Episode 3 Chapter 8: Truth and Sincerity

Your Majesty, what are you planning to do about Eda?

...Well, it would be difficult to make use of her, and she's too dangerous to leave alone.

I can understand why they chose to lock her in the spire as opposed to executing or releasing her.

But she seemed unwilling to actually use her power.

Yes, and that's exactly what whoever locked her up failed to consider.

She feels guilty about her power, she even fears it.

Therefore, she won't allow it to be taken advantage of, nor will she let pride guide her actions.

So I don't think it's necessary to punish or lock her up immediately.

In fact, it's not Eda we should be worried about...

But rather how Belian and Ervalen ended up working together, and what they've offered each other in exchange for their cooperation.

Because if we don't know what the enemy's goal is, we're bound to fail.

...So it wasn't just my imagination.

At first, I thought this was just normal land with ominous energy, but this... I'm certain this is celestial energy.

It might be something leftover from when Straze was here, but what if it's not...?

Maybe I'm missing something.

...Huh? That woman...

What are you doing here?

Oh, R-Ras...!

Please don't misunderstand, I wasn't thinking about trying to escape or anything. I was just reminiscing, that's all...!

I wasn't thinking that. I was just wondering why you were staring off into space.

Oh, I've been just...well, staring off into space.

Even after all these years, this place hasn't changed at all.

This devastated city must be proof that I can't escape retribution.

What do you mean?

...This city used to be very prosperous, second only to the capital.

When it was in danger, I used a magic spell. I was confident that I could save everyone.

I don't care if my body is destroyed. I'll give up whatever it takes.

But I couldn't. I couldn't save anyone or anything.

My magic spell was successful, but many died in return, and the city turned to ruins.

Maybe someone else would have come up with a better solution if I hadn't stepped in.

You're saying you alone are the reason the city was destroyed?

That's impossible.

Back then, I was a wizard with so much more mana than I have now. It was enough to cast a magic barrier over the entire city.

No, that's not what I mean. The land here is full of energy that doesn't belong to Orbis.

It's likely that what happened was due to a being not from Orbis. Or at the very least, someone like that was probably involved.

H-How did you...!

...You're right. It wasn't entirely me.

The strange meteor from Politia... That stone lent me power.

Thanks to that, I was able to deceive everyone and get a title that I didn't even deserve...

The stone lent you power?

What if it's the same red stone from Senya's memories...?

Do you have it with you now?

No, I buried it somewhere no one would ever find it.

Because... Who knows? A fool like me would probably just end up making the same mistake twice, even after everything that happened.

Making that mistake once was enough anyway.

I see...

You'd like to go to the Lone Tundra?

Yes. It's not like we're able to go up against the allied forces immediately.

It will take time for the Ezera troops we requested to arrive, and you have problems to take care of here, too.

I just want to check on something that isn't sitting right with me.

I understand. Although the Lone Tundra is notorious for its hostile environment...

It's you we're talking about. I suppose I have nothing to worry about.

I'm pretty sure he has way too much faith in Master.

If he knew how bad Master is with directions... If he knew how weak Master looked when he caught that cold... He would never...

Arky, shh. You're not wrong, but they're going to hear you...

There's one more thing, I have a request for you.

Can I take Eda with me to the Lone Tundra? She's the only person who knows where to find what I'm looking for.

I'm afraid we can't...

Sure.

Schniel, Eda is a criminal, not to mention she possesses enough power to destroy a city of at least this size.

And you want not only to release her but to let her leave Lefundos with your blessing?

If she had any intention of running away, she would have already. As you said, she's a very strong wizard.

No jail could keep her imprisoned without her consent.

If we can't lock her up, wouldn't it be better to let her help Ras?

...I suppose you have a point.

The Lone Tundra is an incomparably dangerous place.

You'll need to visit Pathfinder Village at the border of the tundra and recruit an expert guide, as ordinary explorers won't even be able to get close.

I'll provide you with some useful supplies for the journey to the village.

THUMP, THUMP...

...Cecilia. You noticed too, right?

So you've realized as well. Though I suppose it would be difficult not to.

We're lost...

THUMP, THUMP...

I wonder if Ras really hasn't noticed yet...

Yeah... He's walking so confidently...

This is weird, they definitely said we would arrive at Pathfinder Village within a day.

Maybe they were wrong.

Wouldn't the more normal reaction be to assume we're lost?!

Kyuuu. Arky thinks Master is wrong. We must be going the wrong way!

Why would you take the lead when you're so bad with directions?!

Those with the least knowledge have the most confidence...

But considering the blizzard and all the snow, I think anyone would have trouble finding the village, not just Ras...

Mercedes is right. I'm sure even those who have been in the tundra for their entire lives still get lost when traveling somewhere new.

But at least they would realize they were lost...

That...is true.

How did I end up in the middle of a snowstorm with these people...?

I told them I couldn't leave without permission, but that's because I assumed they would never let me.

I never expected him to actually get permission...

They said the tundra would be hard to reach, but no one warned us that finding the village would be just as difficult.

S-See? Not everyone is welcome here.

I'm sure the stone is safely buried where I left it, so why don't we go back now?

I think just knowing it's buried in a place that's extremely difficult to access should be enough for now... Right?

Umm... What is that look on your faces? D-Did I say something wrong?

Eda, what is that behind you...?

Huh? What are you... *gasping*

It looks like a giant rock is walking towards us...

It appears to be some kind of giant, furry creature.

And it's...looking directly at us. And charging straight toward us!

I'm sure you've already received reports that they've conquered the spire.

If you consider me listening to Flan insult Ervalen for three days straight a report, then sure.

I was merely trying to explain the situation. And my explanation may have been peppered with some colorful words.

As you are aware, we requested two things from Lefundos in return for our cooperation.

First, to give us the Dragon Knight Insignia after conquering Wintenberg, and second, to assist us in finding the item we're after.

However, that item is tied to the Wizard's Spire. Whether they will be able to fulfill the second condition has become unclear.

We could always just take it back. Once this war is over, I'll...

No. I'm sure there's a better way to handle this, Laika.

Apparently, an unidentified wizard was released from the dungeon at the same time as Schniel.

If my hypothesis is correct, she is Eda, the high wizard.

It's very likely that she has the item we're looking for, or at the very least, information related to it.

In other words, it's possible for us to get what we want without waiting for the war to end.

But Belian, even if we get that information, everything will have been in vain if we lose this war.

I don't fully understand why you're dispersing troops and calling for independent action at a time like this.

Laika, you're not questioning Belian's judgment, are you?

Considering that you have limited information, I understand why you may have doubts.

However, we don't necessarily need to win this war in order to get what we want.

Everything taking place right now is merely one step in the "real plan."

What I intend to achieve is something far beyond this... Something noble, and on a much greater scale, something perfect.

...Can I have more information?

Very well, I suppose it would help you to better carry out these plans if you knew.

It's common knowledge that the Archdemon has invaded this planet several times.

But have you ever questioned why it targets this planet, and specifically, the Sanctuary?

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP...

Hyaaaaa...!

Could that be a Suin...? But I've never seen a Suin this large before.

It's almost as huge as a young Dragon.

I-Is that a Yeti? Is it coming to eat us alive...?

Creaaaaam!

*panting* You can't just go running off without me! One step for you equals, like, ten steps for me!

Huh? Who are those people?

Choux! Long time no see!

That Suin's name must be Cream. And it seems that they're close with Choux.

What are you guys doing in this secluded area? It's dangerous, cha-cha!

If I hadn't found you, you would have been found dead!

*gasping* I-I'm so sorry...

Cream, give them a break. You just met them! They might be scared of you.

Meru, Ras! What are you doing here? Were you coming to visit me?

Visit you? Then your house...

Must be near the Pathfinder Village that we're looking for.

I didn't think you'd actually come visit! You really wanted to try my mom's special pie, huh?

My house isn't too far from here. Cream will carry you guys. Right, Cream?

Hyaaaaa...!

Finally, we can escape all this snow.

...

PAT... PAT...

So fluffy... *giggling*

All right, Cream, let's go! Please take them to my house as fast as you can!

Ta-da! This is my mom's handmade pie! She made a lot so that everyone could have some!

It smells so good! I bet it's delicious!

I'm worried that she may have felt overwhelmed due to us rushing in so suddenly.

Oh, no, not at all! Honestly, she was kind of happy about it.

Maybe she was only just saying that...

Anyway, Choux, could you introduce us to a veteran explorer who can guide us to the center of the tundra?

Hmm? Why would you want to go there?

It's not hard to get to that general area, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to make it into the center.

Only people who have permission from the Ice Princess, the owner of the tundra, can enter.

The Ice Princess?

Yeah, there's this beautiful ice castle at the center of the tundra, but because of all the blizzards the Ice Princess makes, it's really hard to reach.

They say that only those who possess a pure passion can break through the blizzard.

No... I'm the one who made the blizzard. That way no one could ever get in...

I have no idea where that princess story came from.

I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who are bored enough to make up fake stories.

No, the Ice Princess is real! See, it's even in this book!

Are you talking about a fairy tale?

Um... I mean, yes, but...

Anyway, she's real, I'm telling you!

Sure, sure. You look young enough to believe in fairy tales anyway.

Huh? You don't look that much older than me!

What?! Do you even hear yourself? I look a hundred times more mature than you!

Not quite...

Anyway, if you need a guide, I could take you there. I've been there before.

But...are you sure? We were told it's extremely dangerous there.

It's fine. We've got Cream and Pastry, and you're all going to be there for me too!

Hmph... I'm not particularly fond of you, but whatever. I'll protect you if something happens!

By "all," I meant everyone except you.

W-What?!

Umm... Shouldn't we stop them? I think they're about to fight...

That's how friendships are built.

Choux seems so much more lively with Charlotte. I guess she really needed someone around her age. I'm glad.

Am I the only one who's worried here?!

Now, now, girls, stop fighting and let's eat. Our food is going to get cold and stale before we even start.

*munching* Meru's right. If we have free time, Arky would rather use it to eat than to fight.

If you're too slow, Arky's going to eat it all.

Oh no!

Hmph... I'll spare you just this once.

Phew... I'm glad Mercedes stopped them.

Here you go, Eda. You should have a slice too.

H-Huh? Oh... Th-Thank you...

*munching*

It's so good!

...

H-Huh? Why are you staring at me like that...?

I was just thinking I've never seen you smile before.

It's a good look on you, Eda.

U-Uhh... You're making fun of me, right?

Haha, I mean it. I hope you have many more opportunities to smile in the future.

*door creaking*

...I-I think I need some fresh air.

Are you already done eating?

Yes, I've had enough...

I wonder if my comment made her uncomfortable...

Commander! How was your meeting with Belian? Are you finished?

...Yes.

Is everything all right? You seem a little different than usual.

I just got scolded real bad, that's all. Anyway, we've received a new mission. We need to leave right away.

Huh? We're not going to the battlefield? Why?

I can't provide you with any details. All I can say is that this is necessary.

Understood. I'll prepare the automatic machines at once.

*sighing*...

...I get the gist of it.

This is something that needs to happen in order to prevent this planet from being completely destroyed like Paradia, Politis's home planet.

And that you need to remove every potential unknown before carrying out your plan.

You're very quick to catch on. I'm impressed, you really are an excellent machine.

But I do have one question.

If everything goes as planned and this planet is saved... What happens next?

Isn't it going to become uninhabitable, like it was when Politis first arrived here?

At the very least, I'm sure it will be too hostile for Humans.

Laika, there's something you need to understand.

