CHAPTER 2
Countdown to the Sister War
1
“We’ve crossed the borders, my lady.”
“Did you all hear that? We’ve exited the borders of Alsamira. Who knows what assassins are lying in wait? Be on guard.”
A loop bus plowed through the sprawling desert that surrounded the independent state of Alsamira. It was a lawless place, known for being the home to a gigantic beast, the basilisk. A territory beyond the scope of the human eye.
However, their hypervigilance was not directed toward the beast itself, but rather toward other human beings.
“Look out for the masked man’s group.”
Sisbell sounded like she was making an in-cabin announcement as a crew member. She must have been trying to project her voice since she was sitting with the four from the Imperial unit.
“I don’t think there will be many enemies, but I imagine the ones we do encounter will be elite fighters. They’re planning on apprehending me, and—”
“I feel like I’m listening to a broken record.”
Lounging on the leather seat, Jhin sounded bored out of his mind.
“You already told us two days ago at our hotel. And yesterday at your hotel. Once is more than enough, and the third time is not working its charm.”
“I-it’s important! It deserves to be repeated!” Sisbell retorted, pouting in frustration. “We were still coming at each other with questions yesterday. We need time to review!”
“They’re traitors of the Nebulis Sovereignty, hoping to overthrow the queen and wage war on the Empire or something.”
“Y-yes!”
“But we don’t have a way to verify the validity of that claim.” He seemed to dismiss everything she said. “I mean, who knows if you’re the traitor trying to overthrow the current ruler? Either way, I don’t care to learn too much about the enemy. To us, your queen is the leader of our opponents.”
“……”
“If we’re sloppy, the headquarters will catch wind of this. I don’t plan on taking on that risk.”
“…I suppose you wouldn’t.” The youngest princess of Nebulis bit her lip.
“Fair point,” muttered the older gentleman sitting behind the wheel. “We made this deal for a trade. It isn’t based on trust. We’re only going to tell you what’s relevant to you as guards.”
That was Shuvalts. The princess’s chaperone.
He was an aged man with tidy gray hair, fitted in his usual slim black suit, which had not a single wrinkle. Shrewd would be the best word to describe him.
He was keeping an eye out for Lord Mask’s dispatched pursuers from behind the wheel.
…Is he basically Sisbell’s “Rin”? …I heard he’s her only confidant in the palace.
However, he fell short when it came to fighting. In contrast to Alice’s guard, Rin, Shuvalts’s astral power wasn’t suited to combat.
“My lady, this arrangement is transactional. No place for emotions.”
“…I know that, Shuvalts.” Sisbell took a deep breath. “Anyway, I’m just trying to say I trust you to eliminate the assassins.”
“Commander? Are you cool with that?”
“Hm? Uh, t-totally!” The captain righted herself in a fluster. “B-but this is the first and last time! Please don’t continue to interact with us once this is over!”
“Of course. But I’ll make full use of you. We’re just business partners across borders.” Sisbell nodded, seeming pleased with herself. She made a leisurely lap around the bus.
“Iska? Do you know what this means?”
“What?”
“You’re my subordinate—starting today!”
The witch princess plopped herself between Mismis and Iska. She snaked her arm around his bicep.
“This must be what they call ‘destiny.’ Foretold by the stars! I think we will have a good working relationship.”
“…Um.”
“Through thick and thin. When the way forward becomes difficult, we’ll face the obstacles together.”
“Um, I thought I was your guard.”
Since when did he become her subordinate?
Didn’t “business partners” necessitate they were on equal ground?
“Oh right. Sorry.”
She had to be doing this on purpose.
Sisbell’s impish smile implied she knew more than she let on. Also, he wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed that she kept finding excuses to touch him. Right now, with her arm around him, she was pressing her chest against him through her thin dress. There was no mistaking the feel of her breasts, though they seemed to be on the small side.
She was looking at him with those pleading eyes of hers.
“You know you’re welcome to be my subordinate at any time.”
“Hold it right there!” Mismis objected.
“No way, no how!” Nene roared.
Their protests echoed through the bus.
“Wh-wh-wh-wh-what is this witch saying?! Iska is my subordinate!”
“Oh? But aren’t you a witch, Commander Mismis?”
