draw the attention of their pursuers. So, Mio had treated him with the first aid skills she had learned from Hachidori, but Ignacio was still in no state to move.

Helpless and lost, Mio could only sit there, hugging her knees, waiting for Nina and Ulshyrra.

—What should I do?

Alone, listening to the sound of rain, she felt her resolve weakening.

On this floating island, almost no one was left to support her. Everyone around her was an enemy. How could she possibly change this situation? She had no answers, and the feeling of hopelessness almost brought her to tears.

Then there was a knock on the door, and Hedwig, the tavern owner and one of the few remaining allies, poked his head in.

"I’ve brought some medicine. How’s Ignacio doing?" he asked.

"Ah, thank you. He’s been stable for the past few days," Mio replied.

"The antidote will take time. Even Ignacio needs to rest for a while longer. Don’t rush his recovery."

Hedwig, a man in his mid-thirties, was one of the royal guards Ulshyrra had brought from Isla. Valued for his loyalty, he had been running this tavern ever since arriving in Pleiades, quietly supporting the cause while blending in with the locals.

"There’s something in the paper that caught my attention," Hedwig continued, handing her a newspaper. It was a gossip rag for the masses. Mio took it, and her heart sank further as she read.

"Zenon..."

The name escaped her lips in bitterness.

The article said that the head of the Urano Intelligence Bureau, Major General Zenon Kavaris, had revealed in an interview that he had met with Nina Viento. According to the article, during her interrogation, Nina requested that her maid, Mio Syira, be summoned as a witness. However, since Mio had disappeared after the coup, Nina was in despair. Zenon allegedly urged that Mio should reveal her whereabouts immediately and testify to Nina's innocence, stating, "Mio must come forward to clear her former master's name."

"It’s a trap. You mustn’t go," Hedwig warned.

"I know. This is... Zenon’s way of sending me a message. He’s checking if I’ve betrayed him," Mio said, nodding.

Since escaping from Ulysses Palace, Mio had had no contact with Zenon. In theory, she was supposed to be under Zenon’s command, with no obligation to serve Nina. She should have returned to Zenon immediately, but she hadn’t. Instead, she was here, nursing Ignacio in a hidden refuge that Zenon couldn’t find, waiting for Nina to return. From Zenon’s perspective, this was clear betrayal.

And betraying Zenon meant...

—It means abandoning my family...

Mio’s adoptive father, Ethan Syira, had taken in eight orphaned children from around the world. But Ethan had been a spy for Urano, and his children had been branded as spies and were being hunted by various nations. Zenon’s influence had allowed five of Mio’s siblings to escape into Urano-controlled territory. Only Ethan, her adoptive mother Greta, and her brothers Dominic and Kazuki, along with her sister Bonita, remained, and they were currently on the run, their whereabouts unknown.

If she returned to Zenon, her family could be saved. As long as Mio remained his servant, Zenon would use his vast power to secure their release.

—If I abandon Nina and go back to Zenon, my family will be safe.

—There’s nothing I can do here. Staying here is pointless.

—Should I go back to Zenon for the sake of my family?

Mio’s legs trembled. Her heart shook.

Still holding the newspaper, she stood there, frozen.

"Mio..." Hedwig’s voice came softly, full of concern.

"You’re free to do as you wish," he said. "I’ll take care of Ignacio. The fact that you’ve stayed with us this long, even though this has nothing to do with you, is more than enough. I’m sure Nina appreciates it as well. Whatever you decide, we won’t hold it against you."

With those words, the kind royal guard quietly shut the door and went back downstairs.

Mio stood there for a long time.

The rain had stopped.

She set the newspaper on the shelf, then returned to the windowsill, hugging her knees once more.

For no reason at all, she felt like crying.

Ignacio was in a deep sleep, so she decided it was okay to cry.

Pressing her forehead against her knees, Mio sobbed quietly.

It was a face she could show no one, but at this moment, she just wanted to let her weakness out.

