Flowers Bathed in Sunlight

Oh, welcome!

Can we go now?

Oh no, is it becoming a routine? I hope you don't lose your sense of adventure! Off you go!

Your Highness, let me know if you get tired.

I'm fine! Let's go, go, go!

As you wish, Your Highness.

She's not here.

Sir Bertrand!

Have you found her?

Alas, even with the whole household looking for her, we haven't! Where could she have gone? I'm worried about her.

We must keep looking. Check again where you've looked before. We might have missed her the first time. Have you heard from Felmina? She was searching outside the castle.

She hasn't sent us any news yet.

Well, let's get back to the search.

Is this your room, Miyu?

Yes. There's no one here, though.

Princess Miyu! Please come out!

Your Highness, where are you?

......

Is it the Bibliovore's doing, do you think?

N-No... I'm not sure. Maybe this did happen...

If little Miyu's not in her room, maybe she escaped through the window like before?

Huh? It's shut. Won't budge at all.

After they discovered how I was getting out, they had the window nailed shut. A child wouldn't be able to get it open, so we can safely assume she didn't leave through here.

I learn something new about you every time we come here.

What are you doing in Princess Miyu's room?

We were looking for the restroom and took a wrong turn...

Anyway, that doesn't matter now. We have something of an emergency right now.

You don't say! What's the matter?

The princess has disappeared again. Everyone in the castle is looking for her right now.

Sounds like you could use some extra hands. We wouldn't want anything to happen to the girl.

Thank you! Can you help look for her outside the castle? Right now only Felmina's searching there. See her first and she'll tell you where to go.

Got it!

As for me, I'll keep searching the castle. If you find the princess, please send someone to let me know.

They really don't care at all about us. I mean...we just magically appeared in the princess' room?

Yeah, I was worried for a second that they'd take us for intruders. Anyhow, it works to our benefit.

Let's go and find Felmina to ask her for instructions.

Looks like not only the princess has vanished, but Felmina as well.

We've checked everywhere except the forest.

I hope we don't miss each other. That'd be so frustrating.

Ah, I thought you looked familiar. You're the monster hunters.

We've been looking for you, Felmina!

Why?

We offered to help look for the princess since we had some time on our hands.

Bertrand sent us to help you over here.

Ah, thank you. Let me update you on my findings. I finished checking the perimeter of the castle and did not find any clues there. However, I've been told that the knight standing guard by the forest path was gone for some time.

The guard was not at his post? So she might have gone to the forest!

I'm leaning towards that conclusion as well. Right now that's the best lead I've got.

Let's split up and search the forest together!

Indeed, let's go.

Oh, and what should we do if we find the princess first?

I leave that to your discretion. I trust you two.

Thank you!

Shall we go?

Look! Over there!

I'm getting tired! Where are Bertrand and Felmina? Do we have to go much farther?

Hmm... We've walked far enough. This should do.

What do you mean?

Heh heh heh...

What's going on?!

I remember it now!

A strange man kidnapped me, pretending to be a guard!

Sorry. I don't remember how I even got out of that situation. It was a traumatic experience.

Since this actually happened in the past, the Bibliovore's not here, at least.

But even knowing this is just history and you were all right in the end, I still want to stop that guy!

Yes!

Wait.

Huh?

Whoa!

Shush.

You keep sneaking up on us...

Get used to it. Do you see that?

The fog! Is that guy possessed by a Bibliovore?

But it's manifesting differently from before. It's as if it was barely even there.

Maybe it hasn't got a good grip in this world yet? That could be why it's so faint.

It's one of those rare monsters, isn't it? I'll rescue the princess, and leave the monster to you.

How are you going to rescue her? Do you have a plan?

Yes. I know that man, in fact.

You do?

I'll talk to him and keep him distracted. Meanwhile, I want you to approach him from behind.

Good thinking. That way he won't be able to escape when he notices you're onto him.

I'll eat this one first. This paragraph is so deliciously dark.

Wait, what am I saying? That was strange... and creepy...

Back to business. You be quiet and do as I say. No one will hear your screams anyway.

You're scaring me...

Hold it.

What? It's...you!

Let me go!

Look at you, doing such low-level dirty work. It's not how we do things. Are you striking out on your own?

Shut up! What do you know? I need money and someone's going to pay me good coin for this.

Don't make me laugh. A ruffian like you attempting the abduction of a royal family member?

Why? Does that clash with whatever you're up to, infiltrating Miglance Castle?

......

Oh, I see what your problem is. You were looking for an opportunity to kidnap her but I got her first. Aww, poor you.

......

Hit the nail on the head, huh?

......

Tell you what, it's not too late. You can join me. You and I would make an unbeatable team.

That's an interesting suggestion.

Right? There's money in it, too.

But why should I share? Killing you seems like a much better option.

What?!

The princess is safe. Your turn, guys.

Sure thing!

What the... Fine, have it the hard way!

Come out, pal!

That's the Bibliovore! It's finally showed itself!

Good, now we can rid this story of it!

Ready for battle, Miyu!

Well that's the end of that.

Thank you for your help.

Everyone's worried about you, Lady Miyu. Let's head back to the castle.

I didn't know he was a bad man...

He was, but he's no longer a threat. You must have been very afraid. I should have never let this happen.

It's okay. You saved me! You're amazing, Felmina!

What's wrong?

Felmina, what's the matter?

You just...surprised me, jumping at me all of a sudden.

Felmina!

Felmina, what's the matter?

Why won't you let me hug you? Do you hate me?

Lady Miyu, please stop. We're not playing.

I do not want you to touch me. You're pure and innocent, while I've gotten my hands dirty beyond belief.

Got you!

Please...don't.

Your hands aren't dirty. And you smell nice and clean. It's a scent that makes me feel safe. Just like Mom.

Oh Lady Miyu...

I like you so much, Felmina! You're the best guardian ever! Let me give you some head pats!

......

Princess, you cannot reach that high.

I'll grow tall soon!

You won't if you keep fussing over your food and leaving all the carrots.

What?!

So you will eat your veggies like a good girl from now on? I'll ask the cook to make you carrot soup every day.

Felmina, what's the matter?

Wait for me, Felmina! I can't keep up!

Felmina got really bashful there for a moment. Although she tried to hide it.

You think?

Welcome baaack!

It was kind of nerve-racking for a moment, but we got rid of the monster all right.

By the way, can't you warn us in advance which part of the story you're sending us to?

I could, but... Why, don't you like surprises? Aren't they the spice of life?

Ugh, that's one way of looking at it.

I bet Miyu would agree.

Yes, of course. It's more exciting not knowing what it'll be.

I meant agree with me, not the Chronicle!

That's two against one. Your suggestion's been voted out, Aldo.

Oh well. Not that many left now. We're halfway there.