“Iska is part of my circle! You can’t just steal him away from me!”
“I am, too, technically. I don’t see the issue.”
The three of them stared one another down.
Sisbell was the first to withdraw. “…I’m confident in you. As you can see, my only ally is Shuvalts.”
No one voiced any objections.
Jhin had proposed that Unit 907 not stick their noses in Sisbell’s business—be it anything related to her goals or her status. Commander Mismis had consented.
…Jhin positioned it as something to protect us from being caught by headquarters…but it also means Sisbell can continue hiding her identity.
The youngest princess. Of the goals Iska knew, she had two lofty ones.
First, to protect the life of her mother, the queen.
Second, to reveal the traitors plotting to overthrow the nation. With her astral powers, it was possible, with time.
He was the only one who knew about that.
Mismis, Jhin, and Nene had decided not to probe into her affairs.
…Jhin made the right choice… I mean, it’s the same reason why they don’t know about my relationship with Alice.
Any members of the Empire with ties to the Sovereignty would face capital punishment. Even Iska had been sentenced to life imprisonment, and he was a Saint Disciple with unique skills. Headquarters showed no mercy to traitors.
“It’s always so hot.” The princess fanned herself with an open palm. “Traversing the desert is not easy. I already had enough of this heat on my way here. If my older sister, Alice, was here, it would be cooler.”
“Hm?”
“Ah, nothing!” Sisbell yelped when Jhin shot her a pointed gaze. He picked up on everything.
“Iska, you seem awfully calm.”
“Yeah, I mean, the AC is working, and…”
Why was Sisbell clinging to him if she was so hot? All the other seats were empty.
“…Why don’t you sit somewhere cooler?”
“No.” She turned her nose up, acting like a snobby kid.
Now that he thought about it, Iska didn’t know how old she was.
Based on appearances, she must have been a year or two younger than Nene.
“How old are you?”
“I’m sixteen. Seventeen this year.”
“…Oh? Then that means I’m a year older than you.”
…I feel like I remember…having that conversation with Alice.
Alice’s younger sister was next to him.
She had the Founder’s blood. A purebred. A daughter of the queen.
She was the ideal hostage for peace negotiations. She was the type of witch that Iska had desperately searched for in the battlefields. And here she was, defenselessly snuggling up to him.
…It wouldn’t be strange for me to restrain her as an Imperial soldier… But I can’t. We need that adhesive for Mismis.
They had negotiated this working partnership.
That was why there was no choice for him but to put up with this attention. He hadn’t grown fond of her or anything.
Anything was fair game once this guarding business was over. If they ever crossed paths on a battlefield, he would not hesitate to apprehend the same girl whom he was now helping escape.
It was the same with Alice. In the trenches, he would have no choice but to fight her.
“Sisbell, let me make one thing clear.”
Iska looked square into the eyes of the girl next to him. He needed to cut all ties.
“Once we’re done guarding you, you and I will have nothing to do with each other. If we encounter each other in the battlefield, we’re enemies. You understand that, right?”
“Why, of course.” She nodded calmly, though her voice seemed peppy. “‘Once you’re done guarding me,’ huh? That means you’re my ally until then! I see right through you!”
“……”
It had the opposite effect.
He was trying to set some boundaries. But she had found the loophole.
“It’s fine… Even if it’s just for this short period…”
“Sisbell?”
“…I’m grateful. I’m glad you’re around.”
He could hardly hear her.
In fact, he doubted anyone else—not Commander Mismis nor Nene nor Jhin—could make out this pained statement.
It was almost inaudible, but he could tell from the way her shoulders moved against his that she spoke, and with feeling.
“I’ll keep my promise. If you can get me to the palace, I will give you the adhesives. Please just protect me…”
“—”
He was at a loss. He couldn’t put up a fight. Now he couldn’t push her away from clinging onto him. For the duration of his duty, she had the right to it.
…She must be so anxious… And what she said was from the heart. I know.
Commander Mismis and Nene had started to look at her threateningly.
The glint in their eyes was so sharp that it even made him afraid.
“You see, I can’t say no…,” Iska tried to protest in the smallest voice and sighed.
2
The highway stretched past the desert.
Their deliberate detour along the road between neutral cities added four hours to their trip.
“My lady.”