The world was full of malice.

She hadn’t wished for anything grand, hadn’t wanted to be loved by anyone special. She would have been satisfied just living an ordinary life, but even that wasn’t allowed.

She had hurt herself, treated herself poorly, endured endless pain—all for the sake of making sure someone she cared about could find happiness. And yet, the world kept throwing cruel choices at her.

Both paths led to despair. It was an impossible choice, and she couldn’t understand why she was always forced to choose the wrong one.

Why did God keep testing her with such cruel trials, again and again?

What was the point of choosing between these awful options?

Why did her continued existence have any value?

Was it even worth continuing to live?

Maybe it would be better if I just died, she thought. Then I’d be free. I could become nothing.

"I don’t know..."

Through her tears, she whispered.

"I don’t know what to do, Kiyoaki."

The name slipped out as she cried.

"Tell me. What should I do?"

Tears and snot streamed down her face as she looked up at the ceiling.

"Should I choose my family or my friend, Nina? Which one?"

Her tear-streaked, swollen face stared back at her from the reflection in the window, a face too pitiful to show anyone.

At that moment—

Tap, tap.

There was a sound at the window.

Startled, Mio turned her tear-streaked face toward the source of the noise.

Through the mess of her own tear-stained reflection, she saw a white bird superimposed over it.

“Fio...?”

Surprised, she opened the window. Fio flew into the room and landed on Mio's shoulder, letting out its usual fee sound.

Fio was trying to tell her something.

Suddenly, the words Nina had said to her about two years ago, back when she had been practicing wind-calling every night at Lamia Palace, echoed in Mio’s mind.

"Someday, Fio will help you, Mio. I just have a feeling."

Nina had said that after hearing about Fio’s mysterious abilities.

Mio gazed into Fio's eyes.

In the bird’s dark, pearl-like eyes, she suddenly saw a glimpse of the young Kiyoaki she had once known.

It was thanks to Fio that she had met Kiyoaki in the first place. On her first day after moving to the island with no friends, she had felt so lonely that she asked Fio to “find her someone destined to be in her life.” Fio had seemed to understand and flown off, leading Mio straight to Kiyoaki, who was working in a field with a straw hat perched on his head.

She also recalled another moment from her time at Air Hunt Officer Academy—when she and Kiyoaki had gone to see a movie together. They had been sitting at an outdoor café, drinking tea, when Fio, who should have been left at home, had flown down and landed on Mio’s shoulder. Both of them had been shocked, scrambling to feed the bird bits of bread.

"Fio is amazing. No matter how far away you are, it always knows where you are," Kiyoaki had said.

"Maybe it's because you were with me. Fio can find you too. After all, we met thanks to Fio."

A sudden realization struck Mio like lightning.

At the time, she had thought nothing of those moments, but what if—what if it all had meaning?

"I will crush Urano," Kiyoaki had vowed while gazing at the burning city of Odessa.

Destiny.

That word, often spoken by Kagura, pierced through Mio's thoughts.

—Was this why I was born into this world?

Why had those words embedded themselves in the core of her mind at this moment?

Mio suddenly understood their meaning completely.

“No way…”

Her mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Driven by some unseen force, she scrambled off the windowsill and rummaged through the cloth sack she had brought from Ulysses Palace.

She pulled out two things: Ignacio’s carefully drawn map of Ulysses Palace and the star charts she had been working on for years. Every night after training with Hachidori, she had aimed her instruments at the night sky, calculating Pleiades' current position. These logs, in the right hands, could reveal the city’s orbital path, speed, and exact location.

What would happen if this sensitive information were transmitted to an opposing nation?

What if a leader or advisor, desperate to bring down Pleiades, got hold of this information...?

“A-ah…”

Mio stared at the data she had recorded, her body trembling with fear.

She had always thought her life was meaningless.

She had believed the trials thrown her way by some cruel, whimsical god were pointless.

