A Splendid Secret

Hmm. It seems not that much different at first glance...

But I suppose this is indeed not quite the same as the Elzion I know.

Eep!

Whoa! Sorry...

...Aah! My ice cream!

Honestly! I told you not to run!

Such fine clothing, too! I'm so terribly sorry!

Please, there is no need. It really is no problem.

No, please let me make it up to you. I wouldn't feel right otherwise.

Clothes are only frippery. I have plenty of spares. Besides, these garments are made with a special weave. This won't be enough to leave a stain.

See? A simple pass with a handkerchief, and the mess is gone.

Wow, you're right!

Amazing, isn't it?

Here, madam. Please use your money to buy a replacement for the treat my clothing ate, if you would.

Th-Thank you.

Okay, let's go get you another. What do we say to the nice young lady, hm?

Thanks a lot, lady!

Do be more careful, too. You shouldn't run with food. Perhaps you should simply buy two in the future, just in case you drop another one.

Buy two...?

(Ah! Her reaction!)

Ah...nothing. Ahem. A pleasant day to you.

That was simply too close. I said something outrageous... I hope they didn't think me strange. Still, this was a good opportunity to learn how ordinary citizens feel about money.

Yes, indeed. Ice cream is more expensive than clothing...

Hey, miss!

Aaack!

I saw what happened back there! You came off super refined and cool!

(S-she gave me a fright... Is calling out to others from behind the style these days?)

Back there... You mean with that young boy?

Mama and Papa are always saying I need to be more refined. But I just can't manage it. Not the way you can.

Oh, dear. Your parents sound rather strict. But I was the same, you know. My bearing is the result of many years of strict training and upbringing.

Up...huh?

Socializing, studying, intensive schooling in any and all pursuits deemed appropriate for a young lady. In other words, I was taught how to be a proper and refined lady as I grew up.

Wow, that's cool!

Oh, look at the time. I gotta get going!

Ah, do you have a lesson to attend, perhaps?

Hee hee. Not today! Today I'm playing with my friends!

Playing...with friends? Ah, a match of chess? Or perhaps bridge?

No, no, an online game! There's a big raid event in the Industrial Ruins today! A new friend I just made invited me to come along!

Online game? A friend? Wait just a moment. By that, you mean...

I snuck out so Mama wouldn't catch me. I really gotta go now! See ya, miss!

No, Hismena. You came here for a specific purpose, to observe. But, what she said...

...I cannot help but wonder. My investigation will have to wait. Now, where did she go...?

She mentioned the Industrial Ruins. Oh, is this a map?

...... Um...perhaps I should... Go to this place labeled "airport"? Yes, that must be it. To the airport, then.

...... To be the head of the Lunabright family is to make decisions day in and day out... And sometimes those decisions may be mistaken ones. What is important in those moments is to admit one's failing, determine the cause, and strive to improve.

...Yes, indeed. I admit I am lost!

Honestly! Not a single flight to these "Industrial Ruins" at all. But of course. Why would there be flights running to a ruined area to begin with?!

Sigh... What a failure. I do not even know how to return to where I was. I suppose I could ask for help, but the shame it would bring to the family...

Wait, over there!

Pardon me, sir. May I have a moment?

Me? Uh, sure.

Is that drone your property?

This? No, this is a general-use import-transport drone.

There's no way a broke low-level laborer like me could ever afford his own drone.

...I see. May I ask one more thing? Is there a store here in Elzion that sells drones like this?

Yeah, I think so. You can probably find one in the Gamma District.

Thank you very much. This is not much, but please, accept this as a token of my gratitude to you.

This coin is stamped with the crest of my family. We present them to those to whom we owe a debt.

Uh, sure. Thanks.

Now, then. I must return to Elzion.

...Allow me one final thing. You are no "low-level" anything, my good sir.

Huh?

It is the hard work and effort of those in unglamorous positions that build the foundation of society. You are a proud laborer. Please do not forget that.

Uh, Elzion's in the other direction.

What a weird lady. Felt like she was pretty sheltered. But...huh. I guess even someone like me should have more pride...

Haha...gratitude, huh. How long's it been since anyone even thanked me?

...Wait a minute, what the?! This is pure gold! How much is this even worth?! If I exchange this, I can live the high life for a while!

Screw being a proud laborer!

Well, I've made it back. And accomplished my goal, as well.

What a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself. If I don't know the way, I will simply ask! This drone, with its built-in navigation system, will show me the way with no problems at all!

That said, I know nothing about drones. I hope buying the most expensive one will be good enough.

Ahem. Good day. I am Hismena. Um...could you please escort me to the Industrial Ruins, if you would?