“……”
“Please wake up.”
“—Eep?!”
The girl bolted awake after the elderly man in the driver’s seat called out to her. She stood up from her seat next to Iska, looking around the vehicle as she came back to her senses.
“Uh… Are we near the border?”
“We’re at the parking lot of the Highway Oasis—the HWO. It’s a pit stop with hotels and restaurants for people who use long-distance buses. I believe it is your first time here, my lady.”
Outside the vehicle, the sky was already dark. Pointing out the window, Shuvalts got out of the driver’s seat.
“I had to avoid the shortest route to the Sovereignty, which would draw the attention of the Zoa. And the streets after dark come with their own dangers. With the beasts roaming the roads, I thought it would be best for us to stop at the HWO.”
“Good thinking, Shuvalts. I’m feeling hungry, too.”
Sisbell looked toward the restaurants across the parking lot.
“Let’s go, Iska. There are many restaurants to choose from. What do you want to eat?”
“Wherever you want to go. We’re your guards after all.”
“Oh!” She sounded moved, forcibly gripping Iska’s hand. “So you’ll accompany me. This is our fate! You’re practically confessing you’re my subordinate!”
“…Seems like someone got back their energy after their nap.”
“I slept like a baby, thanks to you!” She jerked on his hand, pulling him along.
When she had been snoring gently next to him during the drive, Iska had gotten the impression that she was sweet. But now, she gave off the air of a confident aristocrat.
“If you’re feeling better, could you let go of my hand soon?”
“Never.”
It would have been better for him to remain silent. She squeezed his hand harder than ever.
“This is a mission. This is a mission. This is a mission…”
“Hey, boss? I can feel a murderous vibe from you.”
“We’re guards. We’re guards. We’re guards…”
“Hey, Nene? I think she’s rubbing off on you.”
Two pairs of bloodshot eyes flashed red.
They were trying to warn the witch to step away from Iska. Unfortunately, Sisbell remained blissfully unaware, showing no indication that she noticed them.
“Where do you want to go?” The princess clung onto Iska’s arm.
She was acting as if she were his younger sister, attached at the hip.
“Oh, I know! Guess my favorite food, as proof of our friendship. We’ll have that for dinner.”
“You want me to guess?”
“Hee-hee. I see you’re struggling. If it’s too hard, I can make it multiple choice.”
“…Pasta.”
“What?! No way! That’s correct!” Her mouth was agape. “How did you know?”
“Call it a hunch.”
So the sisters shared favorites. Iska concealed his little smile, walking through the parking lot.
…I wonder what Alice is up to… She must have returned to the Sovereignty. I imagine she’s having trouble dealing with everything.
Nebulis was no monolith—even among the queen’s daughters.
“Isn’t she your little sister?”
“Yes, but only one of us can become queen.”
The sisters were keeping each other in check.
Alice didn’t want her younger sister to know about her many meetings with an Imperial soldier.
Sisbell was weary of her older sister as she searched for the traitor who was scheming with the Empire.
And Iska was the only one who knew all of this. Their enemy.
It was ironic. They couldn’t confide in each other because they were going up against each other for the throne.
…Not that it’s any of my business… It concerns our nemesis. Nothing for an Imperial soldier to fret over.
He couldn’t find himself getting too involved, even if he couldn’t help but notice that their favorite foods were the same, even if he could sense the unbreakable bond between them that the sisters themselves were oblivious to.
“Hm? Is something the matter, Iska? What was the sigh for?”
“Because I felt like it…” Iska answered, turning away from the witch princess.
3
In the Star Spire of the palace in the Nebulis Sovereignty.
Alice always looked forward to gazing out of her balcony at the night sky. It was one of her little pleasures before going to bed in Sion, the Jewelry Box of Bells.
“…Another day for the books, huh.”
Against the black celestial sphere, the stars glistened like gems overturned from a treasure chest. There were too many constellations and shooting stars to count, dripping from the heavens to the horizon.
“Oof, it’s cold…”
The wind chilled her to the core as she wore nothing but a thin nightgown. Goosebumps arose on her skin and she began to shiver.
…I’m fine this way… It clears my head. She leaned onto the balcony’s handrail and exhaled.