Given enough time and a proper environment, the Human population will always increase.

Additionally, at least sixty percent of Politia's citizens will survive. And then our city will be able to continue on without any threats for all eternity.

We finally will be able to carry out the mission our creator handed down to us.

What she's saying isn't wrong. She was created to make only the right decisions, after all.

And I was created to help her carry out these plans for Politia.

I have no right to form any judgments.

The compass is starting to act weird. That means that from this point on, it's Solitaria's territory.

Let's get some rest here for today and keep going tomorrow morning.

Great. We walked so much, my legs are killing me...

Arky is starving, too...

All you did was hang off of me the entire time.

Was it that tiring for you guys? I'm sorry, I was the only one who got to have a comfortable journey...

That's okay. If Cream had carried us too, we wouldn't have been able to fight off the monsters.

Since everyone seems exhausted, I'll prepare our sleeping bags. Meanwhile, please get some rest.

Aren't you hungry, Pastry? Here you go!

Squeak, squeak!

So fluffy...

Hehe, isn't he adorable?

H-Huh? Oh, yes...

Do you want to try feeding him?

No, I'm all right. I'm scared I might drop him...

Don't worry, you won't. Here! Just hold him like this and give him a little bit at a time.

Squeak?

Whoaaa...

Eda?

She's completely frozen.

H-He's so light and tiny. Aww... I'm afraid even the smallest movement will hurt him.

It's all right, don't worry. Pastry is tougher than you think!

How about this? You hold him and I'll feed him.

MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH

So cute...

Yes, he really is.

Oh!

...Eda, do you feel uncomfortable when I'm around?

Huh?!

You stop smiling and look away whenever our eyes meet...

Oh, no... It's not that I don't like you.

Um...

I just don't know how I'm supposed to respond in situations like that.

...!

It's simple, just hold eye contact and smile.

Won't people think it's creepy if someone as gloomy as me smiles at them...?

If they get uncomfortable for something like that, that's their problem, not yours.

You shouldn't feel bad about it.

At the very least, stop frowning and furrowing your eyebrows like that. You'll chase away all your happiness.

Ahhh, please stop poking my forehead. It hurts!

You've changed a lot, Charlotte... You've become very similar to Alencia, I think.

What? What do you mean?!

She means you act like an old lady, kyukyu!

An old lady? Do you know how young I am?!

She complains when you call her a kid, and she complains when you call her an old lady. I don't know what she wants from us!

I know. Does age really matter that much?

Should I be upset too if someone thinks I'm older or younger than I really am?

Don't be ridiculous, Master. You don't look your age to begin with...

These trees look so interesting. It almost feels like we're in a dream.

There were no trees like this the last time I came here...

Does the Ice Princess really exist?

...! Someone is talking to us.

Is that the Ice Princess's voice?

We've come to find something. Could you let us in?

Huh?

*shrieking*

Monsters just appeared out of nowhere!

Oh no... Let's deal with them quickly!

That should be the last of them.

Do you think she sent those monsters because she was unhappy with our answer?

But I told her the truth...

Yeah, there's this beautiful ice castle at the center of the tundra, but because of all the blizzards the Ice Princess makes, it's really hard to reach.

They say that only those who possess a pure passion can break through the blizzard.

...Could it be that?

I want another chance to answer your question.

I've come all the way here to rescue the poor princess locked up in the ice castle.

K-Kyu?! Master, what are you saying?

*rumbling*

Oh! A path appeared!

There weren't any contraptions like this when I came here. I wonder if the princess has been bored.

Anyway, I feel like all the questions the voice is asking are related to the Ice Princess story.

While we're walking, could you tell me the story? It might be helpful when we get to the castle.

Sure. Once upon a time...

Happiness... I don't remember the story saying anything about happiness.

But I read in another book that happiness comes from a reliable income.

Ahem! I could not agree more. The national treasury certainly is key to sustainable peace.

All right, then. Let's answer now.

Yes. Happiness comes from a reliable income!

Ugh, what? But I heard all Humans love money...

Come to think of it, you don't have an income, Master. Are you unhappy?

Not...particularly.

All right. At this point, maybe it's better if we all take turns answering. It seems like there's no limit to how many times we can try.

Happiness... I haven't really thought much about it before.

But haven't you had any moments that made you step back and think, "Oh, this must be happiness"?

Like when you're eating something delicious, for example!

If that's happiness, this question is easy-peasy!

I think happiness is having someone you love and trust by your side.

Because just the thought of it gives you the strength to fight back against any sadness or frustration.

I agree with Mercedes.

There's an old saying in Wintenberg: the strongest knights are those who have comrades with whom they can share their everything.

I think maybe you're right. Let's try again with this answer.

Yes. Happiness comes from the existence of someone you can trust!

That wasn't it.

Don't get discouraged. That doesn't mean you're wrong, it just wasn't the answer she wanted.

Arky thinks eating delicious food is what makes people happy!

You're right! Nothing is better than a spoonful of yummy, crispy pie!

You've got a point.

Otherwise, people wouldn't stand in line waiting to eat at their favorite restaurants.

Yes. Happiness is the emotion you feel when you eat good food!

Kyeeeeek!

How could she say no to that?! The Ice Princess is so coldhearted!

Hmm... Maybe she's never eaten anything really delicious.

If only she had tried my mom's pie, then she definitely wouldn't have said we were wrong!

Hmm... How about you, Eda? Does anything come to mind?

Huh?! M-Me?! H-How would I know anything about happiness...?

But... Well, I guess I might be happy if my dreams came true.

What dreams?

...To live like other people.

I want to wake up to the smell of warm food my parents made for me...

And after I finish breakfast, my friends are waiting for me outside... And we spend all day long together, without getting attacked or harassed...

And once it gets dark, I return home and tell my family how my day was and go to bed... That's the kind of life I dream of.

I've thought about this many times... Nothing could make me happier than that.

I think the reason I always felt so unhappy was that I knew I didn't have something that others took for granted.

To live an ordinary life, like other people...

...Now that you mention it, I think I would have been happy if I had a life like that too.

Not that I'm upset that I didn't, but...

All right. Let's try with your answer, Eda.

Huh? But...what if I'm wrong...

Then we can just try again, don't worry.

Yes. Happiness is what you see when you look at something you don't have.

People who have always had something without ever having to work for it do not realize that they're happy.

*rumbling*

Ah! Another path showed up!

She must have liked your answer. It's all thanks to you, Eda.

N-No, I was just...

Eda.

Urgh...

I-I'm glad I could help...

Mercedes was right, a smile does look good on you!

Shall we continue forward then?

Love...?

How would a bunch of single people know...?

Could you maybe give us a different question?

I guess not.

But there are many types of love other than the love shared between lovers.

The love between a parent and their child, between siblings, or even between friends, for example.

We may not have experience with romance, but I'm sure we all have someone important to us.

Not really...

To me, love is the desire to stay by someone's side unconditionally.

Despite knowing she would suffer if she chose to stay with her, Yufine never gave up on her sister.

I too was unable to turn my back on Luna, despite having every reason to.

Because...though we may not be sisters by blood, I loved her like a sister.

...I see. All of the behavior I used to see as irrational was because of this emotion.

I just couldn't understand because I didn't have it.

Let's tell her our answer.

Yes. Love is the emotion that makes you choose to be with someone despite all the reasons not to.

I guess the voice doesn't feel that way...

In my opinion, love is an emotion that makes you worry about someone.

It's a kind of consideration that makes you want to give them nothing but the best, and to protect them from being hurt.

In that sense, I think the reason Alencia was always nagging me and Yufine was because she cared about us.

Although, I guess I argued with her a lot before I realized that.

Kyuu... Come to think of it, Arky was worried about Master when he was sick, too.

So Arky agrees!

All right, I'll try telling her your answer.

Yes. Love is an emotion that makes you care for someone and worry about them.

This is hard... I really thought we got it that time.

Me! Me me me! Let me try, I think I know the answer!

Love is what makes you happy when you're with someone!

Because I'm extremely happy when I'm with my parents or Cream and Pastry!

Choux's right! This has got to be it, cha-cha!

Squeak! Squeak, squeak!

Hmm... That does make sense. Let's try again.

Yes. Love is something that makes you feel happy when you're with someone.

Oh no...

How could she say that was wrong?! She's clearly never loved anyone before!

Cream, relax! It doesn't mean we're wrong, it's just that the princess has a different answer in mind.

And we might get kicked out if we say something bad about her!

*sighing*...

...Umm, no. We ran out of ideas.

You'd better not be tormenting us with this just because you don't want to let us in!

She's right, we've had enough! Just let us in!

Maybe we should stop for now and try again tomorrow.

This strange forest makes it unclear what time it is now, but based on how many times Arky has eaten today, I'm certain it's late at night.

Meru is right. Arky's stomach is very punctual!

...All right. Let's call it for today.

I can't fall asleep, it's too bright.

Hmm? Ras and Mercedes? What are they doing over there? Maybe they couldn't sleep either.

...What do you think?

I don't know, it sounds too much like the answers we already tried...

Oh, they're trying to come up with an answer. I wish I could be of help.

Hmm, love...

My closest experience with love...was with the people who were kind to me. That's as far as it goes, although there weren't that many anyway.

But that was so long ago, I can't remember how it felt...

But I do remember feeling like I wasn't worthless when I was with them.

I felt like I was someone worthy of attention and kindness...

...Even though my mistake cost me everything.

Huh?!

*rumbling*

Ras! A path just appeared!

I wonder if she heard us talking and found an answer she liked?

Could it have been...mine?

That means that I got two questions right in a row...

Oh no, is the princess...?

What do you mean you can't come with us?

I-I'm too scared of what might be waiting for us...

Oh no... He's going to be angry. I never should have come with them in the first place.

Why?! Why are you turning a blind eye when you have the ability to save us?!

You irresponsible, cowardly woman... To think you were this horrible of a person!

Well, that's too bad.

...Huh?

Could you at least tell us if there's a sign or some other way for us to figure out where the stone is buried?

If you tell us, we'll go look.

I was so sure you were going to yell at me...

Why would I?

If you can't come with us, we'll just have to find some other solution, right?

I mean, you guys have been so nice to me...and now I'm letting you down...

So I thought you would feel disappointed or betrayed... Like you wasted your kindness on me...

...The reason we were nice to you wasn't that we wanted to use your abilities.

And whether you want to accept or refuse our request is your own decision.

We might end up coming back and asking you for help if we fail to resolve this without you, but we've at least got to try.

But does that mean Eda would need to stay here by herself?

I would feel bad if we just left her alone in an unfamiliar place like this. I think someone should stay behind to keep her company.

N-No, it's really okay. I'd rather die than impose on you any more than I already have!

I was alone for hundreds of years in that dungeon...and I was alone before that, too. It doesn't bother me at all.

But it bothers us!

Oh, I've got an idea! What if Cream and Pastry keep her company?

Will do! Don't worry, cha-cha!

Squeak!

Hehe, you like that idea too, Pastry?

Then here's some food for you guys. Don't forget to eat, and make sure you get some rest.

Th-Thank you...

Achoo!

Squeak? Squeak?

Are you cold?

Oh, no, I'm fine. My nose tickled, that's all...

If you're cold, don't hesitate to come into my arms!

I-I'm really not cold...

Although... It was so fluffy when I rode on his back. I wonder if his stomach is any fluffier...

W-Well, in that case, just for a little...

SQUISH!

Whoa...

Please stop squishing me. That tickles, cha-cha!

Oh, I'm sorry. I really like animals, but I've never actually had the chance to touch one...

