Most of the children who lived in Ishana attended an academy located at the centre of the city. It was adjoined with the Mage's Guild.
The U-shaped buildings were built facing each other. There was a thick green garden of a courtyard interposing, connecting the two establishments. It was possible to go back and forth there.
Even if she had a day off from the academy, whenever she had business with Mage's Guild, Celica always entered through the academy's main gate. But since the circumstance was quite different today, she entered using the gate to the Mage's Guild.
The reason was her companion. Her companion wore a faceless white mask and odd white clothing. He, Hakumen, was also outfitted with a long sword that was as long as he was tall. Since she was taking him along, she couldn't go inside the academy as her classmates might be there.
To quickly avoid any unnecessary stiff atmosphere, she started to run toward the courtyard that was also connected with the academy.
When she got outside, the smell of nature hit her all at once. The refreshing wind made Celica stop walking reflexively and took a deep breath of air.
Then, some familiar figures caught her eye.
On the other side of the shrubberies she could see several men and women walking.
When she noticed the woman wearing a large triangular hat walking at the front of the pack, Celica's face suddenly lit up.
"Onee-chan!"
While frantically waving her hand, she sprang into a run.
She proceeded, taking a large detour around the shrubberies. The owner of the triangular hat spread both of her arms, waiting for Celica on the other side.
The woman's long hair flowed down her back, and her supple legs stretched out from her tight skirt. She was a girl with glamorous proportions that would easily charm any man without trying. She was Nine.
"Celica!"
She firmly seized the rushing Celica in both arms. Then Nine embraced her younger sister into her voluptuous chest. At the moment, most of Celica's face was buried in the soft cushion.
"Puh. Onee-chan, I'm in pain..."
"Good grief, where did you go? I was worried when I couldn't find you. I thought I told you to wait for me while I was condcting business. Are you okay? You didn't meet some vulgar man, did you?"
"Mmmmmmph~~~~..."
"Hahaha, you're at it again."
The three men and the woman who had accompanied Nine came along. Among them was a cat-type beastkin, recognisable by his high-set triangular ears and two long tails. His right eye was covered with an eye patch. The beastkin, Jubei, let out a cheerful laugh.
Together with him was Valkenhayn, a man with a fearless face and sturdy body who kept his identity as a werewolf hidden. Next was Yuuki Terumi, a man whose eyes were hidden by a hood; he was silently keeping his distance from Celica and Nine. Behind him was a girl in a full-length robe who was wearing round glasses, Trinity.
Peeking at Celica and Nine from the side, Trinity quietly giggled.
"Oh my, Nine. Celica-san's going to cease functioning."
The cotton candy-like platinum blonde hair spilled from the hood she wore. Each time she moved, it sparkled as it reflected sunlight.
The sweet voice sounded slow and carefree. Lectured by it, Nine finally relaxed her arms.
Like a small animal, Celica slipped through the opened gap.
"Puhaa. Sorry, Onee-chan. I was with Hakumen-san up on the hill."
"With Hakumen?"
"Yup. We talked for a bit."
"...I see."
Nine, who had been looking at Celica affectionately, suddenly shifted her gaze to a completely different look. Although she had been calmly watching Celica in fascination, her stare was now like an ice needle.
Not a speck of kindness remained in her sharp gaze. The daggers in her eyes were pointed at Hakumen where he stood behind Celica, acting like he had nothing to do with her.
"The schedule of the meeting must have been reported to you, Hakumen. If you're in Ishana, then why didn't you attend?"
Nine spoke as if interrogating him. A tension began to stretch over the group.
But Hakumen didn't respond or even move.
His attitude made Nine's irritation take a sudden turn. Everyone there felt it, excluding Hakumen.
Celica's smile stiffened as she looked at Nine and Hakumen alternately. A bit to the side, Jubei and Valkenhayn looked astonished and exchanged worried looks.
High heels roughly clattering against the stone-paved path, Nine took several steps forward.
"You're the key piece in our strategy. If you're not there, then it's out of the question. Even someone like you, who can't comprehend anything other than swinging a sword, should have understood."
"I do not recall ever being your pawn."
Without making any movement, Hakumen replied indifferently.
The fire in Nine's eyes burned brighter.
"You're less than a pawn if you can't even abide simple instructions. Listen. Next time, you absolutely have to come here at the designated time. Don't keep doing the same thing every time. I don't have the spare time to babysit you."
"There is no meaning in attending a gathering with nothing but tedious talk. My soul yearns only to slay my foes."
"You may be okay with that, but it puts me in serious troubles!"
"Now, now. Don't raise your voice like that~. Look, Nine. Celica-san is frightened."
Before anyone had noticed, Trinity had moved near Nine and Hakumen. She gently forced herself between them. Before, the place was filled with a tension that could freeze the wind. That moment, the original calmness of the courtyard, matching the touch of the warm sunlight, returned.
Nine reluctantly stopped venting her anger. Seeing this, Celica felt relieved. She scratched her cheek apologetically.
"I'm sorry. I was the one who kept Hakumen-san. If only we had intended to head for the meeting instead..."
"Celica didn't do anything bad. You never intended to attend the meeting. Rather than for the meeting, you should be apologizing for making my cute Celica look sad. Like, right this instant."
"O, Onee-chan..."
Out of character for her normal professional attitude, Nine kept spoke using the pampering voice only those closest to her knew.
Even if she had grown accustomed since Nine always did it, Celica let out a wry smile. She was happy of her sister's excessive love. But she was also worried when it occasionally went on a rampage.
"Geez... What noisy sisters."
Valkenhayn looked astonished as he turned his head toward the voice.
As if reapplying tension that had slackened off once, a harsh laughter could be heard.