“I wonder what Sisbell is doing right now…”
The queen had dispatched two of her guards the day before. At the earliest, they would reach Alsamira this evening or tomorrow morning.
Until then, Sisbell was basically defenseless.
She felt uneasy that Sisbell only had her chaperone, Shuvalts, with her. If something like an Object developed by the Empire were dispatched, her life would be in danger.
…No. The Zoa are more dangerous… They would try restraining her on suspicion of treason.
The three families all had the authority of inquisition.
When a member of any of the clans was accused of treason, the clans had to “rinse” themselves—meaning it was up to the royal family to capture their own kin.
“That’s the last resort. Since Sisbell’s situation is in the gray, they shouldn’t be able to make a move…”
The House of Zoa had already let an unmistakable opportunity slip by them—several days ago, when Sisbell and Iska had made contact.
Had the Zoa witnessed that encounter, Alice and the queen would not have been able to protect her.
“I wonder who this boy standing next to you could be.”
“Wait, Lord Mask! I’m not colluding with the enemy.”
At that moment, the Object had been a blessing in disguise.
Lord Mask had withdrawn because he had determined it would disservice the House of Zoa if things got out of control outside his territory.
“But it doesn’t dissolve any suspicions surrounding Sisbell. If I was in their position, I would—”
“Lady Alice.”
In her housekeeping clothes, Rin had come out onto the balcony, whipped by the cold wind.
“I apologize for encroaching on your space as you were about to retire.”
“What’s the matter?”
“You have a visitor. I wanted to see if I should turn them down.”
A visitor? At this hour?
From the balcony, she could see the downtown area was already dark. Alice was already in her sleepwear, clearly immodest for appearing in front of someone. The high-grade silk was sheer enough to expose her peachy skin.
“Turn them away. I do not intend to entertain someone visiting a princess this late at night… Who is it?
“It’s Lord Mask.”
“………Wait.”
She was at her wit’s end. Her head felt heavy.
She shouldn’t have asked. She should have just refused without knowing the visitor’s name.
“…Rin, what do you make of this?”
“He has a knack for annoying people.” The attendant did not even try to hide her disgust. “Lady Alice, you’re a lady—even before you’re a princess. It’s rude for him to visit your room at this hour. If he wasn’t the figurehead of Zoa, I would have kicked him in the backside.”
“You’re right.”
“However, I imagine he’s armed with an excuse. He would insist it’s urgent. I’m certain he has something prepared, but you have the right to refuse him, Lady Alice.”
“…If I turn him away, I feel I won’t be able to sleep through the night.”
“I believe that’s what he was betting on.”
What was Lord Mask planning to talk to her about? It had to be some sort of trick. However, Alice was confident that she would indeed lose sleep over it if she didn’t hear him out. In that case, she would rather get it over with.
…It seems he has read into me… He is the strategist of the House of Zoa, after all.
“Fine. Rin, prepare tea and snacks. You do not need to prepare any for me.” Alice turned around without waiting for a reply, heading from the balcony to her living room.
She pulled out a thick dressing gown to wear as she took a seat in front of the table.
“I will show him to your room.” Rin started to open the door.
Outside was a man who looked well suited to his usual mask and black clothes.
“Pardon me. I must apologize for my discourteous behavior to a young maiden.”
“You mean maidens .”
“Hm?”
“Rin is one, too.”
“Oh, I apologize. That’s right. Rin is a veritable maiden herself.”
On the other side of the door was the most gifted man among the Zoa, standing in the hallway without attempting to take a single step into Alice’s room.
“I’m not used to visiting someone of the opposite sex late at night. Alice, please stay there. Rin, no need for tea.”
How shameless! After touching a nerve with this inappropriate late-night visit, he had still managed to devise a way to appear gentlemanly. What a hypocrite!
“What brings you here?”
“It’s about your younger sister. I was just speaking to her majesty about her.”
“…About Sisbell?”
Alice had anticipated this conversation. In fact, his straightforward approach was making her suspicious.
“Let me be frank. Are you aware of the possibility that Sisbell is colluding with the Empire?”
“No.”
There was no hesitation. Alice wasn’t lying.
While her sister had been involved with Iska in that incident from a year ago, Alice knew she wasn’t scheming with the Empire behind their backs. Of course, the House of Zoa would benefit from fabricating this charge.