I've been thinking of adopting a familiar, but I was too scared it might suffer because of the people who hate me...

...I almost feel like I'm dreaming.

I'm not being forced to do anything I don't want to... And the people with me are so considerate, too...

But at the same time, it's making me uncomfortable.

There's no way I'm allowed to have this happiness. I'm afraid something might happen and take it away from me at any moment.

Am I just being paranoid? I really hope so...

*ears wiggling*

Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!

What's happening? Why is he doing that?

...! Someone is coming this way.

Look, there's the castle! We made it!

I didn't think there would literally be a castle in the middle of the tundra.

Hehe... You see? I wasn't lying!

Yes, I apologize for treating you like a child. Traveling together has opened my eyes to a more mature side of you.

Hmph! Don't you think it's a little late for that?

Anyway, let's go inside. Eda is waiting for us, so we should get back as quickly as possible!

It looks so much larger from the inside.

Is that chandelier made of ice too? It almost looks like a work of art made with jewels.

Where's the Ice Princess?

Master, look! Someone is walking down the stairs!

You...must be the prince who's come to save me.

I'm Solitaria of the Snow. I'm the owner of this castle and the protagonist of this tragedy.

Alas, you have no idea how I've longed for this day to come!

Though I was locked up all by myself in this castle for so very long, I never once doubted that someday, you'd come to save me!

Now! It's time for an oath and a K-I-S-S! Let's tie the knot!

Those people will be our witnesses. That's the only reason I let them all in with you, anyway.

How many kids do you want? I was thinking maybe five!

And of course, we'll need two puppies, three kittens, a pony, and a peacock, too!

Kyaaa! Just the thought of it makes my heart pound!

And this is...

...The Ice Princess?

Ummm... Maybe y...

Kyaaa! Did you just call me "baby"? Yes, honey! I'm listening!

I'm really sorry to say this, but I'm not the prince you've been waiting for.

Well, you definitely don't look like one, so I do have to say I'm a little disappointed.

The person I've been waiting for is someone who spent his life restrained by the king due to his noble blood and unusual skill, making him indifferent and blunt, but he lets his guard down just a little bit when he's with me...

Are you sure you're just "a little" disappointed?

It's fine, really. As long as he has the potential to grow, I'll get to have fun shaping him to my taste.

So get ready, 'cause I'm going to make you into my perfect Prince Charming! *giggling*

I didn't mean it that way. I'm here for a different reason.

There's something in this area that we need to find. Could you help us?

...What?

Huh? Sorry? What are you talking about? You're not going to marry me?

Are you doing that thing where you pretend not to be interested when actually, you're really, truly, madly in love with me?

Or maybe you're the type who has no interest in love, forcing me to pursue you instead...

Ras is nothing like that. Please refrain from making rude assumptions.

As he already told you, we're here looking for something.

*gasping* I just realized there's only one man in that group!

Is he trying to turn me into another girl to add to his little harem? I'm supposed to be the heroine of this fairy tale!

...Okay. Now I see what's going on here.

Phew, that's a relief.

Uh-huh, I see all right. To a playboy like you, I'm just another girl to seduce!

How could you?! I was ready to give you everything!

Huh?! What are you saying?

I don't need any plot twists like you getting in the way of my beautiful love story!

Get ready to become the latest additions to my collection of ice sculptures!

Alas... I've lost. Everything I've done was in vain.

Is this the way my love story ends? To think my fate would be this tragic!

But! Even if you take me, you'll never win my heart!

All right, all right... If you're done, can we talk?

Have you ever seen a red stone in this area? Someone buried it here a long time ago and marked the spot with two big rocks.

Oh, that's what you were looking for?

If you're referring to what I think you are, I had been using it as a decoration on one of my sculptures and...

BAAM!

What was that noise?!

Kyaaaaaa! No, my beautiful stained glass! I worked so hard on that!

Hey, guys. How's it going?

*gasping* Too high... I'm scared...!

Eda...!

Who are those people? How did they get near the castle? I thought no one was allowed to enter without your permission!

They must have sneaked in while the barrier was down as I was letting you in.

Gosh, this is why I should never let my guard down!

What happened to Cream and Pastry? You didn't...

Don't worry, they're safe.

Yup, we made a deal with this girl. She gave in peacefully under the condition that we don't lay a finger on them.

Nothing will happen as long as you're cooperative. I'd love to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed too.

Ugh...

W-What should I do? They're in trouble because of me.

Maybe I should use magic to defeat them all...

...Never mind, I might make things worse. I might even end up making an irreversible mistake again.

What do you want? Do you want us to pull back from the war?

That, and some information.

I hear you're here to find that red stone.

I don't know why you're looking for that thing... But that's what we're after as well.

Help us find it. And once you do, hand it over to us.

...

We're not asking for much, are we? We don't want you to side with us, we simply...

Hyaaaaap!

Commander, watch out!

...!

BOOM!

...What are you thinking? You don't care what happens to the hostage?

Why would I care about that gloomy-looking girl?

What matters to me is that you intruders have destroyed my castle!

And as the owner of the castle, I'm going to banish you all!

No...! Please stop, you're just going to make the situation worse...!

Don't tell me what to do. I'm the princess here!

Aghhhh... Please stop calling yourself that. It feels so weird to see my lookalike say she's a princess!

This is exactly why I didn't want to come... This is so embarrassing, I wish I would just disappear...

I'M embarrassing YOU? Don't make me laugh. Don't you realize no one likes a damsel in distress anymore?!

And what do you mean we look alike? I'm so pretty and elegant, and you look like a frowny clown.

But more than anything, I hate people like you, pathetic cowards who do nothing but cower in fear during situations like this.

D-Don't say that, you know nothing about me!

And why should I try to understand you? Don't tell me you think everyone in the world should feel sorry for you or something.

Unlike me, you can do anything you want, so what's your excuse?!

...I...

If you continue to ignore my warning and attack, we'll have no choice but to fire back.

Hmph, just try me!

Where did she go?!

She must have teleported. I'm sure she didn't go too far. She's probably just in another part of the castle.

Kanna, use the automatic machines to search inside the castle. I'll take this girl with me to go search the surroundings.

Then let me go with Kanna. I'm too nervous to send her off on her own.

No, you stay here with me, Brinus.

You've already failed to capture Ras's team once before.

Then let me make it up to you by...

If you lose them again this time, I'll be forced to question your loyalty.

And it won't just be me, Belian will too.

So I'd rather avoid the possibility of that situation entirely.

Am I clear, Bri?

Where are we...?

This is a panic room. Being a princess, I thought that maybe one day, I'd get involved in a fight for love that forces me to risk my own life.

What does that have to do with being a princess...?

I wonder if Eda is doing okay.

I'm the one who attacked them and ran away, and they weren't even after me.

You haven't responded to their proposition yet, so I'm sure they won't do anything.

Anyway, while we have some time, try to think about how to get them away from my castle!

If you help me with that, I'll tell you where the stone is.

And you can have my heart as a reward too. Hehe.

But that's...

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

Silence!

Anyway, how are we going to get rid of them? Do you have something in mind?

An eye for an eye, that's how I handle things.

They took one of us as a hostage, so we'll take one of theirs.

And how are we going to manage that?

That's what you'll have to figure out.

Kyuu... Just a little hit is enough to stop Reingar's Machinery.

But these Dolls are too tough.

...I wonder if Politia's Automatic Dolls work similarly to Reingar's Machinery.

If their construction is similar, and the only difference is that they're more durable...

Where are they hiding? This place is too huge! It's like playing hide and seek.

If only the plan had been to bomb this place away, I wouldn't be suffering like this right now...

*walking*

Did I just hear footsteps?

Aha! There they are!

She's right on our tails! She's so fast!

I'll freeze you!

Let me help!

Fire and ice magic isn't going to work on me. I'm a special model made with all the newest technology.

I'm exhausted. Let's put an end to this!

You're better than I thought... But this is it! I'm going to use my ultimate skill!

Take this!

...

Huh?

...

H-Huh? Why isn't this working?!

...I'm glad I was right.

Hey! What have you done to Nana!?

A girl who's good with machines once explained to me why they break.

Apparently, they malfunction pretty easily when exposed to extreme temperatures, when they're soaked in water, or when they're frozen...

So I thought I'd try all of them. And thankfully, it looks like at least one of them worked.

Did the moisture from the flame magic get in through the cracks on the outside and freeze...?

Normally, I would have just turned up my body temperature and melted it, but it's impossible right now thanks to that Ice Princess or whatever...

All right. It's time to pay for destroying my beautiful castle.

Commander...

No objections. I won't repeat myself.

...You said I should come find you if I had something to say about what happened on the day Ras and his group got away from me.

Are you finally going to tell me something?

Before they arrived, we had an operation where we launched a surprise attack on a hacker who had illegally accessed the central network.

Apparently, that hacker had accessed the oldest document to exist in Politia.

...It seems to have been a document about Politis, the founder of Politia.

Politis...?

...I don't think this is something we should discuss in public.

Give me a second. I'll make sure no one can hear our conversation first.

...Therefore, I decided to build a city like Paradia.

But there were limits to what could be done on uninhabitable land.

Until one day, something miraculous happened.

...Everything had returned to the way it was before the meteor struck.

However, those peaceful days didn't last long. Soon, beings sent by celestial gods started to attack the planet.

Thankfully, an embodiment of the Goddess succeeded in stopping them...

But I couldn't just sit back and hope he would win every time.

Then, I noticed something unusual, the beings that invaded Orbis were targeting a land called the Sanctuary.

I realized there must be some secret to that land.

Around that time, construction on a kingdom near the Sanctuary began, and I took part in its development.

It was then that I discovered one important fact.

It turned out that a piece of a planet was buried beneath the Sanctuary. It was the same thing as the sacred stone back on Paradia.

Perhaps the reason Paradia was destroyed and this planet is under constant attack is...

Politis noticed that the cause of her home planet's destruction is also present on this planet.

I believe she must have wanted to get rid of it...

Since her plans to build an eternal city would fail if the planet were destroyed.

...So?

So... I just wanted to check with Ras, who probably knows the answer to this question.

I wanted to know what will happen if everything goes according to plan.

Even if you did know that, what would change?

If the outcome turns out to be something you don't want, would you try to stop her?

...Did you already know all this?

Haven't you ever questioned this? What's happening now, and what's going to happen in the future...

Bri, we were created to follow orders and carry out missions.

If there's anything that gets in the way of us carrying out our commands, it's a malfunction and needs to be fixed.

The only thing we need to think about is how to successfully complete our missions. We don't need to analyze the reasons behind them or the outcome.

...

I'm relieved that you only had a question for Ras and didn't go to his side.

But please don't do something like this again, okay? I don't want you to put yourself in danger over unnecessary doubts like this.

Is that really the only reason we exist?

Are we nothing more than tools...?

Brinus.

...It must have been hard for you to struggle with this secret all by yourself.

I think it would be good for you to get some rest until you organize your thoughts. I'll take this girl and go look for the stone.

...Understood.

All right, end of meeting. Sorry for the wait. Shall we head out?

I couldn't hear what they were saying...

But I clearly heard the name Politis. I wonder if she has something to do with why they're looking for the stone.

If that's the case...

What are you waiting for? Get moving. You said you'd cooperate with us if we let those Suin go, remember?

...Of course. Please follow me.

It was somewhere around here...

Are you sure? You'd better not be dragging me around to stall for time.

N-No, I'm not... It's just that things have changed so much since I was last here.