It was Terumi.
He was standing casually with both hands inserted into pockets in an unambitious manner. Then he tilted his head back while his thin shoulders shook in extreme amusement. He didn't even try to hide the laugh that he ridiculed them with. He didn't think the sisters' conversation was charming even for a bit.
"Something amusing? ...You puppet."
Revealing her discomfort, Nine coldly questioned him. The degree of coldness was different from what she had been directing at Hakumen.
But instead of backing down even a little, Terumi shrugged his shoulders and continued to ridicule her.
"Nuh-uh~. It's just funny seeing you guys making idiotic faces."
Interrupting Terumi's laugh, a white arm extended toward his throat and roughly grasped his collar.
Hakumen pulled Terumi toward himself and stared at him with intimidating silence. Terumi glared at him like a venomous snake creeping out from darkness.
"What... Don't just casually touch me. I said something that hurt your feelings? Aah? Man, you just have to answer honestly."
The white mask remained silent. But the hand that grabbed his collar wasn't gentle; it was wrenched violently.
Although he was trying to tear off the arm, Terumi grinned and provoked him even more.
"Hah, what's with you? We're friends, aren't we? Let's get along, Hakumen-chan. Or what? You can't talk since you got no mouth?"
"You..."
"Okay, stop!"
Celica's voice suddenly cut in, interrupting Hakumen's words and freezing Terumi's grin.
"Quit with the fighting. You're getting into another argument so soon, even though Trinity-san just ended the last one?"
"Good grief," said Celica as she grabbed both tall men's shoulders, urging them to separate.
But before he could be pushed aside, Terumi twisted his body forcefully to get away from Celica and Hakumen's grasps. He turned his face away and faintly clicked his tongue while backing away, moving a great distance from them.
He was obviously avoiding them. But even if she was aware of it, Celica just held herself back and made a wry smile for a moment.
Every time Terumi happened to be near Nine and Hakumen, a quarrel would develop. Terumi's reaction was always the same. For some reason, Terumi had a weird dislike of being touched by Celica.
Then Trinity clasped her hands together delightfully. She made a peaceful and earnest smile.
"Everyone~, why don't we have a tea now?"
The voice that had the sweet scent of butter and sugar drifting about made Jubei scratch his head with a puzzled face.
"Tea, huh... Just like you to propose that, Trinity, but we're doin' it with these guys? It ain't like we're just goin' to fill a table and get along now, is it?"
"Isn't it fine? I'm hoping we can spend time quietly together taking a graceful tea."
While fixing his collar, Valkenhayn took a step ahead. Following him, Trinity urged the others on.
"...I sure hope the coffee will taste good."
Nine grumbled dejectedly, dropping her shoulders along with a sigh. Celica hugged Nine's arm to her chest and smiled gleefully.
"This is the first time everyone will be having tea together, right? We've got quite a number here, but let's just go to the usual shop!"
"Celica, are you serious? I don't want to see these guys' faces in that store... Ah, of course Jubei's a different case."
"H-Hey. Stop talkin' like that in a place like this..."
Jubei looked downward as Nine made a surprise attack with her charming smile. His ears which usually stood straight up were also seemingly bending down.
Nine, Celica, and Jubei followed Valkenhayn and Trinity who had gone ahead. Hakumen and Terumi also stepped forth without saying anything.
However, before they could go any further, a heavy noise resounded as the gate that led to the courtyard from Mage's Guild opened.
"Oh my~, everyone's present."
Together with the charming provocative voice, long boots' heels, which were even taller than Nine's, clacked along the courtyard's path.
The woman entering the courtyard was wearing a dress that had a large gap at the torso, complete with long mantle decorated with extravagant fur. Her lips, thick with lipstick, and the gorgeous necklace decorating her chest were eye-catching. Her suggestive attire hinted at a slender, well kept figure.
Beside her stood a man with silk-like blonde hair that had been grown long. With such a truly stylish outfit, he looked like some kind of royalty.
"It is not admirable of you bringing outsiders inside the guild, Nine."
The blond man put out a modest smile along with calm tone of voice that had thorns of rationality in it. The cool ice-blue pair of eyes looked at the lined up faces in the courtyard in turn. The thin frame of his glasses emphasized his intelligence and dignity.
"Eight, Seven..."
Nine dropped her voice in displeasure at the pair who were now standing in her way.
Eight was the eighth and Seven was the seventh.
Along with Nine as the ninth, they were Sages just like her. The proof was the conspicuously large triangular hats placed atop their heads.
The Ten Sages——the honored people were outstanding magicians even among the Mage's Guild. They held the positions of highest authority over Ishana. The maximum number had been decided as ten people. But it was less than ten people right now. There were missing numbers as some positions in the Mage's Guild weren't filled.
Seven, Eight, and Nine's ages were relatively young among the Ten Sages. The three of them also stood out in their abilities. But it was a well-known fact that Nine was especially young and blessed with a special talent.
"Trinity. Sorry but go ahead and take Celica and the others."
Without taking her eyes from the two Sages who stood on her way, Nine spoke in a terribly calm voice.
Trinity nodded quickly.
"Understood. Everyone, let us go~."
"Is everything alright?"
Jubei was giving a concerned frown, but Trinity smiled to assuage his fear. Then she dropped her voice a little as she whispered into his ear.
"It's okay. It'll be inconvenient if we have to leave the island for carelessly meddling in the Ten Sages' affairs~. Other than matters regarding the Black Beast, getting too deeply involved with Mage's Guild would put us into trouble."
"I see..."
He was still not yet fully convinced, but Jubei swung his tails in the stead of nodding. The only people who had as much interest in the Mage's Guild and Nine as Jubei did were Celica and Trinity. Without needing to be urged by Trinity again, Valkenhayn, Hakumen, and Terumi promptly exited the courtyard.