“You think she has ties to the Empire? What do you mean by that?”
“I was disappointed to find that was the case. Sisbell was in contact with an Imperial soldier in Alsamira.”
“…And?”
“Her majesty remarked there was no possibility of that.”
“Naturally.”
There was no way her mother would have acknowledged it. After all, she had secretly sent guards out yesterday to protect her beloved daughter.
“I hope these suspicions are groundless.”
“Is that really what you think?”
“Of course. But I can’t shake my suspicions. Sisbell will need to show evidence of her innocence. If this keeps up, the people will lose faith in the royal family. I pray she returns as soon as possible…However…” He sighed from behind the mask. “She absconded. ”
“…I beg your pardon?”
“It seems your sister is already out of Alsamira. According to the queen, anyway.”
“That isn’t strange. She had considered that possibility.”
As far as Alice was concerned, it was normal.
Sisbell had been attacked by the Object. Her encounter with Iska had been seen by Lord Mask. That was enough to compel her to hide away in a neighboring country with her attendant Shuvalts.
“What are you implying, Lord Mask?”
“I was thinking someone might have been aiding Sisbell. That is why I came tonight.”
The man had a habit of flicking his fingertip against his hard mask. It seemed to indicate he was trying to make the other person accept the unreasonable.
“To talk about the Imperial forces .”
“What?!”
“A total of five people witnessed Sisbell meeting alone with an enemy soldier. Immediately after, she concealed her whereabouts. Isn’t it rational to think she has the help of the Imperial forces?”
“There’s no way.”
Again, Alice was not lying.
…Sisbell had been captured by their army before. The one who had saved her was Iska… And she must begrudge them for their behavior.
In this moment, Alice was the only one who was in the know, and there was no proof, which made things difficult. To the House of Zoa, this was a golden opportunity to charge the Lou of heinous crimes, since they couldn’t disclose the truth.
It was their chance to eliminate the House of Lou and supplant them in the conclave.
“Regardless, we’re even more suspicious of Sisbell, now that she’s gone into hiding.”
“…I assume you said the same thing to the queen?”
“Yes, and she couldn’t deny it. With the situation being what it is…”
What—?
Before she could protest, the corner of his mouth curled up.
“We’re forming a search party for Sisbell—a joint effort between the Zoa and Lou. I will be the supervisor for our family. As for yours…”
“Are you telling me to do it? Did you come to ask me that?”
“That’s right. Let’s work together to find Sisbell.”
Lord Mask had subtly achieved just cause for this search party. Yet, it was easy to guess his true intentions.
…He wants me to become the supervisor because he thinks her own sister would be able to sniff out her location sooner… And he wants me to hand over that information to him.
It grated on her nerves. Had she not been standing in sight of him, she would have sighed.
“I consent. Are we done here?”
“Mhmm. It’s getting late. Well, Alice, Rin, sweet dreams.”
“—Yes.”
Alice knew her dreams would be far from sweet. She stopped herself from telling him off, watching as he left the room behind.
“Rin.” She waited until her attendant had closed the door, balling her hands into fists. “…I hate losing. I cannot let him continue to seize the initiative.”
“I understand.”
“Lend me your knowledge. We’ll make every member of the House of Zoa pale in fright.”
4
In the Paradise of Witches, the Nebulis Sovereignty.
Its eighth state, Liesbaden, sat at the border of the Sovereignty, prospering from trade with the neutral cities. It was known as the birthplace of literary masters.
The roads were beautifully maintained, and people sauntered through them. Groups of women packed the outdoor seating area of the café overlooking the plaza, indulging in a long lunch.
“Something on your mind, Iska?” Sisbell stopped on the sidewalk, looking up at him. “Do you want to eat there?”
“…No. I was just thinking that cafés are the same in any country.”
Be it the mechanical utopia or the Paradise of Witches, civilizations were based around technology and astral power, respectively.
Though they were regarded as polar opposites, the Sovereignty had been founded by rebels living in the Empire until just a century ago.
…Our foundations are the same. Even the language and shopping areas… The only glaring difference is our currency.
Well, there was one other thing.
It was invisible to the naked eye, but those strolling the streets were witches and sorcerers.
