※ Spoiler Warning

Epilogue

"To think it is already this hour. Why does time fly so fast when one is enjoying oneself?"

Two shadows walked side by side down a road dyed by the sunset. As if her earlier awkwardness was a lie, Sazanka was walking naturally beside Asuka.

"However, Guest is truly busy. To leave us behind for the next commotion already..."

"...busy."

Recalling the back of the person who had been called away and ran off in a hurry, the two felt they shared the same sentiment for the first time.

"Nonetheless, I suppose I should thank Guest for being able to walk like this with you?"

"...mm."

The short sound was an affirmation. Sazanka was starting to realize it, too. Though she was a girl of few words, this maiden had a rather pleasant personality.

"...By the way, Asuka."

"...?"

"You... I heard you were kicked out of the dorms and have no home."

Even through their short acquaintance today, most of the Outdoor Club's circumstances had become known. That was why Sazanka turned to Asuka, placed a hand on her slightly lower shoulder, and spoke.

"Asuka, why not live in my room?"

"...Eh?"

"Not just you. You may bring the other seniors from the Outdoor Club as well. I am in the noble dorms; if we squeeze in a bit, four or five people could manage to live there."

Those were undoubtedly words that came honestly from Sazanka's heart. She had certainly grown since the moment she couldn't even invite someone sincerely.

"Besides, I want you to see my Amatsu collection. Though I have only brought a portion here, it is full of masterpieces and curiosities that are rarely found on this continent..."

It was perhaps her nature that she immediately began boasting about her collection. No matter how much one grows, it takes time for an entire personality to change.

"...hana."

"What is it? If you have something to say, speak up. With my wealth, anything—"

That was why the next words cut so deep.

"I wonderrr... do you want to keep me like a little pet?"

"...Eh?"

Instinctively, her hand pulled away from Asuka's shoulder. What had just been said? What was this fluent speech pouring from the mouth that usually only strung together tiny words?

"Orrr... do you want to make me part of that Amatsu collection of yours?"

"I am a maiden from Amatsu, after all. I suppose I'd be quite the rare find, wouldn't I?"

She was smiling—no, she was sneering.

That Asuka, the maiden who barely opened her mouth, was grinning wide with a mocking sneer.

Her eyes were not reflecting the sunset; they were glowing with a multicolored light of their own.

"No... I didn't mean it like that...!"

"I wonderrr? You love Amatsu, don't you? You can buy as many things as you want, but living creatures must be so hard to procure, right?"

"What are you saying, Asuka! I purely thought of you and the seniors...!"

"But... didn't you look at me even once and think, 'I want to keep this cute little creature in my room'?"

Sazanka gritted her teeth. It wasn't because she had been seen through. It was the fact that the hand she had reached out with all her courage and goodwill had been trampled upon that stood before her.

"Or perhaps...?"

SLAP!

A sharp slap struck the cheek that was about to spit out more words.

"...Enough! I was a fool to care! I want nothing more to do with you!"

All her small body and heart could do was turn on her heel and run away from Asuka. Whether that was a rejection of those words or a flight to protect herself, only she knew.

Asuka watched Sazanka's retreating figure without a word. After she disappeared into the crowd, the multicolored light faded from Asuka's eyes, returning to their natural black.

"...Ouch."

She touched her cheek. She had just been walking a moment ago, but it stung as if she had been hit.

"...hana, this..."

She started to speak, then stopped. The friend who had been beside her just now, grabbing her shoulder and saying something, was nowhere to be seen.

"...hana?"

The maiden did not understand. Even with clairvoyance, she could not always see what she wanted to see. Still, she scanned the area and found the girl.

"...What is that?"

She was crying. She was running as if to get away from Asuka—or perhaps to escape. She seemed to be muttering something, but clairvoyance only provides visuals, not sound.

"...Cheek, hurts..."

Unable to grasp the situation, the only thing Asuka could think of was that she wanted to do something about her stinging cheek. If she showed it to the Captain, he would surely be exaggeratedly shocked before bringing out the first-aid kit.

With slightly unsteady steps, Asuka had no choice but to leave the scene.

"What was that?"

"What are we being made to chase?"

"What are we being told to catch?"

"What on earth is Bastion-san doing...?"

"Setting that aside, we have to follow Guest."