Afterwards, Jubei, Trinity, and Celica followed. ...But as Celica passed Seven, he grabbed her arm.
"Hey!"
Nine shouted in anger. On the spur of the moment, Trinity stopped walking and Jubei put himself on guard.
But Seven didn't release any strength from the grip that held Celica.
Celica stared at Seven in wonder. It wasn't like she knew him well, but Seven was someone who gave the impression of a gentleman with a polite demeanor and gentle attitude. It was surprising for him to rudely seize someone's arm while displaying such an awfully stern face.
Still grabbing Celica's arm, Seven loudly spoke.
"You have an involvement in our discussion. You will have to remain here."
"Me...?"
"Listen to me. Just go, Celica."
Unable to just watch, Nine stepped up and roughly separated Seven's hand from Celica's arm. Since she took the opportunity to let a light electric current flow, Seven of course removed his hand.
But from the side, Eight interrupted with frivolous talk while fiddling with her hair which was spilling from under her hat.
"Hmm? Why are you keeping your sister away? Don’t you feel sorry for hiding such an important thing from her?"
"Eight, you have nothing to do with this."
"Oh, but I do. Right, Celica-chan?"
While replying with a carefree attitude toward the furious Nine, Eight looked at Celica.
Celica got the feeling from Eight's suggestive look that Nine knew something that Celica wasn't aware of. Now, she was desperately trying to keep Celica away from it.
Once she thought about it, she couldn't keep quiet anymore.
"I will stay. Trinity-san, Jubei-san, you two can go ahead."
"Eh, eh, but..."
At Celica's flat declaration, which showed no hint of hesitation, Trinity got flustered and then looked to Nine. Without saying anything, her gentle green eyes conveyed her uncertainty.
Nine held her head. Nine knew Celica's personality better than anyone. When Celica looked up straight and spoke frankly like now, it would be futile for anyone to oppose her.
"...Trinity, Jubei. Celica and I will join you soon, so please take care of the others. Leaving them on their own will just give me endless anxiety."
"If you say so... then okay."
"We'll wait at the shop. Come quick."
Trinity bowed to Seven and Eight. Jubei didn't bow but shot them a suspicious glance. Together they turned and left the courtyard.
When the gate to the Mage's Guild's buildings had completely closed, Nine moved next to Celica. She pushed her long hair onto her back, still visibly irritated. After she spat out a sigh, her resentful gaze became filled with an unshakeable composure.
"Now, I'll listen to your business. Though, I never thought this story of yours would be anything of interest."
Nine with Celica, and Seven with Eight. The cold wind in the courtyard blew through the gap between them as they stood facing each other.
Nine stood with her arms folded in a manner that suited her overbearing beauty. Next to her older sister, Celica was alarmed as the tension grew more violent bit by bit.
She normally paid it no heed, but Nine, who had received a large triangular hat, was a Sage. And Seven, together with Eight, wore the same hat, signifying that they were also Sages.
The Ten Sages had a completely different status within the Mage's Guild's members. Their positions were far higher. Even the thickheaded Celica could recognize their heightened status and other social standings. The three of them stood in the same position as the people who had the highest authority in the guild. It felt like they were sticking out like a sore thumb somewhat.
Celica was restless and kept checking the surroundings. Despite this, Eight looked toward the gate that led to the guild before cynically raising her lipstick-red lips and flashing a smile.
"You're just like a queen being followed by attendants like that. Though, this place is the majestic Mage's Guild, not your castle. So don't be mistaken, okay?"
"They are an essential force to battle the Black Beast. In other words, my comrades-in-arms. Calling them outsiders or attendants... I wonder who's the one mistaking Mage's Guild for their palace?"
In no time at all, Nine had coldly rebuffed the provocation with sarcasm.
Eight was at a loss for words. But she immediately pulled herself together and smiled. Then she moved her hands from her waist to her chest, folding her arms and embracing her body.
"Hmph, comrades-in-arms? If we remove Trinity, the rest are just suspicious people. There's a beastkin, werewolf, and two others who aren't even human. I've always considered you to be a strange person, but it's still a surprise to see you have a penchant for keeping non-humans in your service~."
Offended by her manner of speaking, Celica took a large step forward.
"Excuse me! I don't think it's like you've just said. Jubei-san, Valkenhayn-san, Hakumen-san, and Terumi-san are trying to beat the Black Beast with their utmost effort. I really don't approve of you... making a fool of the people who fight together with us!"
For Celica, the people Eight regarded as non-humans were her precious sister's comrades.
Celica didn't have enough power to save her sister. That was why Celica honestly had a great respect for them. Nine had approved their strength. They would wield that same strength to fight together with her. Celica felt a deep gratitude toward them.
It was unacceptable for people who barely knew them to insult them.
Nine put her hand on one of Celica's tense shoulders before speaking indifferently.
"Celica, you shouldn't speak too much with that woman. ...You might get infected with her worthless pattern of thinking."
"Wh-What did you say!? Hey, Nine. Is that how you talk your senior!?"
"Being polite is meaningless when the other party has spent their life pointlessly."
"Pointless... You're the one who's pointless!"
"Leave it at that, Eight. We have an important business to do, don't we?"
Seven's composure cut through the sparks building between the women like a knife cutting through butter.
As her partner didn't look even slightly disturbed, Eight made an effort to regain her composure and cleared her throat.
"I, Indeed. You're right. Nine... this has to wait until that thing's test run."
Slowly, Eight spoke directly to Nine as if the hysteria so far hadn't happened.
That thing. The words made Nine's face changed.