Voice recognition systems on. Registering "Hismena" as owner. Updating map data. Navigation on. Calculating route from Elzion to the Industrial Ruins.

It's working! Wonderful!

Please lead the way. This time I'll reach the correct location for sure.

Hm...hearing a lot of weird rumors around here lately. A rich girl walking around in fancy clothes, buying expensive things, and handing out treasures... And now they say she's going to the Industrial Ruins?

Something sounds fishy here. Maybe I should...

Are these the Industrial Ruins? Certainly not a place a child should be playing in, I think.

Eeek!

That was a child's scream! Could it be that girl?

This place is too big... I have no idea where she could be.

I mustn't be reckless. Think, Hismena! What can you do right now? You are no longer a weak, helpless heiress who cannot do anything by herself!

A S-Synth Human? A-are you my friend?

Hah, stupid brat. That was obviously a trap!

But I...I thought I finally managed to make a friend.

Maybe you don't get the situation. You're a hostage now, so act like it.

No! Stop it!

That's quite enough!

Oh! You're that lady from earlier!

Thank goodness I made it in time. Are you hurt, young lady?

N-no! I'm fine!

I know your face. You're Hismena, heiress to the Lunabright family, aren't you?

My, I'm surprised you know. You're well-informed for a Synth Human.

Of course I know. I know all the names of Elzion's richest families, and their family charts too. Making the rich and powerful kneel is the best way to get our revenge on Elzion, after all.

Is that why you targeted this girl? Going so far as to pose as a friend on an online game?

All the rich and powerful families are too paranoid. I couldn't get a handle on any of them. But this dumb little kid was a totally different story. She came right over as soon as I sent her an invite!

Sniffle...

And you're no better, Hismena Lunabright. I was planning to go after you eventually, but you really saved me the trouble by coming here yourself.

...I see. That's a shame.

You give up fast. I guess all that fancy schooling made you smarter than the average kid.

Please don't misunderstand. I find it a shame that you don't seem amenable to a peaceful resolution.

What are you talking about?

The Code of House Lunabright: When at all possible, conflict ought to be mediated through peaceable dialogue. If such a mediation proves impossible, however, only then shall force be considered.

And when using force... Strive for total victory!

Wha...my search bits!

Hurry! This way!

So you not only have a navigation function, you even have a bioscan capable of locating a lost child. And of course, powerful weaponry! How useful! As expected of a high-end model.

How, When did you?!

You were so eager for a chat simply to make sure no one had followed me here, am I correct? Unfortunately for you, in that time I was able to prepare this drone for combat use!

...You make me sick. A high-end model, huh? It sure looks expensive...

Eeek?!

But in the end, all it proves is that without something to throw money at, you're helpless!

I see you don't understand. The drone did almost nothing. I was the one who destroyed your bits and rescued the hostage. When used properly, money can be more powerful than strength of arms.

But in the end, I only need my strength of arms to handle you!

Fine, then. I'll just kill you, and show the rest of Elzion that I'm not screwing around!

D-don't do it, miss! You can't beat him!

Oh, I assure you I can. I can, and I must. No matter whom I face, I must win on my own...

Miss?

There she is!

Aldo? What are you...

I'd been hearing rumors around town. I thought I'd check them out, and just as I thought, it was you.

And you are?

I'm Aldo. I've been looking for you.

But given what's going on...

Reinforcements, huh? One more human isn't going to change a thing, you know! I'll crush you both, and get my hostage back!

Hostage? Sounds like something bad's going on.

Let's defeat this guy first! Together!

Together? There's no need... ...Mm. I suppose now is no time to be stubborn. You there. Are you prepared to fall?

I-I surrender! Please, no more!

Well, well. Where did all of your earlier fire and fury disappear to?

I'll never do it again, I swear! Please, just spare my life!

......

You won't get a third chance. Uphold that vow you just made, but uphold it somewhere far from here.

I-I will! I will!

Are you sure that was a good idea? He's a bad guy, isn't he?

Running down an opponent who has admitted defeat would be base and vulgar conduct. However...

Eeek!

What?! How did he?!

H-how did...you...know... I used the...the pipes...

...When facing a base and vulgar opponent who would immediately break his vow, it is acceptable.

Wow. You took him down with just one strike. How did you know where he was?

It was simple. I became familiar with this area while I was running around looking for the girl.

As for how I knew he would strike at us from behind...his tone of voice said it all.

Wow. I didn't hear it at all.

W-waaaah! That was so scary!

Now, now, don't cry. You're a proper lady, remember?

Here, a handkerchief. Wipe your face, now. Let's both compose ourselves.

Sniiiff... Thank you.

Mama and Papa are gonna yell at me...