And it's also possible that the girl who looks like me moved the stone elsewhere.

Speaking of which, who is she? Is she your sister?

I think she's a magical being that was born from the concentrated mana that the stone attracted.

Similar to Phantasmas, beings like this are usually formed in places with dense mana concentrations. I guess I left too much mana when I was here...

And so...this embarrassing being was born...

But for someone who was created from you, you two seem pretty different. Especially her personality.

...Maybe we're not that different.

I used to dream of becoming a princess when I was a kid.

I fantasized that I was a princess who had been abandoned, and that someone would come to rescue me if I could just endure that pain...

She embodies everything I wanted to change about myself. And maybe that's why...it's so hard for me to look at her.

Hmm, that's interesting. Both in terms of Human psychology and magic.

...I also have a question for you. May I ask?

What question? Let me hear it first.

I think I heard you two talking about Politis... Is she related to why you're looking for this stone?

Ahaha, do you really think I would just leak a high-level secret like that? To someone sided with the enemy, no less.

Are you really that foolishly naive, or do you have something up your sleeve to get an answer out of me?

I could change sides.

Depending on your answer.

There's no way our commander is stupid enough to fall for something like that!

What makes you say that?

We're just tools that look like Humans. If one of us breaks, they can make another one.

So the emotions we're allowed to feel are restricted depending on the model, and we can only have them to the point that they don't interfere with our duty.

If what you just said is true, you wouldn't need to explain it in that much detail.

Is there something bothering you? Is that why you're trying to stop us?

Uhhh...

One way or another, we're going to find the truth.

...The commander won't choose me.

And then my last memory...would be her abandoning me.

I just don't like the idea, that's all.

I should have been more careful. Maybe I should have listened to Brinus when she told me that, too.

...Now that you're asking, it makes me curious.

Why do you care so much? You're not from Politia and you're not an Automatic Doll.

Because I'm...responsible for her death.

Please, just try to think about this rationally...!

Don't you see that worthless sentiment leads you to make the worst decisions, and ultimately, it will be your downfall...?!

I know, everything you said is true... But what am I supposed to do?

I-I'm too weak and dumb. I'll never be able to live like you!

My memories with Grandpa aren't just worthless sentiment. They're my only source of shelter, hope, and strength...

My memories of the past are what allow me to endure the present. How am I supposed to just let those go?

I knew my expectations would only hurt me, but still, I need that hope that someday things will get better so I can keep going.

...Oh, Eda.

You remind me of myself...

And since it's my fault Politis died without achieving her goal...

I want to make her wish come true, if possible.

...Her respiration and pulse are normal. I don't think she's lying.

I need her assistance to complete this mission. And it sounds like she knows a lot more than I realized.

Maybe I should test the waters.

I'm can't tell you any further details, but Politis wanted us to destroy the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is said to be the source of the world and all its lives. If we were to destroy such a place, then...

A lot of people would be sacrificed. What Politis wanted to achieve is based on that.

So, what do you think? Do you still feel like helping?

...Did she really want something like that to happen?

This is all according to a document she wrote herself. And Belian, who obeys her will, said the same.

Maybe she would have changed her mind later.

I can't trust that Belian obeys Politis's will. Because she...

Enough.

Is this what your plan was? To pretend to side with us and get me to doubt her?

What do you know about Belian and Politis?!

I told you, I'm responsible for Politis's death.

I... I couldn't do anything for her, even though I was right beside her the moment she died.

And the person who killed her...

...Was Belian.

What...?

BOOOOOM!

Gotcha, you bunch of baddies!

Kneel before me if you wish to save your friend!

I think she's the baddie here...

Commander... I'm so sorry...

Kanna...

Commander, I heard an explo...

...!

Easy, Solitaria. We don't need to go that far.

I'm sorry. We didn't think you'd be willing to have a civil conversation, so we had to go for a slightly more forceful tactic.

Are you suggesting a hostage exchange? You're more cunning than I thought.

I'm afraid we can't pull back from this war.

If we do, many innocent lives will be sacrificed.

...And what's so wrong about that?

Destroyed buildings and broken machines can be rebuilt. No matter how many people die, they're going to reproduce as time goes on.

The reason I'm willing to accept that sacrifice is so we can reduce the number of resources needed for the next step.

But why are you trying to minimize the number of victims?

Is it because you were created that way? Or because your mission as the embodiment of the Goddess is to protect this planet?

It used to be, but not anymore.

Then why?

Because it's not the same.

No matter how many times the world is rebuilt, no matter how many new lives are born, they're not the same.

I've witnessed the deaths of countless people over a very long period of time. But I never knew what those people meant as individuals.

I only came to understand that after waking up for the last time.

Each individual life is unique and meaningful, and that's what makes them irreplaceable.

So I want to protect them all.

...I see. That makes sense.

That's why I couldn't follow Belian's commands so easily, even though I understood her logic.

I wasn't convinced that carrying out her commands would mean we gain more than we lose.

Is it okay for me to follow her orders when this task is so far beyond what I'm capable of analyzing, predicting, and judging?

But I...

...Everyone, prepare to fire.

Commander...

What should we do? They don't want to swap hostages?!

It seems like it. Since they still have Eda, we need to be careful.

...I can't wrap my head around it.

What Belian wants is what Politis wanted. And what Politis wanted was for the sake of Politia.

So I never needed to think of them as separate entities.

But what if what Belian wants and what Politis wanted are different?

And what if what she does isn't truly for the city?

Then which one of those three should I follow?

Is that really the only reason we exist?

Are we nothing more than tools...?

If I have to make a decision, what should I...

...Stop! Cease fire.

Let me ask you one last thing.

What happens to the hostage depends on your answer.

...What is it?

Back in Politia, and at the valley, and even now... What makes you so confident?

Haven't you ever doubted your decision?

Aren't you afraid of the possibility of failure?

I've chosen the wrong answer so many times. Even on our way to this castle, I got every single question wrong.

And every time I'm faced with a new problem, I do have to stop and think.

However, I believe that those moments are what help keep me moving forward.

Because stopping to think is proof that you're trying to do what's right.

I can't be sure about my decisions all the time, but I can at least try to take the right path.

So I thought that at the end of the day, what really matters is not the result of my decision but the meaning behind it.

If I have confidence in the fact that I made the best decision I could after thinking it over, I can keep going.

No matter what outcome awaits me.

...

...I think we've fought enough for today. We'd better retreat.

I'll release the hostage as long as you promise to let us go without inflicting any more damage.

Huh?! Why? Commander, is it because of me? It's fine, you don't have to worry about me at all!

You know you can still fight! There are enough machines, and Brinus too...

This is a decision I'm making as commander. A soldier like you can't cast judgment on a matter like this, Kanna.

But if Belian finds out that we chose to retreat when we could still fight...

As your commander, I'll take full responsibility for this. You don't need to worry.

That's exactly why we're worried!

...It's fine.

This is my decision.

So, I guess everything has been resolved?

Tell us where the red stone is, like you promised.

Oh, right... It wasn't where I put it, and none of the soldiers could find it. Where did you hide it?

Well...

It's not in this castle. Because I gave it to a girl as a present a long time ago.

What?!

But don't worry. That girl is right over there. Isn't that right, Choux?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to deceive you! It's just that the princess asked me to keep it a secret.

No wonder you were so certain about her existence when we were talking about that fairy tale, you've met her before!

But then where is the red stone now?

I've been meaning to tell you about that too... Ras, do you remember when we first met in the market back in Lefundos?

Wait... Do you mean that red stone you gave to Ervalen was...

...Yes, that was it.

That stone fell into somebody else's hands...?!

You want to know about the Dragon Knight Insignia?

It's a red stone given to the queen of Wintenberg. It's said that the strength of their ancestors grants the holder tremendous power.

The winner of the tournament offers their blood to the insignia and vows an oath of revenge.

However, Francesca opposed this tradition, and Cecilia did not partake in it.

What are the stone's origins?

They're unknown. We only know that the first bearer was the first Dragon Knight, Senya.

I see.

Why do you ask?

Does this look familiar?

That's the insignia. How did you...?

This is not Ilynav's insignia. But it does bear a striking resemblance.

However, if this is as powerful as the insignia as well...

Do you think Ervalen has already noticed that what you gave him wasn't just an ordinary stone?

...I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this.

Tiwig does not have a physical presence. She only reveals herself via the stone.

She appeals to the weakness in people's hearts, luring them in by promising to make their wishes come true and enticing them to make the worst decisions.

Decisions that would result in the sacrifice of many lives and eventually shatter the bearer's soul into pieces...

I never knew her influence reached outside of Ritania...

For how long, though? I wonder how many she's affected.

Maybe she has something to do with all the suspicion and misunderstandings that have taken root here.

Now that you have what you want and everything is settled, I assume you're going to leave?

This was definitely not the story I was hoping for, but it's been a wonderful experience.

I must write a fairy tale about everything that's happened. The princess and the five heroes who worked together to defeat the intruders! How cool is that?

Ummm...

What is it, mopey? Do you have something to say?

Now that the stone is gone, you don't have much time left before you'll disappear.

As time goes on, the mana that had concentrated around the stone will slowly begin to disperse.

Hmm, does that make me a tragic beauty? Wow, this definitely adds more drama to my story.

You're okay with that? To disappear like this...

I don't care if I have a day, a year, or ten years left. Every day is the same.

No matter how long it is, I'm sure they're all going to be as boring as the rest, and I'll have no choice but to turn to daydreaming to pass the time. Just like it's always been.

In that case, would you like to come with me?

Since you were born from my mana, I'm sure the opposite is possible too.

As long as I keep injecting mana into you, it will keep you from disappearing and you could continue to live inside me.

So what, I'll have to take on that gloomy appearance of yours?

W-Well, it would mean you could leave this place...

...I thought you weren't that fond of me. Why are you asking me to come with you?

Because you saved me, and...

Unlike me, you can do anything you want, so what's your excuse?!

I'm curious to see what kind of choices you'll make when you're free.

And since our roots are the same...maybe the things we wish for are similar too.

Seeing you live by yourself in a place like this, I got the feeling that you're a loner, like me.

I don't want to leave you alone here.

What do you mean a "loner"? I'm the graceful princess of this ice castle! That's why no one can approach me!

But...I'm tired of being a princess trapped in an ice castle anyway.

So I guess going out myself and looking for my Prince Charming with you doesn't sound so bad.

And I kind of like your friends, too.

W-We're not friends, really...

We're not? I thought we were.

She's right! We're all friends, including Cream and Pastry!

O-Oh, I'd love to be your friend...if it's okay with you...

Ah, wait, do I need to pay some kind of friendship fee...?

...Suddenly I'm not sure accepting this dork's offer was the right decision.

The ice castle... It's gone now.

That's because it was created using Solitaria's mana.

Now, let's hurry and return. Cream and Pastry must be terribly worried.

...I see.

Eda said this land's ruin was due to the magic she used while borrowing the power of the stone.

I'm sure Tiwig was behind all this.

But why was Belian looking for the stone? Does she intend to use it in the war?

Well, about that...

Before you leave, let me give you a piece of information.

Do you know why Politia and Lefundos joined forces in this war?

To get ahold of both the Dragon Knight Insignia and the red stone that girl lost.

As for why they want those things, I don't know, but there is one thing I do know.

Those items are either going to be a huge help or a huge obstruction to Belian's big plan.

Does that mean this entire war was merely a part of her scheme to get the red stone?

Ervalen gets his glory, Ilynav gets her revenge, and Belian takes one large step toward her goal.