"Causality weapon..."
Celica turned around as her sister involuntarily muttered the phrase. Her breath taken away, Nine cast her eyes down slightly. Her mouth seemed stiff.
Nine lightly made fists and then raised her gaze, looking from underneath the wide brim of her hat. It wasn't an expression of anger. If anything it was a look of contempt.
"Stop the development. Don’t make me say it over and over again."
"...The same to you, don't make me say it over again. It is indispensable for humanity."
Even if he was aware that there was contempt in Nine's eyes, Seven, with his detestable calmness, kept his elegant smile.
Beside them, Eight flicked the crystal on her earring before she spoke.
"The preparation for its activation is about to begin soon. But a problem remains in the control system. It could be easily solved if Celica A. Mercury was involved."
Upon hearing her name, Celica jolted and pointed to herself.
Eight gave an exaggerated nod to persuade her.
"Yes. With your power, we can put it into combat. Will you cooperate?"
"No."
Nine declared strongly enough to cause the illusion to quickly break as if slapped by her voice.
"If it can't be controlled, then it should be disposed of. From the beginning, its existence was a mistake. I won't let Celica get involved. Ever."
Different from the sharp gaze that had been directed at Seven and Eight until now, there was now an invisible, surging vigor rampaging within her.
She gave the oppression life through her aggressive tone of voice. It made both opposing Ten Sages wince unintentionally. For just a split second, a humiliating fright showed on each of Seven and Eight's faces.
Looking at them from the side, anxiety stuck in Celica's mind. Just what was that thing that made Nine so strongly reject it like this.
She had a guess. Perhaps it was really terrifying. Or maybe it could expose Celica's life to danger.
Back then... back at the Black Beast's last appearance eight months ago, there was something like this, too.
There was a device called Kushinada's Lynchpin in the underground of a certain research establishment. If it had been activated, it could have halted the Black Beast's activity. However, the activation required Celica's life.
Nine yelled that she absolutely objected in utilizing it. Celica said that she wanted to use it.
Nine's expression currently held some resemblance to the expression she had back then.
(...I think back then... it looked more like... she almost cried.)
Celica mumbled as she thought about it.
Interrupting Celica's sentiment, Seven held both his hands out wide. It seemed like he was about to give a speech.
"Nine. You truly don’t understand. How many people do you think have lost their lives and live in fear due to the Black Beast? This isn't a circumstance where you should put your self-interest as priority."
Taking over from Seven, Eight talked passionately.
"I admit that the Armagus you've created is a superior measure. It's come to form because of the foundation you designed. I know that it'll be even more diverse later on, but humanity needs a decisive weapon that's more reliable!"
Celica could see that they seriously meant what they said from the bottom of their hearts. But even then, both of them couldn't ignite passion in Nine's eyes, which were staring at them with intense coldness.
"Dispose of it. That is an order from my position as someone who has complete authority regarding the Black Beast's engagement."
"What authority!? My rank in the Ten Sages is higher than yours!"
"My rights were decided in the meeting of the so called Ten Sages, Eight. Talk to the other Sages if you have complaints. And..."
Nine spoke on and on quickly. Her determination itself was unshakeable and unstoppable. Expressing her point even more heavily, Nine added a final remark.
"From now on, do not ever approach Celica again."
Celica stood dumbfounded unable to grasp even a fragment of the conversation. Then Nine grabbed her shoulder and quickly started to lead her away.
What stopped her feet wasn't the bewildered Celica, but Seven with a calmness that hid his real intention.
"I will say this once. Both Eight and I were reluctant in deciding you were the Sage who should possess complete authority in this matter. You are certainly talented. But handling an army is another kind of talent."
"...Then I will also say this once. The opponent we have to defeat is the Black Beast. Not someone with insignificant jealousy. And certainly not the world."
After leaving behind those words, this time Nine took Celica and got out of the courtyard.
Stiff noises rang within the Mage's Guild's hallway in a fast rhythm.
Nine's pace was usually fast. But it now, like it did at times, particularly made unpleasant footsteps.
Celica's flustered footsteps did their best to keep up.
"Onee-chan, Onee-chan!"
She had called out countless times. They got out of the Mage's Guild's main entrance with Nine's feet continuing at that rapid pace. Then Celica pulled her sister's arm firmly and forcibly stopped her.
"Onee-chan! I told you to wait, why don't you answer?"
"...You should know my answer if you listened before. This is all for you."
Without shaking off Celica's arms, Nine reluctantly stopped walking. Then she let out a sigh of resignation.
Celica's ponytail sprung as she quickly nodded.
"I did hear it. What's that thing that Seven-san and Eight-san were talking about earlier? What did they mean by "needing my power"?"
Even if someone had natural talent in magic, fitting training was required to handle it. But Celica was able to use healing magic from the beginning without any practice.
However, her healing magic wasn't the important one. The power gifted to Celica when she was born had more to do with her physical constitution.
Celica could suppress seithr just by being near it. In addition, she could also stop seithr from re-entering a place, allowing it to be completely cleared of seithr.
Celica didn't really understand her odd physical constitution. But she herself had vaguely guessed that her body was seemingly a bit peculiar.
She had thought that that was why what Eight said about your power was probably something no one but her could do.
"...It's better for you not to know."
Nine shook her head. She was slipping out of Celica's grasp, Celica hurriedly grabbed Nine again.
"You covering it up again! You're always like this!"
"Celica..."
The worried voice of the older sister reprimanded her.
Celica tightly grabbed her sister's hand in both of hers and looked up at her.
An honest determination dwelled beyond the pupils that had the color of wet soil. She stared so intensely that it was enough to pierce the person she was looking at.
