Hismena Lunabright

Hismena?

Oh? What are you doing here? Today's supposed to be a day off.

I just came to pick something up. But I might ask you the same thing...what are you working on there?

Oh, this? I'm just trying to put the final touches on our proposal for the board members.

So much for your day off, then...

Isuka is interning at the COA, Claude is off researching some kingdom... Do none of you understand what a day off is?

You have a point about Isuka, but Claude just has really weird hobbies.

Don't you have an event in the clock tower today?

Oh, that... No, I won't be attending. I'll leave that to my father.

Oh, really? But aren't you planning to work here at the school after you graduate?

I hadn't really thought about it. Why do you ask?

Well...since your father's involved in the board here, it seemed like a possibility. With Isuka and Claude already planning for their lives after school...I was wondering if you were, too.

Yes, it really does seem like those two have their whole lives mapped out, doesn't it?

It does! They make me feel like I should really start thinking about my own future...

There's no need to rush, though. There's still plenty of time until we graduate.

I don't know, the clock is ticking, and my parents are already starting to nag me about it...

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I'm supposed to be having lunch with a friend. I have to go!

Okay, have fun! See you later.

What IS next for me? I don't even know...

I mean, I did say I'd take over the Lunabright family eventually. But...

What is it?

What?!

Thanks so much for your help! Who knows what I woulda done without ya!

I'm glad I could help, but all I did was pace up and down the same area...

Yeah, and that's precisely the kinda perseverance I appreciate! See, that's why you're my go-to bug...

Sorry!

Hismena?! What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Did something happen?

My father had an accident. He's been taken to the university hospital!

No way...

I have to hurry!

Gosh, that's awful.

I think I should go make sure she's all right.

Sorry! I'll see you some other time, okay?

I've never seen Hismena look like that before...

Hismena!

Aldo! You followed me here?

I was worried about you... I wanted to be here in case there was anything I could do to help.

Ever the people-pleaser...

But thank you. With Isuka and Claude both away, your company means a lot to me.

Father! Are you okay?

Snookums!

You came to see me! I've been so sad and lonely here all on my own!

Huh?! I'm confused, they told me you were unconscious...

Yeah, well, if you knew I was awake, you might not have come to visit your old man.

......

*sigh* I'm just glad you're okay.

I bet you're working today, too, aren't you? You need to let yourself have some rest, Snookums. I know. Why don't I call over the pastry chef from La Vie En Rose? He could prepare us something nice.

I'd really rather you didn't! You shouldn't force them to close up shop just to suit your whims, Father!

Anyway, you seem fine. I guess you'll be able to attend today's meeting after all. Look, I have a lot to get to, so I'm gonna go. Bye.

H-Hey, Hismena...

Ungh...

You saw how he was in there. He still treats me like a little girl. Nothing has changed. All I am to him is the daughter of the Lunabright family.

Look, I get where you're coming from. I get that you want him to see you as an equal... But maybe you should...

Hismena!

Mana! What are you doing in the hospital? Is everything okay?

Don't worry, just a regular checkup. More importantly...

That's a grim look. What is it?

Have you seen any doctors? Or nurses? It seems like everyone's disappeared...

What are you talking about?

I had to go under anesthesia for my exam, so I was out cold for a bit... But when I came to, there was nobody around.

Come to think of it, it is strangely quiet in here...

Wait? Wasn't there a bodyguard outside your dad's room before?

Oh no!

Hismena!

What is it?

Sorry, I just had a horrible feeling...

Did your dad seem okay?

Yes, he's just sleeping. However... Now that I've gotten a better look at him, I realize he's actually pretty badly hurt...

I guess he was just faking it for your sake so you wouldn't realize how bad his accident was...

No. His injury was no accident. He's been shot.

WHAT?

I tried calling the nurse, but there was no response.

Is there really nobody here? What on earth is going on?

......

Hismena?

There's no time. I'm going to need you two to listen carefully.

There's the target.

Looks like Hismena's suspicions were right. Her father is being targeted.

Tch, so you found me out, huh?

I won't let you escape.

Ngh...What the... *cough* *cough*

Damn, he escaped!

Hismena, was that...

An assassin trying to kill my father? Yes, I'm afraid so.

Okay, understood. Please continue to keep a close watch.

That was a trusted member of the family. They successfully moved my father to a safe house. Looks like we made the right call, transferring him out of here. Thank you both so much for your help.

That's a relief. But why would someone try to assassinate your father in the first place?