Although they fight shoulder to shoulder, each nation fights for different purposes.

If a war of this scale is nothing but a stepping stone to Belian, just what is her ultimate goal?

I heard...she's going to attack the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary?

Yes. She said that's what Politis wanted...

Politis? I think I've heard that name before...

Hello, I'm Politis... I'm here to help with the research and development of the Sanctuary...

It might not be a problem right now, but you won't be able to fight forever...

I thought she looked familiar...

At the time, I had no idea what she meant, but if she said that after learning the truth about the Sanctuary...

But I think she was lying about Politis wanting to destroy the Sanctuary.

So... I know I'm overstepping by asking this, but...

You said you'd help me find a way to atone. So I thought...maybe...

If we managed to retrieve the stone and figure out what Politis really wanted...wouldn't that be...

Oh, come on! Quit mumbling and spit it out!

I-I just wanted to ask if I could go with you!

I'm not sure if I'll be able to use magic, since I couldn't at the castle... So it might turn out that I'm not any help at all...

But it would be great if I could come with you...

What do you think, Ras?

Of course. I'm sure everyone else would be happy to have you join us too.

I might not be helpful in combat, but I'm confident I can do other things. You could use me as a footrest all day long if you want!

...That one was definitely a joke, right?

Huh? I'm serious...

I see...

So you have failed.

I'm sorry. I did my best, but...

I know you always do.

You truly are a wonderful Doll. You've completed so many missions flawlessly.

And so I've overlooked some dubious mistakes.

I was planning on letting go of any suspicion I had if you successfully completed this mission.

This was all my fault. I'll take full responsibility for this mission's failure, so please don't punish my subordinates.

You're a remarkable commander. It would be a shame to discard you.

But, Laika...

...I'm sure you're aware of what happens to defective Dolls.

I don't regret anything. I...

Wait a moment. As long as we keep your motherboard, we can find you a new body.

Brinus, hurry! Move faster!

No, it's all right. Maybe my time has come...

You should retreat. You're going to end up like me if you waste any more time.

Commander!

You're not going to disobey my last order as your commander, are you?

...It's not my fault. If anything, it's our creator's fault for letting us have emotions.

You're the mature one, so you're the one who should give up on me. But I can't give up, I won't!

Special Task Force Commander Laika. The current model will be permanently powered down as of today.

*weeping*

This is all my fault... I should have known that everything has a price...

I knew better than anyone that that power wasn't mine...! How arrogant I was, foolishly thinking it belonged to me just because I found it...

I'm the reason for this horrible disaster. I...I'd better find a way to end this with my own two hands...

This is horrifying. I'm so sick of myself...

*patting*...

...All right, this should do. With it buried here, no one will ever find this horrible thing, the proof of my arrogant sin...

I too will forget about this place as time goes by, and this stone will be forgotten forever. It has to be...

From now on, I...

...

You're awake.

...

Do you know who you are?

...

Who...are you?

I'm this mountain's Spirit. Who are you?

...I don't know. Am I also a Spirit?

No, you're not.

Then...?

You seem to possess a different aura than me. And I can feel a tremendous amount of mana emanating from you.

You must be a child born from mana.

From mana...?

Not long ago, a wizard came to bury a stone imbued with powerful mana. Ever since that day, all of the tundra's mana has pooled here, attracted by the power.

And that's how you were born. I heard new life is sometimes created in areas with high concentrations of mana.

Wizard? Concentrations? New life...?

A newborn child from a snowy mountain... Discovering who you are seems to be a priority for you.

Don't be afraid. I'll help.

...I'm lonely.

...

I'm so bored. I'm so sick of this.

...

Are you ignoring me?

...After the first few hundred times, yes.

But I'm not wrong. We're all alone on this huge, completely silent mountain...

There are people here every once in a while.

Yeah, the key words there are "every once in a while." How long are we supposed to wait?

How much longer do I have to live like this? Is this my fate? Was I born just to live this lonely, boring life?

Hmm... I suppose she's going through the phase where she's questioning her existence and learning emotions. In that case...

...Solitaria. Why don't we head down the mountain?

Down the mountain? Why?

That's where people come from. If we go down, we'll be able to see more people.

...Oh, I see! Yes, I'd love to! Let's go right now!

New people, new places! How exciting! I won't be lonely any...

...Huh?! Solitaria! Your body...

Hmm? W-What?!

What happened to my hands?! They're blurry! W-Wait, my whole body is like that! What's going on?!

Oh no. Could this be...

Do you know why?

I just remembered something I heard from another Spirit...

Apparently, life born from mana is bound to the place that contains the mana. The reason behind this phenomenon is unknown.

So, I'm not entirely sure, but...I wonder if it's because they lose their physical form once they move out of range of the mana? Like what just happened to you.

Then...does that mean I'm stuck here forever?

If my hypothesis is correct, then probably...

How could this happen?! This is so unfair!

I don't think we can continue with our trip... Let's go back and think.

...

...

I didn't think she'd end up wallowing this much. I never should have suggested leaving in the first place.

All I did was make her realize the truth of her sad reality...

Solitaria, don't be sad. I'll find a way...

No.

Hmm?

I won't just sit around here moping. This isn't the life I want to live.

But what will you do?

I'll build a castle of my own. A big, big castle like the one from that Spirit Lord story you told me!

A castle...? What for?

If it's impossible for me to go anywhere, I'd rather make people come visit me by inviting them to my castle.

If I build a castle as pretty as me, won't people want to come see it?

W-Well, I don't know...

I'll treat my guests with kindness and grace, and then they'll want to visit us more often. What do you think? Isn't this just the greatest idea?

If you say so...

Sounds to me like you're on board! Let's do this!

...But do you know how to build a castle? Alone? Is that even possible?

Hmm, now I'm having second thoughts. Maybe you're right.

...

I've heard about what they look like, but I've never heard anything about how they're built. Do you know?

No, I don't...

Then figuring out how to build a castle is our number one priority. But it's just the two of us here, so how are we going to accomplish that?

*sighing* I wish there were someone who could help me out...

...I'll try to find someone.

Really...?

Yes, since I can leave the mountain. I'll be back in a little while.

...How much farther do I need to go to find someone?

This is my first time climbing down the mountain, but the village is way farther than I thought! Phew, I'm exhausted...

...Huh? Is that a house over there? Let's see... Oh, there are a lot of houses!

That must be the village! I guess I'm almost there! All right, just a little more.

Whoa... So this is what a Human village looks like. I've never seen this many people before.

Mmm, I smell some delicious bread! And that building has books wall to wall! Wait, is that what they call a bookstore?

...Ugh, stay focused! I'm not here to admire every little thing I see! Solitaria is waiting for me!

Excuse me, do you have a moment...?

...

Huh...? Wait! I just want to talk to you! Hey!

...How could you ignore a poor Spirit asking you for help?! Hmph, never mind. You're not the only Human here.

Hi there, kid! Would you listen to...

Daddy! I want cornbread! Will you buy me some?

...

Why is everyone ignoring me? How rude! I'm not doing anything suspicious, I'm just an ordinary Spirit!

You all think I'm just going to give up?!

...

Now I get it. They weren't ignoring me.

They just can't hear me. I'm invisible to them.

But I already came all the way down here, so what should I do...?

Hmm? What's a Spirit doing in a village...

Hey. What are you doing here?

*gasping* A-A Human is talking to me!

Huh?

Ahaha, this must be your first time meeting a Human who can see you.

What do you mean?

Ordinary people can't see lower Spirits like you. But I'm a little special.

I possess a certain amount of mana that allows me to see you.

Ohh... I see. I didn't know that. So, do you live here?

No, I'm just passing through. I was hoping to stay here for a night or two.

What about you? What are you doing here? It appears you're a young Spirit from the mountain.

I'm here to ask for help. But no one is listening to me...

Speaking of which, would you like to help?

What is it that you need the help of a Human for?

You see, there's this girl who lives on the mountain with me. And for some reason, she can't leave the mountain.

So she's planning to build her own castle and invite people to come visit us, but it seems like it will be too much work to handle ourselves...

You want me to help build a castle? What's the pay like?

P-Pay? We didn't think that far...

No one will be willing to work for free. But I bet you don't have any money since you're a Spirit...

Are there any rare treasures on your mountain? I'd be willing to help if you offered something like that.

Umm... I don't think we have any treasure...

You expect me to do hard labor in exchange for nothing? I'm sorry, but I can't afford to give you that much charity.

And I'm pretty sure anybody else you ask will tell you the same thing. Save your energy and give up already.

...

No one will help us...? Maybe he's right. Barely anyone could hear me in the first place.

But what should I do? Solitaria will be so disappointed. Maybe even more than before... I've got to try to come up with something...

...Oh, right!

Heeeey! Wait!

I thought I made myself clear.

No, just hear me out first. I do have a favor to ask, but a different one.

This one's a lot easier. Although it's impossible for me, it shouldn't take too long for you.

Hmm?

I'm back.

Welcome back! Did you bring a lot of people to, Huh? You're alone.

About that... It seems like no one is willing to help. I'm sorry.

What?! Th-Then what about my castle...

W-Wait, please don't cry! I brought you something fun instead.

*sniffling* What's that?

Ta-da! Now you won't be as bored as before.

...What is it? It's floppy.

It's a book.

The floppy things are paper. A collection of papers with drawings and writing on them is what's called a book.

So...what is the writing? How do I play with this thing?

All right, come take a seat over here. Let me teach you how to read first.

...Have you been reading all day, Solitaria?

Yes, it's so much fun! This new book is so good, I totally lost track of time reading it.

It's the story of a princess who fell asleep after pricking her finger on a needle and wakes up with just a kiss. Isn't that so romantic?! And this prince who defeats the mean witch is so cool too!

The book you brought me last time was also about waking up a princess with a kiss, but she fell asleep after eating a poisoned apple. *sighing* That has to be true love!

...

All she does is read love stories about princes and princesses lately. I guess I should respect her taste...

You know, maybe I'm actually a princess too.

...Huh?

You know how every princess is locked up in a castle? Since I'm a pretty girl stuck on this mountain, I must be a princess.

Now that I think about it, I understand why I have to suffer, and why it's so hard for people to visit us here.

It's because the prince is supposed to overcome all these obstacles, make a grand appearance, and save the princess!

...

I've really got to build a castle.

Since I'm a princess, I deserve a beautiful castle. With maids, too. If building a castle is too physically demanding, I could always use magic, right?

Teach me how to use magic! You told me I have a ton of mana, and you said that anything is possible with magic!

W-Well, I did say those things, but...

...This is not how I expected things to go. I have a bad feeling about this.

STOMP... STOMP...

...Phew! Finally.

If the rumors are right, this must be the snowy mountain the ice castle is built on...

As they say, it really is covered with a thick layer of snow... This isn't going to be an easy climb.

However, I already know that trouble follows anywhere there are valuable items. A little snow is nothing to a veteran treasure hunter like me!

I've got a long way to go, so I'd better hurry. I wonder what beautiful treasures will be waiting for me...

Is this it? This is the only place that looks like a castle.

Hello! Is anybody there?

*creaking*

Huh? The door is open. It's like someone was waiting for me...

This smells like a trap. I'd better brace myself.

STOMP... STOMP...

It's so quiet...and completely empty. But it's so clean, too... It's like it was just built yesterday.

Is there really nothing in here?

...WHOOSH!

Ack, where did that wind come from...? No way!

TAP TAP...

...SLAM!

*gasping* Wh-Who are you?!

...

A girl...? She looks young. What is she doing here by herself?

