A Day At Port

......

Hey, Hismena.

You came, after all.

Yeah. Given where we're meeting, I'm guessing this isn't just a casual chat, huh?

No. I have a very important request to make of you.

Isn't this a lovely place? Secluded, and quiet...aside from the gentle wash of the waves. It's very calming... And yet, I feel anxious, too.

Yeah. I think I get what you mean by that. But you're not just here to look out at the sea, right?

...Yes.

Do you know Port Lezona, in the City East portion of IDA City?

Lezona? Yeah. I have a dorm room there.

...I see. I...should have been there. Around this time, I should have been there, as well.

What? What do you...

...I left Elzion as normal, intending to reach Port Lezona.

But before I could grasp what was going on, I was here.

...So you got lost?

Really, that's beyond regular getting lost. How do you set out for Lezona and end up here?

I-I have no idea! I was always shuttled directly to school from my family home. I never had any reason to know how to board a cargo shuttle, or how to plan connections.

I see...well, we'll take you back on Hydra, and I'll teach you the basics of cargo riding.

Thank you. Ah, I know! Here...

It's okay, I'll pass on a coin.

Hmph.

For now, let's head back to the Cargo Station, I guess.

So this is the boarding zone? I completely overlooked it.

You wanted to go to Port Lezona, you said? This cargo here should take us right to the entrance of IDA City. We may have to wait a bit.

Thank you. It's been quite some time since I went out and about...

You said you got directly shuttled to places, right? Did you ever just wander around by yourself?

No, not at all. It's been quite a new and exciting experience. Really, everything has been. Even this bus port, which must be such a familiar sight to the students, is a brand-new experience for me.

It's been too long since we've gone out to City East. I love hanging out over there!

Today was so much fun! I wish we'd ordered a few more of the desserts, though.

Haha, agreed. If you're still hungry, want to swing by La Vie En Rose?

That's a great idea!

......

You're making a face. Is something bothering you?

Hmm? No? Not at all. I have no interest whatsoever in miscreants wasting their academic years on sweets and canoodling.

Wow, that's harsh!

So, what does your student life usually look like?

My student life is entirely normal. When not at school, I study, train in the arts, or consider business issues.

I don't think that's normal...

It's really impressive, though. I can't even imagine leading a life like that as a student.

It was simply the day-to-day routine of my life, for me. My father was a...strict man. He expected only the best in my arts, my education, my etiquette...

(Huh? Wasn't Hismena's dad the one who was involved in all that DOXA business at the school?) (He didn't seem that strict to me during all that...)

It was difficult at first, yes, but I adapted to it before long. I was permitted to participate in IDEA's activities, at least.

Huh? IDEA?!

Did I say something wrong?

No, just, the Hismena from this world is in IDEA too. You two give off different feelings, so I was just shocked to hear it. I guess you are similar after all.

......

Tell me, Aldo. Is KMS doing well in this world?

KMS? I mean, they have a crazy amount of power and influence here, so yeah. Why do you ask?

...I have to ask you something. This world's Lunabright family, are we...are they...

Totally different from what they're like in our time layer.

Just like you and your doppelganger.

President Curio?! But, what are you doing here?

I could ask you the very same question, couldn't I? I thought I asked you to hold down the fort.

You have no right to lecture me, after leaving so suddenly and deserting your post. Besides, my work is all done, in point of fact. Not that you left me anything but clean-up work to begin with.

......

H-hang on a minute! You two know each other?! Then, the time layer you came from must be...

That's right. She's from the Twilight time layer, just like me. We were both in IDEA together.

I see! That's a surprise.

I'm quite surprised myself. I had no idea you knew him. Now, what did you mean? Saying that the Lunabrights here are "totally different" from ours.

My question first, hm? Why are you here?

Well, this strange vortex...

I didn't ask how, I asked why. Even if a time vortex did appear, you chose to leap into it. You had to have known the vortexes are connected to Parallel Time Layers, didn't you? Well enough to follow after me after my declaration, at the least.

...I should have expected that. You always were so clever, after all. Perhaps too clever for polite society. I had no real reason for it. I simply thought that exploring a new world might be a good experience.

Is that why you're heading to Port Lezona? I seem to recall you hating that place.

Huh? You don't like it?

Are you often in the habit of asking prying questions to a lady's face? I had thought you were a gentleman.

H-hey, Hismena?

I will be fine on my own. Good day to you!

Will she really be okay? I feel like she's going to get lost again somehow.

It's such a pain, presiding over a group of people who don't take orders very well.

You must have been surprised too? She's very different from how she is in this time layer, isn't she.

Yeah. It wasn't a huge shock since I'd met Isuka before, but still. There was what you said before, too. Back when you disguised yourself as Hismena, remember?