Oh, that's no mystery. You've seen for yourself the power struggle that plagues the Lunabright family.

Yes, I remember... But last time, you were the target.

Many in my family would do just about anything to sit at the head of the family. But to make a direct attack...

Ah. I think I see. Today is the day of the Concilium vote.

Concilium? What's that?

It's a meeting to decide policy for the Lunabright family operations. Though ours is the head house, the Lunabright family is an enormous organization... Made up of many, many different houses. Together, they control most of Elzion's political and business circles. And so, they hold this meeting in the school's clock tower to decide on the overall strategy of the family.

And the school's one of your family's many businesses, right? That explains why it's held in the clock tower...

Voting rights on policy matters are allocated according to the size of each house. Votes must be made in person by that house's representative. If a house doesn't have a representative present at the meeting, their vote is invalid...

As representative of the main family, my father has by far the most voting rights. If anything were to happen to him, it would have a massive impact on the outcome of the meeting. Most likely, it would sway the vote in favor of those who wish to eliminate the main family, my family.

That's so sad... So much for "blood is thicker than water."

You don't need to worry about us. This is just the way things are in wealthy families.

So, what happens now?

I will attend the Concilium in my father's place. Like I said, the representative must attend in person in order to vote. If my father can't go...then as his eldest daughter, it is my duty to stand in for him.

Wouldn't you rather stay with him?

More than anything. However... This is something only I, as heir to the family, can do.

Besides, whoever attacked my father may well come to the Concilium. As a member of IDEA, I cannot permit a would-be assassin to be at large on school grounds.

Okay, I understand. Just say if there's anything I can do.

Me too! Let me be the one to help you for a change.

Thanks, you two. However, there's a very strict guest list for this meeting. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get you in.

Oh... That's a shame. I really wanted to be there for you.

Don't worry. I have something else in mind for you two.

Let's go to the clock tower.

Hismena? What are you doing here?

Uncle.

I'm here in his place. As his eldest daughter, I cannot allow our voting rights to be forfeited.

I have read the agenda, yes. I understand we'll be discussing who will next take over as head of the Lunabright family.

Camille... It's been a while. You've grown taller.

Yes, Father.

"I heard my brother had an accident"? Please. He may act innocent, but he's definitely at the top of my list of suspects. I just don't have enough evidence to pin it on him yet.

There's still some time before the vote. I'll take a little look around the venue.

Isn't that...

Cozmos, how much longer do we have to be here?

However long it takes to complete the mission.

You know I don't exactly get along with my family, right? Getting stuck at some big family gathering is just about my worst nightmare.

I don't mean to interrupt...

You're kidding...

You're Linaria, right?

......

I-Is it really you?

Yes, this is COA Officer Linaria.

And I am Cozmos, the support drone. You are Hismena Lunabright, correct? The eldest daughter of the current head of the Lunabright family?

Y-Yes... It's been a long time, Linaria. I was surprised to hear you joined the COA.

Y-Yeah, well... It's kind of a long story...

Oh, really?

......

I understand. I won't press.

Hismena!

Linaria! So you came to this thing, too? You should have reached out.

Well, it's just kind of a work thing, you know? I'm not exactly here by choice.

But, um. I didn't expect to see you here...

Yeah. I'm standing in for my father.

I couldn't help overhearing. You're here on some kind of mission?

Yeah. I'm basically an outsider here, but I was drafted in all the same.

You're not an outsider. You're a member of the Lunabright family, just as much as the rest of us.

Yeah, but my family's a looong way off from yours.

Officer Linaria, we should really get back to work.

But I believe we may disclose this to Hismena. Our purpose here is to investigate your father's accident... However, we are not currently defining it as an "accident."

You are?! I didn't realize the COA would be looking into this...

After evaluating the crime scene, we have some...suspicions. I presume you do, too.

I am positive that he is being targeted by an assassin. Just before...

Then we were right.

An assassination attempt on the head of one of the Three Families? This is certainly a matter for the COA rather than the EGPD.

Linaria. We should intercept all communications coming in and out of the venue... Including anything encrypted.

Thank you. I can't let whoever attacked my father get away with it.

Understood. We gotta do what we gotta do.

Activating communication intercept program.

While the program is running, we should attempt to minimize any risk of violence. We should search the venue for any suspicious items.

Ouch! I was gonna come anyway, there's no need to drag me!

I must attend to my own duties now.

Finally coming out into high society, huh? Interesting turn of events...