Even the young women working part-time at the café would be feared by the Empire. Even the mildest girls could use astral power to overwhelm an Imperial soldier.
…That used to be normal in the Empire until a century ago… There was even that incident where an astral mage rampaged, attacking her nonmage boyfriend with her powers.
Humans had no way of resisting.
Suffering from the mortal wound, the man must have stopped seeing her as his lover, instead categorizing her as one of those beastly “witches.” This was why the Empire had a history of persecuting mages.
“…Is it okay for Imperial soldiers to cross the borders without a hitch?”
“I told you. There’s nothing to worry about with me here.” Sisbell was outfitted in unisex sweat clothes, pulling the hat over her eyes and hiding behind fake glasses.
Iska was wearing a thin T-shirt—his usual neutral-city getup. He wasn’t walking around with his two astral swords. Nothing about him gave away that he was from the Empire.
“The borders of this state have top examiners. All of them would recognize me and Shuvalts, just from our faces. It’s like we get the VIP treatment.’”
“Top examiners, huh? And they let you in based on face alone…?”
“I obviously present proof of my lineage as a princess. Once they verify me, it would be rude to look too much into my guards.”
Sisbell and Shuvalts had the means to identify themselves.
For better or for worse, Commander Mismis could pass the astral trail, too. Iska, Nene, and Jhin, though, were drenched in their own sweat until they passed the checkpoint.
“And on the off chance they demanded we go through the trial?”
“I would have told them to back off. It’s a faux pas to doubt a princess’s guards. Of course, had they figured it out, it would have been a big mess…”
It would have come to light that Sisbell had invited in Imperial soldiers. That would put even the queen’s position at risk.
“I’m desperate. I must get to the palace as soon as possible. The palace is a den of monsters right now. I cannot leave the queen alone.”
Sisbell’s tone made it sound like it was no big deal, but this was something Iska was hearing from her for the first time.
“What monsters?”
He wasn’t used to hearing that word. Large beasts like basilisks were considered “monsters,” but he was having a hard time imagining one prowling around the queen’s palace.
Was it jargon for a witch or sorcerer?
“…Oh, I guess I haven’t told you.” Sisbell had grown quiet as they walked on the sidewalk.
With the hat covering her eyes, she shook her head.
“Sorry. My tongue slipped. It doesn’t concern your duties.”
“Got it.”
“…You know, I’m a little tired from walking since morning.” The princess stopped, pointing toward a cake shop down the path. “Let’s stop for a drink there.”
“You don’t think they’ll mind serving an Imperial soldier?”
“You’re the one who said you wanted to see the streets of the Sovereignty, Iska. If this was the central state, I would have advised against it, but this is some random shop in Liesbaden.”
“So it’s not a big deal if they find out I’m from the Empire?”
“Exactly. This might be the first time that one of you has observed the Sovereignty. Aren’t you bursting with curiosity?” The princess smiled mischievously. “It must be your first time seeing this townscape, even as a former Saint Disciple.”
“You’re right.”
Sisbell showed no sign of having noticed Iska’s awkward response.
…I guess she never imagined that her own sister had abducted me and brought me to the thirteenth state as a captive.
He had experience traveling to the Sovereignty, though he didn’t know much about the townscape since he had been confined to the presidential suite in a hotel at the time.
…But Captain Mismis, Nene, and Jhin know more than me…after spending a few days in Alcatroz to save me.
Iska was the only one in the dark. That was why he had gone out wandering alone, leaving the other three in the rooms with Shuvalts.
“It would be no laughing matter if they took advantage of you in an unfamiliar space. Ask me anything.”
“I’ve got a few questions. Do you have astral energy detectors?”
There were, installed all over Imperial towns to detect assassins from astral corps.
“Yes, but for a different purpose. They alert us about explosive amounts of power, not if they’re weak.”
“Which means they aren’t on the lookout for Imperial soldiers?”
“That’s for the checkpoint to figure out. Since Liesbaden was turned into a dependent state, there are many people here who are not astral mages.”
“Then what purpose do the detectors serve?”
“…Aren’t there people in the Empire who abuse guns?” The princess offered a pained smile.
She avoided a direct answer, but Iska had gotten the hint.
“Are they to detect crimes using astral power? For robberies and property damage and the like?”