It's mighty strange, Hismena... I thought you refused to use your family's name. The you I know would never use your family's influence to swagger about like this.

......

Ah... I failed. I didn't realize this Hismena was like that.

Right. I was able to replicate her appearance and speech patterns pretty accurately... But I didn't account for the differences in the environments they were raised in. That's how Isuka saw through me.

Differences like what?

...Has she given you a coin yet?

Huh? Oh, yeah. A bunch. I keep refusing, but she insists.

When I first met her, she was much more stiff. She didn't trust a soul on the planet. It was like she was wearing a suit of armor made from diamond ice. Those coins are a relic of back then. Her "power," the thing she used to manipulate people as she willed.

The power to manipulate people?

Oh, not a special power like the power of supreme control. A more commonplace and immediate power.

The power of money...

Nowadays she really does just mean it as a symbol of gratitude, I think, but yes. Even that's had the opposite effect. Who wouldn't want to do nice things for a friend...with a habit of giving away gold coins when she's happy?

So in the end, nothing's changed?

Not a thing. In the business sphere, she may come across as a savvy and refined heiress... But all I see is a sad, lonely girl who's been twisted up by the people she should have been able to trust.

...... Hey, Curio. There's something I want to ask...

Alright, Aldo. Look after Hismena, hm?

Leave it to me. First I'll make sure she actually made it to Port Lezona.

Hismena. You've always been frustrated by your own powerlessness... But I'm no better. I can't even support you from the shadows on my own power, after all.

So this is Port Lezona.

It certainly is a lively place. And full of students shirking their studies, no doubt.

That's a bit harsh...

Are you sure you aren't just saying that because you want to do the same thing?

Wha! No!

...Aldo. Listen carefully. My family home has a theater, a bar, and a restaurant on the premises. Each is certified world-class.

As such, why would I ever desire to visit this loud, crowded, childish place for leisure time? I'm only here for observation. Of an economic nature, on business management. Do you understand?

R-right. Sure.

I feel the same way.

Who are you?

It's pathetic, isn't it? All this noise for fleeting pleasure that will fade away into nothing. But they'll see soon. They'll learn they should never have come to this place...

What do you think he meant by that?

Who knows? Perhaps he also came here to observe.

That's not really the feeling I got from him, no...

Huh?! Hismena?!

Ah! Mana!

Aldo! It's been too long! Are you two here to enjoy the Port?

Aldo, who is this?

Ah, she's a friend of Hismena's... Or something along those lines.

A friend...

You won't believe this, Hismena! So Caviar and I were going to watch a movie together today, right? But then she was all, "I totally forgot there's a game I want coming out today! You go ahead!" She totally blew me off! I had to go see the movie myself! Can you even believe that?!

Indeed. Breaking an engagement for the sake of a mere game is the epitome of gracelessness.

The...huh?

But are films not something to enjoy on one's own, to begin with? If you wished to grow closer, surely a tea party or a fine dinner would be much more conducive to conversation. Or is it the style in common movie theaters for patrons to converse while watching?

......

Aldoooo... Something's wrong with Hismena.

Uh, well, it's a long story...

So basically, this Hismena IS the real Hismena, or she's A real Hismena, she's just not the one you know...

Sorry. I think I'm confusing myself.

No, it's okay. I don't think I got all of it...

But so basically, she's a Hismena from another world! Got it! You wanna come play with me?

That easily? Huh. I'm surprised you actually believed my explanation.

It's my first time here, so I was a bit worried being by myself. But we three should be fine!

...!

Yeah, that's a good idea! Why don't we walk around together?

Are you okay with that, Hismena?

I'm merely here for observation. I would be fine on my own... ...But I suppose it would be gauche to turn down an invitation.

Hooray! Let's have lots of fun together!

Phew... We've sure seen a lot.

They've got so much here! It was really amazing!

Did you have fun, Hismena?

Yes, it was very interesting. The theater could leverage some strategies to reduce empty seating, but it made for a pleasant experience. The jewelry shop's lineup was varied, but low-end, to keep it affordable to students looking for souvenirs. But the food court was puzzling. How do they maintain demand at that price for THAT quality...?

Um, I was more asking if you yourself had fun, I meant.

...... I apologize if this upsets you, but I didn't come here to have fun. I must protect my family. I have no time to waste on...

Eek! Wh-What was that?!

What?!

It seems something is happening.

Yeah. Let's get out there!

Eep!

Out of the way! I said move, you simpleton!

Hey, you! What are you doing?! You're going to hurt someone!

Calm down, Aldo.

Huh?

You mustn't aggravate him. We need to buy time until all the students have made it safely away from him.

R-right. But how?

Allow me to talk to him. I'm used to talking down emotionally unstable people.

But then, what if he loses it and attacks you...

Hey! What are you whispering about?!