Since everyone knows the eldest Lunabright daughter has no intention of taking over the business.

You're... Leongrantze San, correct? What are you doing here?

Just here to extend my greetings. As both a San and a KMS executive, I am much indebted to your family.

Yeah, right. The Three Families have an antagonistic relationship at best.

How cold. Anyway...

I heard there has been an attempt on your father's life? How terrible that must be for you.

How did you know about that?

Oh, don't look at me like that. What would I possibly have to gain from such a pointless act?

Besides, your father's absence is actually quite a disappointment for me. There'll be no grand unveiling of the new symbol now. And I was so looking forward to seeing it in all its glory.

Symbol? What symbol?

Oh, you don't know about it? Well, I don't want to spoil the surprise.

It's just a dress code thing, anyway.

Now, if you will excuse me, Hismena.

What was all that about?

There was supposed to be a grand unveiling of some new symbol? Father never mentioned that to me...

Hey...

Hi, Camille. What's up?

I-I really can't apologize enough, dear cousin! Father's always so snide towards you...

You don't need to apologize for him. Besides, you and I are cousins. You don't need to be so formal with me.

But...

Teehee. I guess I should practice what I preach, shouldn't I? Maybe I should start calling you Cami.

I-I'd like that...

But Mother and Father say I shouldn't talk so casually with your side of the family...

*sigh* This family, honestly...

I like talking to you. If it wasn't for times like this, I would have invited you out to tea by now.

I feel the same.

But are you sure you should be talking to me alone? Won't my uncle have something to say about it?

It's fine. I just had to...

Had to...what?

It's just...um... You've always been like a big sister to me. And I...I don't want that to change...

Of course it won't change, Cami. You and I will always be family. Why? Where is this coming from?

It's nothing...

So you're the genius scientist? I read your paper on autonomous ambulatory weapon control programs. It was very impressive. I never imagined it to be the work of someone so young! You really are the wonder child of the Lunabrights.

I'm honored. Thank you.

Yep. This is about as much fun as I was expecting...

Whoever attacked my father will surely come for me next. But if I can turn the tables on them somehow...

Hismena!

Cozmos wants to talk to you about something.

Our interception of communications has revealed a possible bomb threat in the building.

WHAT?!

Just about every high-ranking member of the Lunabright family is here. If a bomb went off...

Wait a minute. This was supposed to be a plot targeting Hismena's line of the family. A bomb risks every member of the Lunabright family here. Even the plotter will be in danger if they mess things up.

Yes, a highly unusual situation. But that's if our premise is correct, and this plot is only targeting members of the main family.

What if this is a separate plot? And whoever planted the bomb isn't the one trying to assassinate my father?

The use of a bomb would suggest that whoever's behind this is targeting the Lunabright family as a whole...

But who would want to do that? The man from the San family? No... I can't imagine even he would go that far...

Shouldn't we warn everyone?

No. It could be part of a trap. The resulting panic would generate favorable conditions to strike. For now, the best course is to attempt to locate the bomb ourselves. Discreetly.

Wait for me!

Attention, guests. The meeting is about to begin. All attendees with voting rights, please make your way to the venue immediately.

The meeting...

I have to...

Who are you?

Oh no!

Camille!

Where did she go?

Wh-What was that?!

What is THAT doing here?!

It's aiming for the clock tower?

I won't let you!

Urgh! It's...too powerful...

Hismena!

Sorry we're late. Are you hurt?

You came...

We got your message.

Hismena! Are you okay?

We found someone from IDEA to call them up for us, just as you asked. Isuka and Claude dropped everything and came here as soon as they could.

I had been working on the development of a new Kelkale specialty, but if the school is in crisis, that comes first.

Me too. When I told my superiors, they gave me leave to come here, no questions asked.

So, it appears things have gone a little awry in our absence. Isn't the clock tower where your family...

Yes, someone launched an attack on the meeting. And they took my cousin somewhere.

What?!

We'll deal with the situation here. You go find your cousin.

Go ahead, Hismena! We've got it from here.

You guys...I really owe you one!

Isuka filled me in! I have some information on your cousin. She has been sighted near the City Entrance!

Got it. Thanks.

Let her go!

Huh?

Cami, what is that?

A small electric discharge device. I made it for self-defense, but I never thought I'd have to use it...

Anyway, are you okay? Are you hurt?

That's a relief... Get yourself somewhere safe, okay? Hide!

Where are you going?

I have to stop that machine.