Having people who will worry for your sake in times like these is in itself a blessing.

Huh?

Okay, let's go back to Elzion.

Thank goodness we made it back without any further unpleasantness.

Yeah. I almost expected to get attacked again on the way.

Y-yes, that's what I meant.

(I certainly can't admit I'm merely proud to have found my way back even with the drone destroyed...)

Thanks a whole lot, miss. I was really fooled there...

Yes, indeed. You ought to learn to have less faith in others, I think.

Uh, hang on there...

However, only in the sense that blind trust can make it difficult to truly get to know someone. So long as you're careful, someday you will meet friends you can truly know and trust. I promise.

Um, okay! I think I get it! Oh, wait. Actually, why did you come after me anyway, miss?

Huh? Oh, well...

Wasn't it because you were worried about her?

No, actually... I had no idea that those ruins were such a dangerous location.

You didn't? Then, why...

I've been looking everywhere for you, young mistress.

Ah! Jeeves!

Jeeves? You don't look like a Jeeves.

I'm simply her minder. A butler, one might say.

Young mistress, you mustn't run off on your own. You've caused your honored family no end of worry.

I knew it...

You must be more mindful. Branch family or no, you are the only daughter of the San family.

......Huh? (W-wait! The San family?! This girl?!)

...You must be Lady Hismena of the Lunabright family, yes?

Do you know me?

But of course. You may be wearing different clothing than usual, but it suits you just as well as always. More importantly, I see you have been looking after our young mistress. Thank you for your consideration.

Wait just a moment. I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. We were simply...

There's no need to trouble yourself. I will inquire to my mistress as to what transpired. As you are aware, the family head is a conscientious man. This debt shall not go unpaid. Now, come along, young mistress.

See you later, miss! Let's hang out again sometime!

"This debt shall not go unpaid," huh. He sure was nice.

You have it wrong. What that means is... "How dare you trouble our precious heiress? We won't forget or forgive this insult, Lunabright."

Wait, really?! But that's totally the opposite of what he said!

It's all just a big misunderstanding, right? If you just explain that you rescued the girl...

They wouldn't believe me with no proof to show of it. If anything, it could worsen their mood. The Lunabright and San families are mercantile rivals. I have no desire to spark further conflict.

I-Is that really how it works?

Ugh, I fear I've gone and caused trouble for the Lunabright name in this world...sigh...

Huh? This world?

...I suppose you would be kind enough to believe me. The truth is, I...

You came from a different world?

This world?

Hey, Hismena. I've been wondering something for a while now...

Sure. What is the matter?

Well, I know another Hismena. And you look just like her, so, uh...

Huh?!

What a shock. I didn't think you might be acquainted with the me from this world... I suppose there's no hiding it. You see, the truth is...

What?! You're a version of Hismena from a whole other world?!

This world?

Wait. You said your name is Hismena, is that right?

Yes. What about it?

Well, I know another Hismena. And you look just like her, so, uh...

Huh?!

What a shock. I didn't think you might be acquainted with the me from this world... I suppose there's no hiding it. You see, the truth is...

What?! You're a version of Hismena from a whole other world?!

Yes, it's the truth. I was sucked into some strange vortex, and when I came back to myself, I was here. History didn't play out here in the same way it did in the world I came from. It's different for certain.

That's a shock. So, are you looking for a way to get home?

Not in particular. Why waste this opportunity to learn as much as I can about this different world of yours? There must be so much to see.

You're really the curious type. Okay, got it. I'll help you out, too.

Help me out?

Having a guide wouldn't hurt, right?

Though, you're Hismena, after all. You may not actually need a guide...

Maybe that's too much? I don't want to impose.

No, I gratefully accept!

Whoa!

Take this coin as a reward... No, as a sign of gratitude. Do let me know if you want more.

No need to thank me. I offered because I wanted to.

You...don't want it?

Just so you know, there are rumors going around town of a well-dressed lady giving out treasure.

R-rumors?! Oh, dear. I was careless. Here I intended not to stand out.

That's why I came here, too, actually. You probably shouldn't go around giving out valuable coins. You might attract unwanted attention.

It's only a simple thank-you... You sound just like him.

Who's "him?"

I have to say, I didn't think you would be that excited. Did you get lost earlier or something?

O-of course I didn't! It's simply that disregarding the kindness of others is improper behavior for a lady. That's all.

Haha, I see.

Oh, so, the other thing... Why did you go after that girl?

I...

Forgive me, I'm not at liberty to say. It's a confidential matter, and that's all I'm able to tell you.

Really? That sounds rough.

Yes, it is. But such is life for members of mercantile families.

(No, I can never tell you.) (No one must ever know that I only followed her to ask how to make friends online...)