Good day, sir. Are you enjoying yourself?

Huh? Hey, I know you. I saw you earlier. You'll get out of here if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, you're going to get hurt.

Thank you for your warning. But may I inquire something first? What do you intend to achieve with these machines?

Isn't that obvious? I'm going to smash this entire worthless town to pieces!

What?!

That's awful!

And of course, anyone who gets in my way...

I see. That does seem rather more stimulating than partaking in the festivities around here, yes.

Huh?!

Hismena...

Hah, I knew it. You and I just might see eye to eye. As expected of the Lunabright heiress, I suppose.

Oh my, what an honor. May I ask one more thing? How exactly did you bring the Guard Bots all the way here?

Hah, it was child's play! I built these machines myself. I smuggled them in in pieces, then put them together here.

Oh, my! You must be a truly skilled engineer to have done so. But you must realize that you will eventually be caught. You will not escape expulsion, or even worse.

...Yeah, I know.

Then will you not reconsider? It would be a shame for society to lose talent of your caliber.

...... ...Thanks for saying so. I wish I'd met you sooner.

(That was amazing. Did she actually talk him down?)

It's too late now.

m....

My father is the greatest engineer in all of Elzion. I've spent my life undergoing harsh training and lessons. I always tried my best to live up to his expectations, to not let anyone down. But it's too late. I can't bear being his son anymore.

......

He disowned me and cast me out. So I don't care if they expel me, arrest me, execute me, whatever. At the least, I wanted to show these carefree idiots what I can do.

You mustn't give up. Surely one as talented as you could find a future anywhere...

You know exactly how I feel, don't you, Miss Lunabright?

Crushed under unfair expectations from the moment you were born, chained up to the family name! Don't you hate it? Hate them? The adults who treat their children like puppets! The world that lets them!

......

I know! Why don't we join forces? We can bring it all down, together! Starting with this place!

No, I'm afraid I will have to refuse. I still have so much to learn.

Don't be humble. With the Lunabright name, we wouldn't even have to worry about being caught...

I must be humble. If I can't even convince one emotional boy to see things my way, I am nothing.

...What?

If you wish to be free, then run. If you don't want to be a puppet, then cut your strings and leave. Your life is your own, to do with as you will. But, no matter how harsh an environment you grew up in...

To drown yourself in despair, and turn your frustration outward upon innocent people, To choose such a thing betrays whatever ideals you may have held, and the suffering you yourself underwent!

...... ...So, what. All that was just an act?

That's a shame. Here I thought you might understand my pain...

Forward, my creations! Destroy them all!

Mana! Let's back her up!

Yeah! I won't let you hurt Hismena!

While ordinarily I'd protest that I would be fine alone... This time, I appreciate the help. Let's teach this self-righteous brat the difference between freedom and wallowing self-indulgence!

Well? Have you calmed down?

...Haha. Watching my machines get turned into scrap did it. But it's still too late for me. My life is over now. Doesn't even matter exactly how.

Not all of what I said earlier was a lie, nor was it all an act.

Huh?

Your efforts until now, and the skills you have to show for them, are not strings to bind you. Your family may have forced them upon you, but they're truly yours. The birdcage that kept you captive has been broken open.

Someday, you'll be free to fly again, wherever you will.

......

Wow, Hismena! You were so cool!

...Thank you.

Hismena...

We heard that someone subdued the criminal before we arrived. Do we have you to thank? Your quick actions prevented a real tragedy from unfolding here.

No need to thank us. We were just in the right place.

If I may be so bold... Miss, might you be a relative of Hismena's, by any chance?

......

I apologize if I'm wrong. You resemble her fairly strongly.

I-I don't think so... She just has one of those faces.

I see. My apologies. Now then, we'll be taking our leave.

...They're gone, Hismena.

But we don't need to hide, right? She knows about the Twilight Time Layer, so if we just explain...

......

Hismena? You okay?

Huh? Oh...yes. I'm fine. Simply tired from all the walking.

You liar.

Huh?

You've been looking down ever since you talked to the robot boy earlier.

No, even before that. You've been pretending to have a good time ever since you got here, haven't you?

I...

Won't you tell us what's wrong? I can't ask in a cool way like you did earlier, but...

Mana...

Haha. How lucky the me from this world is, to have someone like you in her life.

Let's find a place to rest. Is there someplace quiet near here where we could sit down?

Well, there's always my room in the Dormitory, I guess.

This is my first time in the dormitory. It's rather more spacious than I had assumed. A fine room, I must say.

Right? I'm pretty fond of it.

Is your room even bigger than this one?

Haha, it's not as extravagant as you must surely be picturing. My room is only around twice the size of this one, I estimate.

Only twice...

And so? How is the rest?

The rest? I'm only renting this room.