...My prince charming? Are you finally here?!

P-Prince charming?!

Yeeees, my prince! You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you!

Wait! I think you must be mistaken, I'm not a prince...!

...What? Not again!

...

*sighing* This princess has been waiting for her prince for so long! But the only people who ever come here are weirdos...

Then you must be one of those people who's planning on turning my castle upside down to look for treasure, huh?

It may be true that I came here in search of treasure, but I'm not that mean of a person...

Anyway, I've got a question for you. Do you...

I can't give you an answer.

You didn't even let me finish.

Whatever, I don't care. If you're not a prince, just leave me alone.

Huh?

I kindly ask you to leave. And if you don't...

SHOOO... BOOM!

...I'll have to make you.

Geez! Was that an illusion created by magic?!

Huh? Where did she go? She was right here...

...Ha! Princes? Princesses? She must be delusional.

I guess the rumors were wrong. There's nothing to see in this castle... Ugh, what a disappointment! I'd better head back before it gets too dark.

Ughhhh! This is soooo annoying!

What now?

I don't like any of them! This one was weird, and that one before, too! Why do weirdos keep visiting?!

...

When will my prince come? A beautiful princess is waiting for him right here!

A princess is supposed to be rescued by a prince charming who defeats a witch and whisks her away to live happily ever after!

So why do I have to keep putting up with all these weirdos? When is my prince coming?!

...

This is bad... The longer this continues, the more lost she gets in this fantasy...

At this rate, she's going to start actually believing she's a princess pretty soon. Or maybe it's already too late...

...I should never have brought her that book in the first place.

*sighing* What should I do? She's going to end up being alone for the rest of her life, trapped in her own arrogant fantasies...

If this is how things are going to be, I'd better just create a barrier around the castle. My prince is the only person who should be able to get in!

I should put an end to those rumors about treasure, too. And then I'd better spread my story to the villagers.

All right, I've made up my mind. I'm going to write my own fairy tale!

...You? You're going to write a fairy tale? I hope you're not implying I'll have to spread it around...

Hmm? Of course you will. You know I'm stuck here. I'll let you know when the story is ready.

So pleaaase, hurry up and come save your princess, my prince charming!

*sighing*... Gosh...

Squeak, squeak?

Hmm? You want to know what's going on?

Squeak!

Choux, what's with the long face?

Well, actually...

Cream, Pastry, don't freak out, but we've got a situation here.

Squeak, squeak!

I'll try not to. Just tell us already.

I think...we're lost.

SQUEAK?!

WHAAAAAT?!

...I'm sooooo sorry! I must have gotten confused with all the snow from this blizzard and taken the wrong path...

Are you sure?! You said you were confident!

*whimpering* How could I make such a stupid mistake!? I've lost the right to call myself a pathfinder!

I-I didn't mean it that way...

S-Squeak! Squeak!

See? Pastry is trying to cheer you up, cha-cha!

Thanks, you two... But it seems like it's starting to get dark. What should we do?

Hmm...

Squeak...

At least the blizzard has let up a little... Cream, do you see anything?

Hmm... I see a house over there. Wait, no... Is that a castle?

Huh? A castle?

I can't tell, but there's definitely a building! Let's go that way!

Alrighty! Lead the way!

Whoa... How long did we walk? I thought it was closer than this.

The road here was longer and rougher than I expected too...

Anyway, we made it! I never would have thought we'd find a castle on the top of a mountain!

It's not huge, but it does look like an ice castle.

Squeak, squeak! Squeak!

I know... I'm surprised too. What a beautiful castle.

Anyway, let's ask if we can stay here for the night. I'll talk to the owner. Oh, please be someone nice...

KNOCK, KNOCK!

Hello! Is anybody there?

...

Squeak?

I don't think anyone...

Who are you?

Kyaaa!

Squeak!

Whoa, you startled me! Who are you?

I'm a princess and the owner of this castle. What do you think you're doing in my castle?

*gasping*

Whoa, what a fancy lady... She's the princess and the owner of the castle? Like in a fairy tale?

Th-Then...did I just totally disrespect a princess?!

...I-I'm sorry! We didn't mean to bother you. I-It was an accident that we ended up here, really...

S-Squeak...

...

Is that...a toy? Or an accessory? No, it's talking. Oh, I get it. It's like a talking puppet?

Anyway, how adorable! It's so fluffy, I'm sure I'd look good with it.

I want it...

Are you lost or something? Do you need a place to stay the night?

Yes, exactly...! I know it's a lot to ask, but...

Oh, no. Not at all! How long have you been standing out there? You must be freezing.

Is she worried about me...? Wow, she really is the picture of a kind princess!

Should we go inside and talk? I'll let you in.

Oh, thank you, Princess!

Whoa, it's so pretty!

You really think so?

Yes, I thought it was beautiful when I saw it from the outside, but it's even fancier on the inside!

And it's so warm and cozy, too!

Right? It's so warm. And this decoration must be made of glass, right? But it's so thin and transparent, it almost looks like ice!

Hmm? It is made of ice.

What?! I didn't know it was possible to make something this intricate with ice!

Maybe not for an ordinary person, but it's easy-peasy for me. *giggling*

In any case, I'm glad you like it. It took me a very long time to decorate this castle.

I made everything from scratch to perfectly suit my elegant tastes.

Whoa... I've been on this mountain before, but I never knew this place existed! It must have been so hard to build such an amazing castle all by yourself!

Just look at this ornament, it's unbelievable. Is it okay if I touch it? Oh, but maybe I shouldn't, it might melt...

No, it won't. I cast a spell on it so it can never melt. Go ahead, you can pick it up if you're curious.

Really? In that case...

Whoa! It's cold! It really is made of ice!

And your fingertip is a little wet!

Do you believe me now? Using magic is no big deal for me. I've been gifted with very powerful mana.

I see... How fascinating! I wish I had a decoration like one of these.

Do you want one?

R-Really? Are you sure?!

Yes, how about we exchange presents?

Exchange presents...? But I don't have anything valuable to offer...

I'm rich, so I'm not interested in something valuable. I just want something cute, something that really matches my image.

Like that little mouse puppet, for example...

Squeak...?!

Little mouse puppet...? You mean Pastry?

Oh, it has a name? Pastry? Aww, how adorable!

Would you give me that? And in exchange, I'll give you this decoration, with a spell cast on it to keep it frozen forever...

No! Never! Never ever!

Whoa!

Pastry is not a puppet! He can move and talk on his own!

Squeak! Squeak, squeak!

O-Oh, really? I thought it was a talking puppet...

Anyway! Give me that little mouse. And I'll give you the special decoration in return.

Ab! So! Lute! Ly! Not!

Why?

Pastry is not a thing! Pastry is our friend!

...

I'm offering her something better in return. Why would she refuse such an amazing deal? Doesn't she trust me?

Are you worried that I might not take good care of him? If you're that worried, I'll invite you to the castle every now and then so you can see him.

We can even have a cup of tea together. You are aware that being invited to a private tea time with a princess is a very rare opportunity, right?

No, it's not that! It doesn't matter how good the deal is, I won't give you Pastry!

...I didn't think she was going to be this stubborn. What should I do? Should I just use magic to force her?

...No, I'm a princess. A princess is never mean and never takes the belongings of others.

I should get the things I want fair and square.

All right, I apologize. Let me be straight with you: I want your friend.

That's not any better than what you said before!

Let me finish. I want your friend, but I understand your position.

You've read a fairy tale before, right?

Huh? Of course... I used to read a ton when I was little.

Great! Then I'm sure you know the way conflicts are resolved in fairy tales too, right?

Conflicts...?

What do they do?

They make a bet.

And the winner gets to do whatever they want. Let's do the same.

...Hey! I made it clear that I have no intention whatsoever to give you my friend...!

Didn't you say you were lost?

...

I'm the owner of this castle and this forest. I know this mountain better than anyone.

If you don't want me to take him, then you should win. It's that simple.

*whining* ...Do we really have to do this?

Yes, because I want that mouse very badly. As much as you want to return home. Wouldn't it be a shame for you to end up stuck here forever, all because you refused my offer?

She's threatening us... What kind of princess is she? She's so mean...

I'm not threatening anyone! This bet is a very genrous offer!

Offer or threat, it doesn't really matter. We don't have a choice, do we?

I'll take that as a yes.

If you win, I'll show you the way off the mountain and give you the decoration as a gift, too. Sounds fair, right? Deal?

Ugh... All right. Though it really isn't fair at all...

Where are we? All I see is that frozen lake...

Wow... It's so beautiful even when it's frozen.

This is my forest. I'm the princess of everything here. Anyway, you remember what I told you in front of the castle, right?

You told me to try to memorize the path we took.

*giggling* Exactly. So what we're going to do is...

...Race back to the castle! Whoever arrives first wins.

WHAT?!

That's absurd! We're clearly at a disadvantage here, cha-cha!

I thought you said you'd been here quite a few times before. It's not like you're a complete stranger to this mountain.

And thanks to this blizzard, it won't be as easy as you think for me either.

You told us you're gifted with powerful mana. Can't you stop the blizzard?

...What do you think mana is? I'm not a god.

Anyway, we all need to work hard to get what we want.

You know how everyone goes through a lot of hardships to achieve their goals? This is like that.

She's being ridiculous... This isn't a hardship, it's simply impossible.

Cream, let's try to think positive. With the blizzard, she might make a mistake like we did.

...A mistake because of the blizzard? Hmph, I'm way too used to this kind of weather to make a mistake like that.

Sorry, kid, but I'm supposed to win this bet. That's how things are meant to be!

Now, shall we begin? Ready, set... Go!

Aghhhh!

Where is this snowstorm coming from?! I thought the blizzard had stopped.

The wind is so strong I can barely keep my eyes open! It's really hard to push forward!

Squeeeak!

Pastry, no! Hold on tight!

I can't find the way! I don't know this area at all!

What should we do? At this rate, we're going to lose Pastry...

I wonder how far they've gotten. They should be stuck in the middle of the snowstorm right about now, hehe.

*giggling* Of course a little kid can't beat me. I'm the princess of the mountain!

It's only a matter of time before that little mouse is mine!

Solitaria, are you sure you want to do this? Is it really worth all this...?

But this is the first guest we've had in forever... And I've never seen such an adorable mouse before!

A princess shouldn't do bad things, and telling lies is a bad thing.

I-I didn't lie! What I told them was true! I just didn't tell them everything...

*sighing* ...I give up.

Oh, my. I've been walking slowly, but it seems I'm already here! Hmm, and they're nowhere to be seen.

*yawning* Using all those magic spells to keep up this snowstorm all day has worn me out. Maybe I pushed myself a little too hard.

Shall I take a little break? It won't take much from here to the gate anyway.

Phew... We barely made it out.

That was exhausting... Are you okay, Pastry?

Squeak...

I know... It must have been hard for you...

Wasn't that weird? The snowstorm was awful in some places but completely calm in others.

There were some areas covered in fallen trees too.

Do you think that mean witch of a princess is behind all this?

S-Squeak...?

Hmm? Come to think of it...

...Where are we?

...

...

N-Nooooo! I was so focused on avoiding the blizzard and the fallen trees that I totally forgot to pay attention to where we are!

Choux, come on! You're better than this!

I'm so, soooo sorry!

Squeak, squeak! Squeaaak!

You're right, Pastry...! I shouldn't have let myself get distracted when I don't know this land... We can't afford to lose you...

Choux, calm down. We should try to think rationally in a situation like this.

Hmm... Maybe Cream is right. I should calm down and...