But now, she was starting to think she might have been wrong.

Meeting Kiyoaki. Her family being spies. Betraying her comrades in Eriadore and ending up in Pleiades. Meeting Nina. Meeting Reiner. Escaping from Ulysses Palace, lost and unsure of what to do.

All these seemingly meaningless events might hold new significance, if she could just make up her mind.

Her teeth chattered. Understanding the gravity of her situation, her entire body shivered. She wiped her tear-streaked face with a handkerchief and, despite her trembling legs, forced herself to move. She placed a small notebook on the wooden table and began writing down the most critical data from the star charts in tiny, precise letters.

Thanks to her training with Kiliai, she had learned how to write vital information in an incredibly compact space, using only a slip of paper the size of a postage stamp. She did the same with the map, rolling both into a slender coil, which she then tied to Fio’s leg as a "gift" for Kiyoaki.

Fio watched intently, as if it had known all along that this would happen.

Mio’s heart pounded in her chest.

What she was about to do could very well change the course of the world.

Tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of lives could be caught in the ensuing battle.

The world itself might break.

Once the message was secured to Fio’s leg, Mio, still shaking, climbed back onto the windowsill.

The rain had stopped, and the clouds had cleared, revealing stars shining through the gaps in the sky.

For a moment, Mio gazed up at the starry sky.

Thoughts and memories danced before her eyes like constellations.

"You deserve to be happy."

The words Nina had left her with.

"Kiyoaki doesn’t hate you. He knows why you left, even if you lied."

Reiner’s words when they reunited at Lamia Palace.

"Queen Nina, two of my most important comrades, Mio Syira and Reiner Beck, are still in Urano."

The words of her beloved friend, Cecil.

"Even if we become enemies, we will not hate each other.”

The words of Kagura, whom she deeply respected.

"Friendship is eternal."

The bonds of the seven from Eriadore.

The beautiful days she had spent with her comrades.

Now, after all the painful days in Pleiades, she could give new meaning to those past memories.

"We were born to be happy."

The words Mio herself had once told Nina echoed in her ears as she gazed up at the stars.

Mio spoke to the eternal lights above.

—Let's be happy.

—Not for anyone else, but for myself.

—To reach the best happy ending in the world.

"Hey, Kiyoaki."

She called out to Kiyoaki, even though she didn’t know where he was.

“Is it okay if I ask for something selfish?”

I’m the worst woman, someone who betrayed you, insulted you, and threw away everything I’d built up to run this far.

But… is it okay if I lean on you now?

“Help me.”

It’s embarrassing, but I’m completely stuck and can’t do anything on my own.

“I need you.”

You can call me a fool, mock me, and look down on me if you want.

But no matter how much time passes or how far I run, I still can’t forget about you.

“Please help me, Kiyoaki.”

My prince on a white horse.

Come to the Sky Capital, where the ground is crawling with enemies.

Come and save me, Nina, Ignacio… and all my friends still on this island.

“Come here.”

For some reason, I can see it now.

The Valkyrie banner fluttering over Pleiades.

The future where Kiyoaki’s squad—the strongest wings in the world—rules the skies of this city.

“Crush everything.”

Destroy Uranos.

“Fio.”

She called out the bird’s name.

Fio raised its head and looked at Mio.

Mio extended the back of her hand out the window.

Fio climbed down from her shoulder, walking across her arm and onto the back of her hand. It was like an angel ascending the staircase of the stars.

“Go to Kiyoaki.”

Fee, Fio chirped, just like always.

Then, it spread its white wings, slicing through the wind, weaving itself into the stardust.

Thousands of sparkling stars welcomed Fio.

Like a white ship sailing through a sea of stars.

Far away. To Kiyoaki. The white wings soared into the infinite glow without hesitation.

Mio just watched the starry sky where Fio had disappeared.

—Reach him.

That was her only prayer, and she stood there, gazing into the distance, watching over the bird’s journey as the night wind gently caressed her.