Yes, yes, but what about the living room? The kitchen? I understand you likely don't have a parlor, but...

...Forgive me. It seems as though I've made a thoughtless assumption.

Yeah. This is pretty standard for a student dorm, I think?

Still, I'm rather envious. Spacious or no, what it does have is freedom. Here you don't have to worry about what others may think or expect. You could strip naked and spend the entire day like that, even.

I don't do that, no. But I get what you mean.

Hey, Hismena? Did what that guy said get to you?

...Yes. I didn't expect to be so deeply affected by it, myself. In a high society or business situation, I can keep my cool under any manner of abuse, after all.

But it's only natural to get mad if someone insults your parents.

In business negotiations, losing one's head can doom months of work. Besides, I wasn't upset because he insulted my family. I was upset because he was correct.

He was right?

You mean, when he said that stuff about being chained up to your family name?

I chose this path myself. I knew that I would never be "free," but I didn't want to be. Or at least, I didn't think I did.

Hismena...

My world is a cold and scheming one of false smiles and faked laughter... But the students in Port Lezona were all smiling from the heart. I can't smile like that. If I ever knew how, I've forgotten. And yet... When I was walking around with you two, I began to feel that I regretted that fact.

......

Hey, Curio. There's something I want to ask... What exactly happened to the Hismena from the Twilight Time Layer?

I can't put my finger on it, but she feels like she's always on guard. Like she's putting on an act.

Yeah. I figured you, of all people, would be able to pick up on that.

Huh? What do you mean?

Hismena has always been very self- sufficient. She follows her own path, driven by her own beliefs. But in our time layer, she was made to shoulder the burden of protecting her family name and house. To accomplish that, she had to bury herself behind the mask of "the Lunabright heiress." And even after that sacrifice, the Lunabright family is still in a very precarious position.

That sounds awful...

It's plain to see that she's holding herself at a remove. But all the time we were in the Twilight Time Layer, there was nothing anyone could do about it. She refused any help at all.

So, you think things will be different for her in this time layer?

I do. Things are different here. Mostly because she doesn't have to be the family head anymore.

Wait, wait. You mean, Twilight Hismena was the head of the whole Lunabright family?

Officially she was a stand-in, but yes. Everywhere except on paper, she was the family head in all respects.

A stand-in? What do you mean?

...It's not my place to tell you any more. But if you want to know where the two of them split off from each other, that's it.

And so, Aldo. I have a request to make.

Hey, Hismena. If you don't feel like it, that's okay, but...

Hismena! Let's go back to Port Lezona!

Huh?

Go back? Did you leave something behind?

No! I want to hang out again, properly this time!

Hang out again? Are you really that bored? I'm afraid there isn't much I can do to help with that...ah, unless you'd like a coin?

I don't want a coin. I just want you to come play and have fun with us! Even if it's a familiar place, it can look totally different based on how you feel when you look at it.

And I'm sure anyplace I can be with you will be loads of fun!

B-but... I have my duties to consider...

You mean your observations? How they're running their businesses and all that?

I don't know a lot about that stuff, but isn't it important to approach it from a customer's viewpoint too?

Huh?! W-well...

If you want to learn how to get people to have a good time, first you have to have a good time yourself. That just sounds right to me.

...Haha. You're right. Once again, just like the Head.

Alright, you win. Will you two do me the honor of accompanying me once more?

I would very much like to... Um... To "observe" Port Lezona again.

I was really surprised how excited you were after the movie.

I-I wasn't excited! It's simply that the screen was much bigger than the one at home, and much louder!

And you asked to speak to the chef at the food court...

Well, it was... It was so tasty that I thought I'd offer my compliments...

I was really shocked when you said you'd buy out that whole case of accessories, too!

I simply couldn't decide which one would look best on you, that's all...

......

Haha. How wonderful. It's been quite some time since I had such fun. I feel as though I've rediscovered a bauble I'd thought lost. Thank you both so much.

Oh, is it coin time?

No, I won't do that anymore. You two don't seek any recompense for our time together, after all. Right?

Right! We're friends!

Thanks, Mana.

Huh? What for?

Don't worry about it.

A request?

Yes. I'd like you to stay by Hismena's side.

Sure, I don't mind. Is that all?

She's spent her whole life observing things from the outside. She's never had anyone to stand beside. She would ordinarily never be allowed to associate with an outsider like you. Not even as a guide.

But what about IDEA? Wasn't she "beside" them?

I'm afraid not. She strove to only ever solve problems by herself, without ever involving us. That's why we never had any work to give her aside from cleanup work and follow-ups. If we let her face an incident alone and she got hurt, IDEA as an institution could be dismantled.

I see... Okay. I'll do all I can.

Thank you. This is just my supposition... Or really, it's probably closer to a prayer than anything.

But I think the real reason she came to this world is...