"See, I know that you're thinking a lot of things regarding my safety. I'm happy that you're concerned and worried about me."
She must have already known what Celica was going to say next. Inside the stern eyes were trying to avoid her sister's gaze, a kindness she wouldn't give to anyone but Celica passed over Nine's eyes, as well as a frail and vulnerable look.
She noticed it, but Celica didn't hesitate to continue. After all, it was unmistakably her true feeling. She couldn't lie about her feelings to people important to her.
"But I'm not sure if I'll be happy not knowing about it. So even if I regret it, even if it puts you in trouble, I just can't comprehend it if I don't see it myself."
"I do know your personality. But I can't tell you anything about this case. I can't let you know about it. You can't even get involved with it even for a moment."
Nine didn't relent even in the wake of Celica's resolve. While pressing her forehead with her fingers like she had headache, Nine put her unshakeable resolution into words.
"Why are you so...!"
Getting irritated because Nine wouldn't reveal what she had been keeping from her, Celica's words turned sour in her protest.
However, something came to mind immediately. Nine had always been thinking about Celica. She knew about it as her protective actions had been accumulating from when they were children.
That was why if Nine told her to stay out so forcefully, then it must be something unfavorable to Celica.
"Is it something dangerous?"
Perhaps it concerned not just Celica, but something even more expansive.
Suppressing her childish selfishness, Celica lowered her eyes in worry.
Giving it a thought, Nine's sharp but also kind eyes were directed to somewhere distant.
"They're just desperate people wanting to utilize a failure. It's just a boring rivalry of adults. ...That's all."
Those words couldn't have been a lie. But for Celica, it didn't feel like she would tell the whole truth. Nine had always been concerned about Celica. She always had something she hid.
If Celica were to speak her intention, she wanted to ask what Nine was hiding and why she hid it. She wanted to know about all the circumstances. But Celica gave up on pressing her for a moment.
Her sister was just as stubborn as her. If she had decided not to, then she wouldn't yield so easily. Besides... considering Nine had been busy with strategy meetings and weapon development every day, Celica felt guilty if she ended up increasing her sister's burden with her selfish words.
"...You see. I'm not strong and not really good in using magic to fight. But I will do anything if I can be useful to you. That's why, tell me when the needs for my strength arrive."
Surely she would be excused if she was only this selfish. Celica looked forthrightly at Nine while telling her.
Nine's mouth began to open and made a slight smile. She gently released Celica's hands and then used her freed hands to wrap Celica's cheeks.
"Celica. You don't have to worry about anything. I will definitely protect you."
"Onee-chan..."
It by no means satisfied Celica. Because it meant that her sister didn't want her to help.
But her decision had supported Nine somewhat. If that could help her, then it was fine for now.
Celica put on a bright smile to cheer her up while thinking about it.
Since Nine and Celica had left, Seven and Eight were left in a courtyard filled with rich summer greenery's scent. With the same stern gaze, they stared toward the gate leading to the Mage's Guild.
Eventually, Eight rudely stomped the stone pavement under her feet with the heel of her long boot in annoyance.
"Huh, what's with that woman!? Even though she's a newbie, she acts as if she's in control of the Mage's Guild, including us Ten Sages. She should act her tenure and show us some respect!"
As the single hit to the ground didn't relieve her of the resentment inside her stomach, Eight gnawed at her lipstick covered lips and walked around.
Looking from the side at the woman's long mantle as she paced around, Seven breathed a sigh while wrinkling his forehead. Lifting the thin frame of his glasses with his middle finger, he stiffly shook his head.
"Dispose of it...? That is no joke. Roughly speaking, it was us who constructed it until this stage. Not her. While it may be true that she assembled the foundation, it is annoying that she's acting like she owned it all this time."
"Hey, Seven. You don't really mean you're going to get rid of it, do you?"
Rushing over, Eight put her hand on Seven's shoulder, raising her eyes on him, demanding an answer.
"It is a hope. Humanity's... no, our hope! Sure, the Armagus is amazing, but it won't give us victory against the Black Beast. It's not significant enough to test out the difference in power with the monster!"
"I know. I am not planning to have it disposed of before my eyes. If it were fully realized, we could show the world Nine's shallowness."
A while after the heated discussion, Seven's tone of voice took a steep turn downward. The easy-going ice blue gaze looked dull.
"However... it cannot be used as of now. We need Celica A. Mercury."
"Can't we just use it without her?"
"We cannot as it is too dangerous. Calm yourself a little. Do you want to bear the stigma of killing your allies?"
"That's true, but do you think we can deceive Nine's eyes? Unless fortune's on our side..."
"——It seems there's an interesting discussion going on here~."
All of a sudden, a third voice interrupted.
Startled, Seven and Eight's bodies stiffened.
There shouldn't be anyone in the courtyard. Seven and Eight had been checking for intruders with their magic. Before the moment they heard the voice, the courtyard was supposed to be clear of any visible creature other than insects and birds.
Eight rocked her large earrings as she turned around. Seven just glanced toward the voice.
Both of them recognized the man. At the same time, they both grasped the reason bit by bit. That's right. Since he was the man who followed her personally, it was no wonder if he could slip through the Ten Sages' eyes.
Step by step, the man drew near.
"Hey... tell me the details."
As if crawling out from the distinct shade of trees, the voice made a chill run up Seven and Eight's spines as he spoke.
There was a house that served as a coffee shop on the sideways of Ishana's main street.
The shop had a lovely atmosphere with clay ornaments arranged along its white wall. White and light brown planters were placed around the entrance. Together lined up with them was an easel with a small blackboard leaning on it. The blackboard had today's recommendations written.
The time was three and a half in the afternoon. It was a bit late to have a tea.