“Yes. It’s unrealistic to assume every single powerful mage is an upstanding citizen. There used to be a stream of criminals, though there are fewer now. There were prison towers holding the criminals, and if I were to give an infamous example…”
“You mean Alcatroz?”
“You never let me down, former Saint Disciple. You have intelligence on the Sovereignty.” Sisbell looked at him in admiration. “We call these criminals ‘witches’ and ‘sorcerers.’ The worst is someone named Salinger—whoops. Sorry, tangent. I’ve gone ahead and said too much.”
“……”
Salinger. The transcendental sorcerer.
The name was still fresh in his memory. It made Iska audibly gulp.
“The third stage: the unification of humans and astral power.”
“On this planet, there have been only two people who have been able to attain that state by their own power. Both are true monsters. However, I will inevitably have the same one day.”
He didn’t plan on figuring out what that meant.
Even though he boasted skill, the man had already been apprehended on Alice’s order.
Iska doubted his ears when he heard Sisbell make her next claim.
“The police brigade is on patrol in every state of our country to pursue Salinger.”
“…What did you say?”
“It happened just the other day. Salinger wormed his way out of prison. My older sister happened to be in Alcatroz and stopped him once. But apparently it was a double he made with his powers. The cell was empty when they realized this.”
“……”
“That’s why our country is on alert, which works against us. After all, the police are everywhere, keeping an eye out… Hm, Iska?” Sisbell blinked her wide eyes. “What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”
“…A few things. But we have to keep our eye on the prize—and get to the central state.”
“You’re right. We’re just getting started.” Beyond her fake glasses, her eyes seemed to darken from nerves. “Since we passed the checkpoint, my location would have been relayed to the palace.”
“And to Lord Mask?”
“Yes. I can imagine him blocking our path to the palace. I plan on forcing my way through, even if they try to stop us. I just need to get back.”
With Illumination, she would be able to uncover the identity of the traitor and conspirator who’d leaked to Lord Mask that Sisbell had gone to the independent state.
“Lord Mask?! Wh-why are you here…?”
“Just on a holiday. There shouldn’t be anything strange about that.”
There were two suspects.
According to Sisbell, they were both from the royal family. Iska didn’t ask for details. He had no intention of getting involved in the Sovereignty’s blood feud.
“Can I ask one more thing?”
“Whatever you like.”
“Aren’t your family members your allies?”
He had no idea what kind of influence the man named Lord Mask boasted in the palace. However, if Alice was protecting Sisbell, Iska couldn’t imagine Lord Mask laying a finger on her.
…I can’t reveal my connection with Alice…so I can only ask Sisbell about this in vague terms, though I think she’ll get the hint.
He wondered: Shouldn’t Sisbell have been trying to obtain protection through her older sister?
Sisbell could only chuckle in a self-deprecating way when she understood what he was asking.
“Only my mother. I still cannot trust my dear sister Alice.”
“Got it.”
“…Seems we’ve been talking for too long.” Sisbell stopped and turned on her heel.
They had gone far ahead, past the cake shop, their initial destination.
“Let’s go back.”
“To that shop?”
“No, to the hotel. I’ve kept Shuvalts waiting. Your unit must be eager for your return. I will forego the cake.”
She started to trudge down the road they’d come from.
“…Phew, it’s hot! I’m sweaty from walking. I must take a bath once we get back.”
“Maybe it’s the hat that’s making you feel warm?”
“I’m so hot under all this hair. It’s awful. I’m envious of short hair.” Sisbell tilted up the brim of her hat and sighed before entwining her arm around Iska’s bicep.
She acted like it was perfectly normal. She was casual about it, like they were a couple on a date.
She pushed her small chest against his arm.
“I feel better like this. Let’s go back to the hotel.”
“In this pose?!”
“It’s part of my strategy. The military police wouldn’t dream of their princess pretending to be on a date…right, Iska?” She spoke in her cutest voice, grinning in satisfaction and suggestively looking at him. “Just so you know, I haven’t given up on making you my subordinate.”
“Let’s get out of here before it gets too gloomy.”
“Hey! Are you listening to me?! Hey, Iska! I’m talking to you!”
Turning away from Sisbell, Iska stormed through unfamiliar land.
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