No. You're staying right here.

Ugh... I...

I don't understand... I can't move...

Relax, it's just a mild nerve agent. Don't worry, there won't be any nasty aftereffects or anything. I just need you to stay still for a little while.

What are you talking about, Cami?

Even after all the hostility between our families, you still call me Cami?

You really are kind, dear cousin.

Why are you... No! Please don't tell me...you were the one who...my father...

No, that wasn't me. Don't conflate this with that.

Huh?

These are the guys who attacked my uncle. I told them not to follow me, but they came anyway...

They're my father's men, but don't worry. I won't let them hurt you.

I-I don't understand. You're saying you're not the ones who attacked my father?

Like I said, don't conflate this with that. It was my father who attacked yours. All part of some filthy, despicable power-hungry plot...

I, on the other hand, just want to rid the world of all vermin like him.

What are you saying?

See for yourself, we have front row seats to the show. Things are really starting to heat up over there... But it's still not enough.

Then the giant machine...the bomb... They're your doing?

Right now, that building is packed with just about everybody who's anybody in the Lunabright family. So, I prepared them a little treat. First, there's my new and improved bomb. Second, there's the autonomous weapon to take down anyone who thinks they can escape.

All I have to do is press this button, and they'll fall like petals in the wind... Ridding this world of the whole, rotten Lunabright family.

Y-You're crazy!

Oh, don't look at me like that. You, of all people, must understand where I'm coming from. When they look at you, they don't see you. They only see the heir to the Lunabright family.

And I'm forced to act as Mother and Father's puppet, wonder child of the Lunabrights. It's so...hollow.

But I'm me. Not "wonder child of the Lunabrights." Just me. Camille. And by wiping the Lunabrights off the face of this earth, I will prove that once and for all.

You can't do this! It's...

Come, my dear cousin Hismena... Let us watch the dawn of a new world, together.

Stop!

My, my. This is getting painful to watch.

Wh-Who's there?!

Who would have thought the eldest daughter of the Lunabrights would end up bested by a little toy...

Leongrantze San? You're the last person I'd expect to stand in my way.

Ah, but I can't let the Lunabright family disappear now, can I? It makes things far too easy. This rivalry we Three Families have going is only fun if everyone remains on a level playing field.

And there's nothing I hate more than when things get boring. So, I'll stake my bets on keeping things interesting.

Get him!

Eeek!

It's over, Camille! Now order that weapon to stop!

Once it's been activated, it cannot be stopped. It's my masterpiece... Combining tech from KMS, the military, and the government into one unstoppable weapon...

Then what about the bomb? Tell me how to defuse it!

The bomb is in its belly.

WHAT?!

Heheh. You always gotta have an ace up your sleeve. If you accidentally set it off, a beautiful rose will bloom right in the middle of campus.

It'll be the last Lunabright rose, taking out both you and your friends.

Tch...!

Wait.

I'm here at the request of your father.

My father sent you?

Yes. This was stolen from him, so I came to the venue to find it.

Stolen? Then from the very beginning, you...

I've been your ally, yes, albeit on a temporary basis. He also instructed me to protect you if required. A small price to pay for a direct channel to the head of the Lunabrights.

...What are these? Clothes?

Don't you remember me mentioning a dress code?

According to your father, it has some special significance to your family... No, to you personally. I must admit, it's an exquisite garment. Truly worthy of being worn by the next head of the family.

Why return this? Why not simply steal it and use it as leverage against our family?

I already told you. I hate when things get boring.

Besides. I want to see you come into your true strength... As heiress of the Lunabrights.

As frustrating as this is, I guess I'm in your debt.

Don't worry, I won't ask for interest. You can pay me back once you're head of the family.

I will put a stop to this, Father. I swear it on this symbol you've given me.

Is everyone okay?

Just about!

But it's not taking any damage!

If we don't end this soon, people are going to start getting hurt!

Here it comes!

Hismena? What are you wearing?

Wait, not important! Is your cousin okay?

Well, yes and no. She's the one behind this attack.

WHAT?

She's currently being held by members of IDEA. But our biggest concern right now is the bomb inside this machine.

We need to find a way to defuse it!

Now that is an interesting turn of events...

But it's too strong!

We can stop it. Together.

You're right. Now that you're here... Nothing is impossible.

Yes, we can do this.

We will shut this thing down.

I'll stake my pride on it!

There's the bomb.

No, wait a minute...

What's wrong?