Running and skipping up a short set of stairs that only had three flight of steps, Celica entered the shop along with Nine. The ringing door chime above her sounded refreshing.
"Let's see..."
Trinity and the others had gone on ahead of them, so they should have arrived much earlier. Celica looked inside the store that had the sweet aroma of butter and sugar. Then, she saw a platinum blonde girl stand up and wave her small hand.
"There! Trinity-san, sorry to keep you waiting!"
As her footsteps made quiet tapping noises on the wooden floor, she went inside while leading Nine along.
Trinity and the others' table was next to a tall decorative plant. But before she pulled up a chair, Celica looked puzzled as she saw the faces there.
"Huh? Only you two?"
Only Trinity and Jubei were seated there. Valkenhayn, Hakumen, and Terumi, who should have left the courtyard with them earlier, were nowhere to be seen.
The cat at the table answered Celica's question while resting his chin on his hand.
"Valkenhayn and Hakumen said they have other appointment. Terumi said somethin' about goin' to the toilet along the way and disappeared on his own."
"Eeeh!? Just when I thought everyone would finally have tea together..."
Dejected, Celica dropper her shoulders. She thought her longtime dream would come true today. But then she pulled herself together from the disappointment and raised her cheerful face before sitting down beside Jubei.
If they had errands, then there was nothing she could do. Starting from today, the base of operations was Ishana. There should be another chance later.
Nine also pulled up a chair. The white thighs peeking from her miniskirt rubbed together as she crossed her legs. Even Celica took notice of it. She sat on an open seat between Trinity and Jubei.
Calling a waitress who was waling past, Nine ordered iced coffee and chocolate mousse.
"Ah, I want a cold lemon and... mille-feuille!"
As she wrote Celica's order, the waitress with a bob cut replied with a smile and turned back toward the kitchen.
"You should have eaten first. Both of you are really principled."
Facing Trinity and Jubei, Nine dropped a smile.
Both of their orders were already placed on the table. Before Trinity was a hot royal milk tea and baked cheese cake. But in front of Jubei was a cup filled with green tea and pound cakes with green tea powder. There were traces that they had drank for a bit, but their cakes remained untouched.
"There's a green tea menu here, huh? First time I saw it."
Celica curiously looked at the cup in front of Jubei. Jubei twitched his whiskers to humor her.
"Seems it's a new menu. It's thanks to the increasin' flow of goods from various countries."
"But you put cold water in it, didn't you."
From the next seat, Nine lightly poked fun at him. There was no steam coming from the cup. Beside the cup, there were several glasses that had previously been filled with water placed on the table.
Jubei's face started to look a little embarassed.
"Can't help it. It's too hot."
"Fufu. You like tea but can't drink it hot. So cute."
Nine used her finger to poke the white fur on Jubei's cheek. Then, Jubei suddenly sprung up.
"Cute...!? Like I said, please stop sayin' things like that in public..."
"Oh, it's fine. There's only Celica and Trinity here."
"That's not the problem!"
"Ufufu, please don’t worry about us~. Right, Celica-san~?"
Nine stared at the beastkin with a girlish look that would make the people in Mage's Guild who barely knew her stare in disbelief. Jubei's pointed ears kept twitching as he couldn't calm down.
Trinity nonchalantly brought her cup to her mouth while seeing their exchange.
Celica raised both hands and rested her chin there. She kept nodding with her face filled with a smile.
"Yup. I really like seeing Onee-chan and Jubei-san getting along. Although sometimes I get embarrassed, too."
"Y-You're wrong. I don't really... Uhhh..."
Jubei waved his shaking, bulky hand in the air.
Interrupting his excuse, the waitress finally came carrying Nine and Celica's orders.
Not wanting to expose himself anymore, Jubei pulled his head in toward his neck and tried to appear as small as possible. He lay in wait, concealing his sigh behind the sound of the orders being placed on the table.
After a while, the Mercury sisters drew each of their drinks toward themselves. When he heard the noise, Jubei could only let a sigh of relief and raised his face.
Then he dejectedly lowered his whiskers.
"...Of course, you're doin' it."
He dropped his voice as he muttered.
Not understanding at first, Celica followed Jubei's gaze and understood why.
Nine's supple fingers picked up a pitcher filled with gum syrup that was served with the iced coffee before pouring its entire contents into her glass. When the clear fluid finally depleted, this time she tilted another pitcher filled with milk in the same manner. The white fluid quietly muddied the iced coffee.
"Ah, can I get another gum syrup?"
Without even a questioning look, the waitress Nine called immediately came with a spare pitcher.
Of course, she also poured it into her glass without leaving a drop.
The water level of the coffee that was now corrupted with syrup and milk had increased almost to the glass' edge.
Using a straw, Nine skillfully stirred the near overflowing iced coffee.
"I've said it already but... it's bad for your health."
Jubei knew it was pointless from the start. It was obvious from the way he sounded like he had given up.
Acting like it didn't concern her at all, Nine calmly drank the abnormally thick iced coffee.
"Actually, it'll be good for my health if I ingest a moderate amount of sugar."
"Uh. Is that... moderate?"
"Jubei. You don't like sweets that much? "
"It's not like that... Nah, it's fine. My bad."
After his doubtful eyes glanced at the empty pitcher again, Jubei seemed to avert his eyes and then sipped his warm green tea.
Contemplating the banter, Celica exchanged a look with Trinity. They both burst into laughter at the same time.
Reacting immediately, Jubei stared at them with a bitter look on his sullen face.
"...What. Why are you laughin'?"
"No, no. Nothing at all."
"Ufufu. Please don't mind us~."
Playing dumb, Celica and Trinity spontaneously hid their suggestive smiles with both hands.