...Oh, right!

Squeak, squeak?

Do you have an idea?

Yes, although I'm not sure if it's going to work... Cream, Pastry, I need your help.

Huh?

Squeak?

Squeaaak! Squeak, squeak!

Did you find footprints? What direction do they go in?

Squeak! Squeaaak!

To the left? Got it!

I knew you could do it, Pastry! Your tiny body can get past any obstacle!

But there are so many obstacles to the left, cha-cha!

Squeak! Squeak, squeak!

Ooooh, you think Cream can easily destroy all of them?

I've got this! Leave it to meeeee!

BOOM! BAAAM!

It worked! The path is clear now!

BOOM! BOOM! POW!

I'm starting to see the castle in the distance! Come this way!

Pastry, let's go! Hold onto me tight!

Squeak!

Um... What was that sound? It sounded like something pounding against the ground...

This way!

*gasping* Are they here already...?!

Did I just fall asleep? For how long? No, it doesn't matter. Time is ticking, I have to hurry!

Oh no... I know beautiful princesses are sleepyheads, but I really dozed off at the worst time!

The gate is still closed! Maybe she hasn't gotten here yet!

Choux, now! Go touch the gate!

All right, here I go!

No! I can't lose like this! Princesses never lose in fairy tales!

Get out of my way!

Ack!

I'm almost there! Just one more step...!

NOOOO!

Hyaaap!

TAP! TAP!

Oh, Princess...

...So who won?

You two reached the gate at almost exactly the same time. But...

Choux was two seconds faster!

Really?! Yeeeees!

I won! We made it! We saved Pastry!

Squeaaaaaaak!

Th-This is... No way...

I just made a tiny mistake, really! I wouldn't have lost if I hadn't fallen asleep!

Ahaha, that doesn't matter. I'm the winner. So as we agreed, you can't have Pastry!

Hmph...

Don't get a big head. I only went easy on you because you're the first guest I've had in a while. You never would have been able to win this race otherwise!

It's also important for princesses to know when to yield to their guests. I had a lot of fun, so I'm being generous!

Thank you, Princess.

Now show us the way out!

Phew... All right, all right. I guess a princess never breaks her promises.

Here, take this.

Oh...

I promised to give you this. I always keep my word.

Thanks, but it's okay. We just need to know the way out.

Why won't you take it? Is it not to your liking?

Oh, no, not at all! It's just that...it's too fancy and pretty for me.

...I don't get it. This one is too much for you?

Yes. Extravagant things don't really suit me.

But I already promised to give you a gift... I don't want to be a liar.

Oh... What should we do?

...Ah! What about this? It's a little rough looking, but I like its red color.

That's...something that's been with me since the moment I was born.

*gasping* Then it must be something really precious to you! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... What should I take, then? Hm...

...

No, it's okay. You should take it.

Huh? Are you sure about this?

I already have everything I need, so I can live without that tiny stone.

Oh, if you say so... Thank you, I'll treasure it.

...Let's go. I'll show you the way.

Now, the blizzard must have let up by now.

So it really was you! That wasn't very nice of you, Princess.

Cream, let's not point fingers. It's all in the past now, and she gave us this gift.

How do I show you the way, though? Should I just tell you what direction to go?

Mark it on this map, please.

Hmm... Like this?

Yes! Thank you, Princess!

Before you go, there's something I want to ask of you: do not tell anyone about me.

Huh? Why?

Because...a princess isn't supposed to reveal herself so easily to others.

Oh really? I didn't know that.

...Anyway! Promise you won't tell, okay?

Okay, it's our little secret!

Phew... All right, off you go now.

Take care, Princess!

Squeak!

...

It wouldn't hurt to reveal yourself a little more. And haven't you already revealed yourself to many other people?

I haven't revealed myself to all my people yet! And a princess is supposed to be elegant and mysterious.

Ah, I get it now.

...The castle feels quieter than ever.

I know. It's going to be lonely for a while.

That was the most fun I've had in a while, really. I'd better do my best to remember this special experience, right?

I think I'm going to add a new story to the fairy tale I've been working on.

With Princess Solitaria as the main character, of course!

I heard you requested my presence, Your Majesty.

I did. I just wanted to know how things are coming along with the monsters.

It's going smoothly. More than half of the monsters lurking around the border have been eliminated.

I'm relieved to hear that. I was at a loss when I heard there'd been an increase of unrecognized monsters on the border between Lefundos and Politia.

But the machines we received from Politia after our negotiations have been quite useful, and all thanks to your outstanding insight.

The resource Politia referred to as "energy"... Is it being delivered to them in a timely manner?

Yes, we are absorbing energy from monsters, storing it in machines, and delivering them to Politia.

Good. This should both improve security around the border as well as maintain positive relations with Politia.

Keep up the good work. This is helping to maintain national security, after all.

Yes, Your Majesty. However, I have to admit I'm a little worried about the astronomical amount of energy being stored...

What is there to worry about? Didn't they say it barely covers their city's upkeep?

Umm... There's something I need to tell you regarding that, Your Majesty.

What is it?

About the energy... I checked how much had been absorbed recently, and it doesn't exactly match the number Politia shared with us.

What do you mean, "it doesn't match"?

It looks like it absorbs more than they led us to believe. I was actually writing up a report about it.

We are delivering the full amount as we promised, but I don't think this is something we should take lightly.

So they lied to me.

I'm afraid so, Your Majesty.

We should exercise caution and keep an eye on their movements. We don't know what they might be planning with the remaining energy.

Yes... I suppose you're right.

No matter how advanced their technology is, it's hard to develop a nation if they don't have the right environment, manpower, and resources to back it up.

Politia is relatively new, but they've made quite a lot of progress recently. Perhaps it has something to do with this energy extraction.

If they can use this energy to maintain their city...maybe they can use it for other purposes as well.

...We should keep this matter to ourselves for the time being.

I beg your pardon? But we shouldn't just ignore this...

I'm not saying that. As you said, we should approach this matter with caution.

It took a long time to make the people feel safe again. It would be far too risky to jump into something without the proper precautions.

So let's take this one step at a time. I suggest we come up with some countermeasures in secret.

...Based on my analysis of the environment, their attitude toward us, and a variety of other factors...

I've determined that the likelihood of Lefundos betraying us is approximately eighty-seven point five percent.

That's pretty high...

It's safe to say that they are going to sabotage our plan.

It looks like we'll have to prepare for the worst.

I guess...

We'd better come up with the best countermeasure we can find. What might that be?

What do you think...?

I would first try bringing the High Wizard of Lefundos to our side.

Are you referring to Eda, the strongest wizard of all time?

Yes. I heard she just disappeared from the Wizard's Spire one day.

I think I heard something like that too...

This may be our chance. Perhaps we can find this missing wizard before anyone else and convince her to join us.

She's also likely to be familiar with the magic that the wizards of the spire are using on those machines to extract energy from the monsters at the border.

And if that's the case, we may not need to ask for Lefundos's help anymore.

Maybe you're right... Okay, let's give it a try, Belian.

There's probably no point in me mulling this over...because I'll just end up coming to the same conclusion as you like I always do...

All right. Then we should start by uncovering this high wizard's whereabouts.

The report says this is the right place... Umm...

I know she stepped down from her position and is living as a recluse, but she used to be the strongest wizard... But this is where she lives...?

Something doesn't seem right...but at the same time, I doubt this data is wrong. Belian and I checked it over several times.

I thought the most powerful wizard of all time would live in a giant mansion standing all on its own in the middle of a secluded area.

But the village is way smaller than I thought... And her house is just in a small forest behind the village...

And this house is so shabby that even the slightest breeze could sweep it right away...

But since I'm here, it wouldn't hurt to take a look. I should check the data one more time to make sure I have everything.

It would be so much easier to check it on a screen, but the villagers might find me suspicious if I use technology they've never seen before...

So I brought a paper map and a drawing of her face...somewhere... Where did I put them...?

Ah, right here! Let's see... This map also says I'm at the right place...

She has long hair and looks a bit gloomy... So I guess she probably looks like that person walking toward me...

Huh? Wait a second, is that her...?

...

That's the high wizard? But she looks like an ordinary girl. Is that a piece of bread in her basket?

No way... She looks nothing like I imagined...

SMACK! THUNK!

Ah...!

Hey, witch! I thought I told you not to show your face around here again! Tch, what bad luck!

Where did you even get that bread? What did you do to the lady at the bakery? What kind of spell did you use this time, huh? You penniless witch!

I didn't do anything. I just got some leftovers...

Liar! Everyone knows you're a Shadow Elf who only spreads misfortune to everyone around you! Even your grandpa died because of you!

A witch like you doesn't deserve any bread!

N-No...! That's the only food I have to eat today...

Your misfortune will rub off on the baker if you eat that bread! I'm going to stomp on it so that you can't even lay a single one of your dirty little fingers on it!

I told you to get out of here! Why do you have to live in our village anyway?!

How could they...

What are you doing...?!

Who are you? Are you friends with that witch?

Not exactly...but please stop what you're doing...! You shouldn't throw stones or curse at people!

If you're not her friend, then what are you doing here? Go away, or we'll throw stones at you too!

I get it now. You're a bad person spreading bad luck, just like her! That's why you're defending her!

I'm okay, so you should just stay away from me. I don't want to see you get hurt...

How could I turn my back on such violence against an innocent person...? I can't do that...

You should apologize to her right now...

Or I'll tell the town elders. I'm going to tell them you attacked me, an ordinary traveler, for no reason...

W-When did we attack you?!

You just made that up! You're a liar!

Didn't you call me a bad person and threaten to throw stones at me just a few seconds ago...?

I bet the town elders won't let this slide... You'll be in trouble for giving the village a bad reputation...

You don't want the elders to scold you and call you spoiled brats, do you?

Argh...

Let's just go. Look at the way she's dressed. There's obviously something weird about her.

...I don't like her.

Phew... Are you all right? It looks like they hit you pretty hard with those stones...

Yes, I'm okay. Thank you for helping me. You really didn't have to...

Wait. Your hand is bleeding a lot.

It's nothing! I'm really fine, so you should go. I'm sorry about all the trouble I caused. You'll be all right as long as you stay far away from me...

It really wasn't much trouble. I only stepped in because I wanted to help you out...

But...

So let me help you treat that wound of yours. Please...

...

The inside is better than the outside, but the furniture still looks pretty old...

Where do you keep your medicine?

On that shelf...

I found them! Come over here so I can apply this to your hand.

...

My name is Politis, by the way. I traveled here from Politia. You are...?

...

...You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.

Because I already know everything about you.

...should...now...

What...? I can't hear you.

...You should leave now.

Why?

You'll only have bad luck if you stick around me.

Why would you say that...?

Because that's what happened to everyone else who stayed by my side.

And as you can see, there's no one left. Haha...

Is that so...?

I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me today. But I want you to leave as soon as you finish treating my wound.

I don't want my misfortune to rub off on you...

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with what you just said...

What?

Although I don't know anything about the people you just mentioned, I don't think they left because you gave them bad luck.

Whatever happened in their lives was determined by their own choices...

...

And I can't leave after seeing how badly they treated you back there.

Don't let them get to you. You didn't do anything wrong. People just like to step on others to feel better about themselves...

Really?

Humans are evil by nature.

Their own imperfections make them feel inferior and insecure, so they prey on anyone who seems weak...

Just so they can fill the hole in their heart created by their own inferiority. I've seen a lot of that where I'm from too.

B-But the people who were by my side before were all very kind...