There's no fuse. And no gunpowder.

This could never cause an explosion. It's a dummy.

What?

Teeheehee.

Care to explain yourself, Camille?

Oh, don't look so angry, cousin. I just wanted to give our horrible family a little scare, that's all. They deserved it.

Don't you agree, dear cousin?

CAMILLE!

If this was your idea of a prank, you SERIOUSLY crossed the line! Don't you get what you've done?!

......

Look, I get why you don't like them. I really do. But this is no way to deal with those feelings!

Just because they don't understand you, that's no excuse to do something like this!

Good.

I don't sense any hesitation in you anymore. After giving me a talking to like that, I know you'd serve us well as head of the family.

Camille?

Teehee. You're the only one who calls me by my name, you know.

I'm so lucky to have you as a cousin. To you, I'm not the wonder child of the Lunabrights.

I'm just Camille.

Maybe this was all just a cry for help. She just wanted someone to tell her off for once.

Maybe. She was sick of being idolized as the perfect, irreproachable wonder child of the Lunabrights. She just wanted to be herself.

What happens to her now?

After all she's done, she'll have to go into custody. After that, she'll probably be put into some kind of rehabilitation program.

If only I'd paid more attention to her...

Don't beat yourself up, Hismena.

Yeah, you worked so hard to protect both her and the school.

If it hadn't been for you, things would have gotten a lot more serious.

I don't know... I was totally reliant on you guys for help.

Maybe, but we still owed you a great debt after your help with the Mother incident. Of course, we'd do everything we could to help you in return.

He's right. We were only able to resolve it thanks to the relationships you built.

You guys...

Thank you.

Linaria?

You know my name?

Of course. I memorized all my relatives' information. I also know that you joined the COA.

Wait. If you know where I work... Did you leak the fake intel on the bomb on purpose?

I'll leave that to your imagination.

That's...strangely impressive. No wonder they say you're the smartest in the family.

Hey.

I just wanted to say, I know how you feel.

Are you trying to make me feel better?

I wouldn't go that far... I know, our family isn't the easiest to deal with. There's so much I can't stand about them...

But things will get better. Slowly but surely.

What makes you think that?

Because...

We have a big beautiful rose that can weather any storm on our side. A rose called...Hismena.

I can't believe your father was almost assassinated.

It looks like this is going to be a matter for law enforcement after all... But that should limit my uncle's power at least somewhat.

The lack of irrefutable evidence means he probably won't be arrested, but he won't get away with something like this again.

In the end, the meeting is being rescheduled until after my father has recovered. But whenever the meeting takes place, the topic of succession will rear its ugly head once more. Even after a fiasco like this, the fighting still won't stop.

The curse of a wealthy family...

Next time, I'll be there to support my father directly. I won't let things descend to such chaos again. Not as a Lunabright, nor as a member of IDEA.

Thank you for protecting the school in our absence, Hismena.

No, thank you... And I'm sorry for pulling you away from your extracurricular activities.

Don't apologize. Both my work at IDEA and at the COA are equally important for protecting peace and freedom.

And thank you, too, Claude. I know that was important hobby time for you.

Don't worry about it. My sentiments are the same as Isuka's.

However, allow me to make one small correction. It is not a hobby, it is an important mission. To record and preserve the history of the Kingdom of Kelkale. And there is still so much to do...

It's not just the specialty dish. I also want to update the Kelisthenics to turn it into the new sensation. I was actually thinking of asking you to help with the choreography, Hismena...

It's not just the specialty dish. I was also thinking of staging a new show based on the Kingdom of Kelkale. I was actually considering asking you to help with the performance, Hismena...

O-Of course. Though I don't know how much help I'll be...

Teehee. Sounds like fun. I'll see what I can think of, too.

Isuka, Claude...

I've finally made up my mind.

I've always lived in a closed-off world. However...

When I discovered online games, I realized that it was okay for me to just be myself.

When I discovered IDEA... I got to unite with those who shared my aspirations, despite our different backgrounds.

And together, they have given me a place where I belong and can be myself.

So, I've decided. It's time I give back and give others a place where they can belong, too.

After I graduate, I'm going to stay here at school. I'm going to work under my father and help run this place.

That's a wonderful idea.

Yes, you couldn't have made a better choice.

Thank you. I thought you'd both say that.

As a member of IDEA, I still need to grow stronger. But someday...we will leave this place and walk down different paths.

Until that time comes... Let's do our best to protect this school.

In the name of IDEA.