For several months, Nine and Jubei had noticeably been getting close. It wasn't an exaggeration saying that they had become intimate. Celica was happy with it.
Everyone had been commenting on Nine's natural gift and her abilities. Moreover, they also said Nine had a violent temperament and that she wouldn't go easy on anyone. Trinity was the only friend that had become close to her older sister. It had even been years since Celica had heard tale of Nine being approached by any guys.
For her sister to be acting this lovey dovey with someone while having tea was... Rather than a younger sister, the delight she felt was like what a mother would have.
Nine drank her iced coffee while watching every single move from Jubei. Meanwhile, Jubei kept getting flustered even though he was going out with her.
While watching both of them, Celica cheerfully ate her mille-feuille. The light pie and strong taste of the custard cream's egg now seemed to taste even better.
Then, Trinity suddenly half-rose to her feet.
"Ah, Kazu... Terumi-san."
Blending in with the friendly chatter inside the store, a small and sweet voice called the name.
As Celica turned around, she saw a tall man wearing a low hood approaching them. He didn’t really seem to fit with the fairy-tale atmosphere of the store.
Instead of calling to him, Celica waved her hand. Terumi abruptly stopped for a moment. But without making the previous action look obvious, he came close to their table.
Just after that, Nine's eyes sharpened.
"Where did you go?"
As if reflecting her doubting voice, the atmosphere stiffened.
But Terumi didn't pay any attention to the change in the atmosphere. He simply laughed. Avoiding the empty space next to Celica, he sat down beside Trinity.
"Toilet, toilet. You heard from them, didn't you?"
"You'd better stop just doing everything as you please."
"Hmm, so you'll wait for me whenever I go to toilet? Nice hobby you've got there."
Nine's look grew even sharper. The atmosphere made it felt like she was about to grab him by the collar. Celica placed both hands on the table as if to interrupt them.
"Onee-chan, Terumi-san. Let's stop this already. We're having tea now."
Without attracting the attention of other customers, Celica put on a reproachful tone.
Taking the opportunity, Terumi raised both hands; as if to indicate that he surrendered.
"Hey, you're doubting me too much. Forgot? I can't lie to you. You're the one who cast that annoying spell on me."
Terumi had been inflicted with Mind Eater by Nine. It made him unable to disobey Nine's command, neither could he lie to her.
"You're wasting time doubting me. Don't you hate doing pointless things? Miss. Ten. Sages."
His sarcasm made Nine's eyebrows twitch. But before she could answer, Jubei interrupted.
"Don't get too sensitive, Nine. Mind Eater's working. Has he actually gone against your order once?"
Nine could just find his whereabouts if she felt like it. Even when earlier Jubei told her that Terumi was gone, Nine should have searched for Terumi's location. As its result was that she knew he was heading to the store, she didn't look deeper into it.
Both Jubei and Celica gave a soothing look at Nine. Then she put it aside and sighed.
"...Oh well. It's not good arguing here."
Averting her eyes from the gazes, Nine scooped her chocolate mousse with fork.
Seeing the conversation was over, Terumi greatly tilted his chair and stopped an unfortunate waitress from passing by.
"Hey, miss. Get me the usual black tea and a hardboiled egg."
As he arbitrarily made an order, Terumi returned the chair to its original position with a slight scraping noise.
Trinity just watched the scene quietly beside him.
Whenever Trinity looked at Terumi, sometimes, just sometimes, she would make a pained look. Even Celica knew the reason. Terumi really resembled him. A young student who was very close to Trinity that unfortunately had disappeared from the academy unnoticed.
Their behavior and expressions were completely different, but their voices and presence were surprisingly similar. If he were to remove the hood he always wore, she wondered if the face of her friend would appear.
That was why when Terumi was here, Trinity was always reminded of that friend of hers. Even though it had been eight months, Celica could still remember Ragna on a whim.
When she thought about him, a suffocating sensation arose in her chest.
"Okay!"
Determined, Celica suddenly raised the corners of her eyes and struck the table with both hands.
"Let's talk about something fun!"
The atmosphere had been somewhat gloomy for a while. Heavy. Painful.
In this tea time that was supposed to be fun, Celica wanted for everyone to get along more and get to know each other. Fully embracing that belief, Celica haphazardly stood up.
However, during that moment, Celica plunged forward too far and her feet connected with the table's leg.
"Wha, wha..."
As the momentum ruined her balance, Celica began to tip backwards.
"Look out, Celica!"
Jubei immediately reacted. He stretched his hand to support Celica from the side. Jubei's hand supported Celica... or as it would have if Celica hadn't made the poor decision to grab the back of the chair where Jubei had been sitting.
Celica's hand firmly grabbed the back of the chair and grasped it strongly. Along with Jubei's tail.
"UGYAAH!?"
A terrible scream the likes that no-one had heard before escaped from Jubei's mouth. The small furry body jumped on the spot with a jolt.
With incomparable strength, Jubei's knees hit the tabletop. The table rose in a big way from the impact. Nine was surprised. Then the iced coffee she held leaped out of her hands...
The spilling mixture of iced coffee, gum syrup, and coffee milk was now all over Trinity's face.
"Ah..."
The small voice was Trinity's.
Then a painful silence flowed into the ears of the people sat around the table.
Even the gentle friendly chat around the shop, which should have been present, seemed to completely vanish.
Eventually, Trinity gently removed the glasses that were soaked with the thick liquid of Nine's coffee.
Her expression was hidden by the fluffy hair flowing from her fringe and both sides. However, there was no doubt that the mood had shifted.
"...It seems my glasses are stained."
The sweet echo sounded the same as ever. Contrary to its calm tone, fear clouded Celica and Nine's hearts as they began to understand the situation.