They may have been kind, but deep down, it's Human nature to be evil.

Those who appear to be kind are trained to carry themselves that way to hide their true colors.

But... But the world isn't filled with only bad people...

Are you really still clinging to that belief even after seeing those kids? Do you really want to take the side of the people who have made your life miserable...?

I'm not talking about them... My grandpa took me in when I was little, and he was a really nice person.

He always told me that I shouldn't push people away and close myself off just because of a few rotten apples.

He said that would make me a real loner...so it's not right to blindly hate all Humans.

...Close yourself off... A "loner"...

Come to think of it, I had someone who took care of me too...

Really? Then you understand what I'm talking about! For every bad person in the world, there's also someone with a good heart.

...

...Politis, are you all right?

Oh, yes... I'm sorry for worrying you, Laura.

Don't worry, I understand. I'm sure we're all feeling the same thing.

I think Politis should be the one who survives.

Huh? Me...?!

I mean, she's flexible and excels at many things, even compared to us, and we're supposed to be a bunch of geniuses.

One thing I am worried about, though, is her meek personality... But she can also be very persistent and stubborn at times.

I wouldn't have given up so easily...to be the survivor... Then I would have been able to...leave my name, at least...

Laura, what do you...

...Coward.

You spent all this time hiding so you could save yourself...while we were dying out here...

And now you say you're relieved...? "Don't move"? Haha... Don't you have any shame?

Are you happy now? Do you really think you can finish this mission yourself...?!

...

You'll never succeed... A hypocritical coward like you could never...!

But in the end, she revealed her true nature too. She blamed me for something she couldn't get...

Is it immaturity? Sadly, Eda is as clueless as I was...

She doesn't realize that the seeds of evil lie deep within every Human's heart. They could sprout at any moment, leading them to twist a dagger into someone else's back...

Of course, a tiny village has a tiny inn... I guess it doesn't really matter, as long as I have somewhere to rest for a while...

I'm so beat... I didn't even realize how much time has passed. It's already dark outside...

I didn't expect to spend so much time talking to Eda, but it did help me get a better understanding of who she is and what's on her mind...

On the one hand, she's filled with hope that there are more good people than bad in the world. But on the other hand, she's doing everything she can to resist those who want to take advantage of her power.

The fact that she has these contradicting thoughts proves that she's well aware of the ill intentions people approach her with.

I was so focused on listening to her that I didn't get to tell her my side of the story... But I think it worked out for the best. It's probably better that she doesn't know who I am.

I should watch what I say while I'm here...

Eda, are you home?

Ah, you came again, Politis!

Well, you're the only person I know in this village... I'm sorry if I kept you awake for too long last night. You must be really tired.

N-No. I was actually up all night because of how guilty I felt for keeping you here so long yesterday.

Haha, it seems you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did.

Who wouldn't enjoy spending time with someone as pretty and intelligent as you?

You've relaxed and brightened up a lot compared to the day we first met. I was worried about how I would manage to break the ice between us...

But I'm glad to see you feel comfortable around me...

I'm just not really used to talking to strangers...

So I was terrified to start a conversation with you since I didn't know who you were. I'm really sorry if I offended you in any way.

Don't apologize... You didn't do anything wrong, Eda. What's more important is that we're friends now, right?

So...how about going on a picnic to celebrate our new friendship?

A picnic?

Yeah, we can buy some snacks and go out for a walk, and when we find a good spot, we can sit down and eat...

But there are probably so many people at the market right now... And I've never actually been on a picnic before, so...

Don't worry... You'll have me by your side.

Umm... Uh... R-Right.

Good. Why don't you go and get ready? I'll be waiting.

Ah, okay, I'll be right back. I'm sorry!

I told you, you really don't need to keep apologizing...

I was a little worried at first since I can't hypnotize her like I would in Politia, but I think we actually became pretty close.

She is the high wizard and a very pessimistic person deep down...but she's still a Human.

And it seems like everything is going along just fine. I hope it stays this way, just like we planned...

Hello. Ah, you're back!

Yes... Hello.

What are you looking for today? A sandwich? A baguette? Perhaps a waffle? We also have fresh-squeezed juice.

I'm looking for something simple for a picnic. A couple of drinks would be nice too...

I see. How about one of the pecan pies I baked this morning? They're bite-sized, so they're very easy to eat too.

What do you think, Eda? Do you like pecan pie?

I like everything...

I don't see any food called "everything" here.

Um... Pecan pie sounds good.

Is there anything else you want to eat? We're going to need lots of food.

People tend to eat more when they're outside...

I always eat the same things...like baguettes...

Hmm... What do you recommend? What are your bestsellers?

...Are you two going out on a picnic?

Yes... Is there a problem...?

Ah, no. I'm just surprised...

In any case, how about this cream-filled bread that I just took out of the oven? It's soft and delicious.

Okay... I'll take this baguette and a few cookies as well, please. Oh, and I'd like to order two cups of juice too.

I think we're buying too much food... Don't worry about me, just buy whatever you'd like.

I'm buying them because I want to share them with you, Eda. Please stop saying no...

Ah, I'm sorry! I'm just not used to all this...

And stop apologizing...

Okay...

Oh, this place is so nice...

I used to come here with my grandpa when I was little. It's close to my house, but not many people know about it.

Sometimes I come by when I'm feeling down. It's brighter and prettier than you'd expect, right?

Yeah... I thought it would be dark in here because it's surrounded by a dense forest, but the sunlight streams in through the trees...

Actually...I was thinking of showing this place to you for a while. And today felt like the perfect opportunity, so...

You were?

This place is very special to me. It's the only place in the world where I can really center myself...

That's why I wanted to bring you here. I feel so much more relaxed lately thanks to you.

I'm glad to hear that...

As we left my house, I started to worry.

It's embarrassing to admit, but as you're aware, there's no one in the village who cares about someone like me.

So the thought of getting cursed at and shunned really scared me... But because you're here beside me, I was able to work up the courage to come outside.

Really...?

Yes. It's interesting how these few days we've spent together have been so uneventful, in a good way.

I think that's why it feels a bit surreal. Maybe you're the lucky charm I've been waiting so long to find...

...

I feel like you're watching over me. I know I didn't show it, but I really appreciated how considerate you were of me in the bakery.

That was really nothing...

Controlling someone's behavior by putting restrictions on them... It really is nothing.

Ah, but just to let you know, I'm not trying to put pressure on you. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything...

...Eda, there's something I want to ask you.

Sure, sure. What is it?

Why do you live in this village when you feel this uncomfortable here?

Th-That's...

I know this place is like home to you, but it's pretty common for people to move away from their hometown over the course of their life. Besides, staying in one place your whole life isn't necessarily a good thing either...

Take a look at your surroundings, for instance.

Ah...

Aren't you sick and tired of constantly being harassed by the other villagers?

If you stay here, you may never be able to get away from them... They'll just keep on doing what they're doing.

...You're right, Politis.

You said you feel relaxed and calm when you're with me, right?

Huh? Yes...

Then why don't you leave this place behind and come with me?

With you?

I guarantee no one will give you a hard time in Politia... I'll make sure of it.

Unlike here, you'll get to go out, live life, and eat whatever you want...

...

To be completely honest...I would love to if it were possible.

"If" it were possible...?

But it's not something that's possible for me. I'm really sorry for turning down such a heartfelt offer...

Why not? Don't you want to stay with me...?

It's not that! I'm not trying to say no to you specifically, Politis!

But...I'll feel like I'm walking away from my past if I leave this place.

What do you mean, "walking away from your past"...?

I... I did something unforgivable to my grandpa.

...

I know you made this offer for my sake. I'm sorry for disappointing you.

I'm terribly sorry. I really am...

How did it go, Politis?

It's not as easy as I thought... To be honest, she was in such a vulnerable state that I underestimated the situation...

Well, she's still the high wizard. It certainly wouldn't be easy.

Hmm, it's not really about her being the high wizard... Rather, it comes from her Human side... It seems like she has some sort of unresolved issue related to her past.

Her Human side, unresolved issues from her past... These are truly petty matters.

...I guess...

The lingering emotions and obsessions of a meek Human cannot be easily shaken off by mere persuasion. And we don't have a lot of time on our hands.

Persuasion is not likely to be a successful tactic. The best approach to this situation...would be hypnotizing her.

Hypnotizing her...

Everything will be solved the moment Eda arrives in Politia. No matter what it takes, make sure you get her here so...

Are you implying we should kidnap her or something...?

That's right. Can you think of any other better, faster method? Not to mention, this is the most effective plan.

However, if you believe it's impossible to bring her to Politia...

We could also simply wipe her existence from this world.

I can't really say I'm on board with this plan...

What do you mean?

I don't want to resort to such coercive methods yet... Especially eliminating her...

You're well aware of how helpful it would be to have her and her power on our side.

If we can't have her, then no one can. I understand why you're so reluctant to simply end her life, but...

Why are you so against using coercive measures?

I just want her to realize her own value...and that she doesn't have to keep bowing her head to those impudent Humans...

She needs to know that she's more than capable of breaking free from the chains those stupid Humans have put on her and achieving whatever she wants with her own power.

I really want her to see that the only person she can truly rely on is herself...

...

I'll try to convince her one more time. If you give me some more time, I think I can do it...

You treat this Human a little differently.

It's because she's very important not only to Lefundos but to us. I don't want to mess this up over some stupid mistake...

"Some stupid mistake"...

...At the very least, I think it's too soon to proceed with your suggestion.

So please be patient... I'll be in touch as soon as I make some progress.

CLICK... *static*

...

...I suppose I have no choice.

*sighing* There are so many things on my mind... I'm so exhausted. I should get some rest.

I'll visit Eda again tomorrow.

*chattering*

Hmm? What's all that noise outside...?

...Then the house...

So...the Shadow Elf...

...The house? The Shadow Elf...? Are they talking about Eda?

Argh... I need to find out what's going on...

Umm... Is everything all right? I heard some noise coming from outside...

Ah, sorry about that, miss. I think people are a little unsettled because of something that happened outside.

Oh really...? What happened?

Apparently...there was a fire.

A fire? Where? Is it serious...?

I wouldn't say it's serious. Just an old house was burned down, so there's nothing you need to worry about.

"Just" an old house...?

The fire itself wasn't that big, and it happened far away from the village. Come to think of it, it may not be such terrible news either.

...What are you...

...No!

Miss? Are you leaving?

Maybe she wants to go see for herself or something.

*panting* Eda...

...

The fire is still blazing...and the house is completely burned out of shape. But why all of a sudden...? And how come no one's here to put out the fire?

Eda, what in the world happened...?

I...I don't know...

I went out to meet someone... And when I came back, my house was... *sobbing*

...Now it makes sense...

This is the reason the people in the inn didn't seem worried. They intentionally downplayed the situation and claimed that this is better for everyone...

...Those horrible people.

We should get out of here. There's nothing you can do right now, and the smoke from the fire is bad for your health.

But, but, my house...!

It's too late! Let's go before the fire can spread any farther...!

Do we really have to stay here...?

...

It's getting dark. If we stay here any longer, you're going to catch a cold...

I don't care. At least there's nobody here...

...Eda, are you sure about staying in this village after everything you went through?

...

Now that your house has burned down, there's nothing that's keeping you here.

The villagers are doing despicable things to you, and it's only going to get worse as time passes. You know this better than anyone...

Yes, I know. I know that someone as unfortunate as me doesn't deserve a place to stay.

That's not what I meant...

But I shouldn't leave. I can't. My grandpa is here.

*sighing*...