"Uh, umm, Trinity-san...? So-Sorry. I, um, never thought this would happen...!"
"Let's talk it through, Trinity! We surely will come into understanding!"
"Wh-What? What's going on?"
Though he grasped the tension of the situation, seeing Celica and Nine apologizing profusely, Jubei couldn't understand what was happening. He became flustered while still holding his aching tail.
Nine then grasped his hand.
"I'll tell you the reason later. But for now, we should apologize. You too!"
Turning around far enough that his neck clicked, Terumi, who was stretching his hand to get the black tea that had just come, raised his face.
"Huh? Me too!?"
"Just apologize!"
"Tch, dammit. What's with you? Her glasses are just dirty, so..."
"'Just'? Did you say 'just'...?"
Trinity's whisper silenced Terumi's abusive words as he started to grumble. Normally, it wouldn't happen. But currently, Trinity wasn't her usual calm self.
In the end, Trinity slowly took a breath.
"...Everyone, I have to tell you something."
Her smile was kind enough to be horrific.
The moon was once again full in the sky of the endless night. It looked like a giant water basin.
The silver light pouring forth from the white disc was serene and cold. It illuminated the castle which stood beautiful but solemn within a vast rose garden. It was like something from a fairy tale stood there alone in the silence.
A place belonged to nowhere, yet connected with every dark night of the world. Existing but nonexistent. Similar the dark side of the moon... Once, this place was described as such by the lord of the castle. The castle once belonged to a vampire who spent his life watching over the people of the world.
Her predecessor, Clavis Alucard, had died around eight months ago, Rachel Alucard presently acted as the castle's lady. Still a young female vampire, this torn, small world recognized her as its new master. It was painted in the bountiful red of roses, befitting the youth of the castle's lady.
The spectacle of the garden was magnificent to behold, as could be seen from a long vertical window installed at the front of the castle.
Rachel touched the cold windowpane with the young fingers peeking from the sleeve of her black dress. Slipping away from her favorite scenery, she averted her gaze from it and elegantly turned around.
"...I see. You can't remember it still."
Following the girl's movement, her golden hair, tied at high position on both sides, swayed along with its large decorative ribbons.
A faint magical light flickered inside the room, revealing two figures beside Rachel.
Sweeping over the tall man with the muscular body. The rose red pupils of the adolescent girl fixed on a taller figure. Illuminated by the faint light, the emerging white figure looked just like a ghost.
"It appears that we cannot depend on your memories, Mr. Hero of the Future."
Putting aside her slight disappointment, Rachel addressed the ghost.
The ghost's name was Hakumen.
"...Do you know what he intends to accomplish?"
He stared directly at Rachel without making even a slight movement, questioning her in a muffled voice. Those who didn't know Hakumen would think he was a talking sculpture.
Amused, Rachel slowly blinked her doll-like large eyes.
"Compared to you who doesn't remember anything, I would say so."
"Then, is that man really scheming something...?"
Between Hakumen and Rachel, the other man asked a little bit over-eagerly. When he took a step forward, the long hair tied at his back swayed anxiously. He was Valkenhayn.
Toward the question from the loyal butler who had been serving since her father, Clavis' time, Rachel answered not with words. She turned toward the window again and only responded with silence and a distant gaze.
In his regret, Valkenhayn tightened a fist in front of his chest.
"Regardless, that man has the scent of danger. He shouldn't have been released before... It is not too late. While Mind Eater is still in effect, I shall take his life!"
"You must not, Valkenhayn."
With the coolness of the north wind, Rachel severed the butler's fierceness.
Contrary to their young appearance, her eyes contained deep wisdom. The blood red pupils faintly wavered.
"That man must not be killed. He still has some value. No, his help is indispensable. If not, then there will be no significance in anyone's struggle."
After speaking that much, Rachel briefly sighed. When she closed her eyes, her long eyelashes made shadows on the pale skin around her eyes.
"...Besides, we are not able to kill that man."
The whisper slightly shook the air under her breath.
Groaning, Valkenhayn turned silent. Hakumen just stood there quietly.
Without looking at either of them, Rachel lightly bit her flower bud-like lips.
Her eyes were watching everything in the world. Her ears were hearing everything in the world. Her mind was memorizing everything in the world. However, her hands couldn’t change the world. Even if she knew what awaited in the future.
"It is humanity's choices that will decide the future. It will never change now and forever. That is why, it is not something we can change."
The red eyes looked at the white face. They held some sympathy.
There was a deteriorating sweet scent in the flowing silence. It might have come from Valkenhayn's master.
Eventually, Hakumen moved and turned his back from the young lady of the castle. The tall, large sword he carried bore some kind of dignity.
"If that is your conclusion, then I will not oppose you. However, whether you choose providence, reasons, or neither, I have a different belief than yours."
"You spoke of interesting thing. Will you try and do the impossible?"
"My blade is to slay my enemy... the Dark One. I would cut reasons to carry that purpose if I had to."
After leaving those words, Hakumen took a large step forward. With the long silver hair at his back swaying, he left the dim room.
Watching over the retreating figure from behind, Rachel gave a weak smile. But her eyes were far from smiling as they gleamed with cold light.
"...Cut reasons... Then you would sever this tale? Would you, Mr. Hero?"
The moon in the sky of the rose garden didn’t reply. Of course, Rachel didn't have the answer to her own question.
There was only her incomparably loyal butler bowing to her before exiting the room to brew her tea.
While listening to the departing footsteps, Rachel opened the window wide. As she did so, the scent of the night and roses surged in.
In the mood of the night. In the empty mood of the night, she longed to drink Valkenhayn's black tea.
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