18th of Carnsmoon
Mercedes Caulis — Fifth Stratum:
In the luxurious dining room of Incindia Barham, Sion sat alone at one of the many round tables.
In front of him was a strange dish of brownish noodles, topped with parsley and basil. A glass cup of dipping sauce rested off to the side.
He held a pair of chopsticks in his hand, as he had been doing for the past few minutes. The brunch sat untouched, while Sion stared blankly out the window, lost in thought.
"May I sit here?"
The sudden call made him jolt back into the present, as he took in the newcomer. He hurriedly stood, pointing to the seat across from him.
"Y-yes, of course, Mr. Leopold. I-I apologize, I'm just—"
"Distracted?" Leopold finished for him, not waiting for courtesy as he took the seat.
His tray of food was identical to Sion's.
Sion forced a bitter smile as he sat back down. "Y-yes."
For a moment, silence reigned, broken only by the slurp of Leopold's noodles.
He raised a brow. "Not hungry?"
"O-oh, n-no, I am!" Sion shook his head and reached for the food, only to pause again.
Leopold chuckled. "They're called chopsticks." He dangled them in front of Sion.
"You hold them between two fingers and your thumb. The first rests between your thumb and ring finger. The second you hold like a pen between your thumb, index, and middle finger. Then you move the upper chopstick to pick up your food."
He demonstrated by lifting a piece of noodle.
"It's called soba. If you want, you can dip it in the sauce and then you eat—slurp!"
"Pretty good." Leopold nodded, wiping his mouth.
Sion's brow twitched. "...This eating style… doesn't seem very noble."
Leopold shrugged. "Would you eat a banana with a fork and a knife? This is just how you eat it. Nothing rude about it."
Sion let out a dry laugh. "Still, I've never seen anything like it. Not these chopsticks, or this… soba." He narrowed his eyes. "It's all so…"
"Foreign?" Leopold suggested.
Sion paused, then offered him a nervous nod. "Y-yes."
"Well, it's certainly different from anything in Regarden." Leopold agreed. "It wouldn't be wrong to say it's from an entirely different culture."
Sion clicked his tongue. "Don't tell me those nutjobs in the Upper Institute like to experiment with our food as well?"
"Well, they do." Leopold held up a finger. "But this is different. It really is foreign, as you put it."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial hush. "A rumor floats around that Lord Cariott's old friend came from a faraway land, and taught him this dish."
He sat back in his chair. "It became his favorite. Cariott tasked the Fire Faction chefs with making it, and ever since they've served it here nearly every day."
Sion's eyes widened. "R-really? Faraway place? Old friend? Everyday?"
"Yup." Leopold frowned and tapped his stomach. "But just because you like something doesn't mean you want it every day. Alas the kitchen staff can't seem to take Lord Cariott's hint, and he's too prideful to spell it out for them."
Leopold sighed. "That's why I wouldn't blame you for not being hungry. Fire Faction members often go down to Colorless Garden or even Regarden to eat something else. But with all the drama going on, and how busy you've been, this must be your first misfortune of eating here."
"I-It's not that bad." Sion forced a laugh, then tilted his head. "A-anyway, what's this about a faraway place? Like the west coast or the east?"
"No clue." Leopold narrowed his eyes. "But I'm curious, because…"
He looked down at the dish in front of him, whispering softly. "It's too similar to a place I once knew…"
Sion's ear twitched. He raised a brow, about to press on with more questions, but stopped as Leopold leveled him with a heavy glare.
"W-what?" The Ulster heir gulped, though he didn't back down.
"If it's not a lack of appetite, then there must be another reason you haven't touched your food." Leopold sat straighter and pointed at him.
"So what is it? What's bothering you?"
Sion stiffened and shook his head. "N-not at all—"
"And what does it have to do with what Lord Cariott told you last night?"
The interruption froze him in place. He let out a bitter laugh, eyes dropping to the floor.
"If you already knew, what was with all the small talk?"
Leopold smiled. "It's a good way to make a kid soften up and open up."
Sion snorted. "We're not exactly close enough for a heart-to-heart."
Leopold wasn't discouraged. "On the contrary—it's because of the distance between us that we can talk. Man-to-man, without worrying about anyone close to us finding out."
He pointed again at Sion. "I don't know your friends, and you don't know mine. So even if we wanted to let one another's secrets slip, we couldn't. Now talk."
Sion clenched the wooden utensil tight in his hand. He glanced over his shoulders, then sighed and leaned forward.
"I-I just don't want to believe it… I can't. B-because if my suspicions are true… then I don't know what to do."
He bit down hard on his lip, drawing blood. "T-that man is like the big brother I never had. H-he taught me the wonders of magic, its beauty… he can't be the… you know."
Leopold sighed, staring out the window. "Yeah… I know it hurts when our idols aren't who we cracked them up to be. When they aren't as perfect or absolute as we thought."
He turned back to Sion. "It's disappointing. It makes us doubt what's what, makes us lost… But even so, we must move forward. Because we are mages. Soldiers. Warriors. Heroes. And we have duties to uphold—responsibilities to this land and its people."
Sion clenched his jaw, but Leopold suddenly smiled.
"Anyways, don't think too much about it."
"H-huh?" Sion blinked.
Leopold chuckled. "I mean, Lord Cariott was just making a suggestion. It might end up being just that—a mere suspicion."
"Stop overthinking it. Clear your mind." He cracked his shoulders and stood. "When you're done eating, come find me in the training hall. Summoning that bird of yours was only the first step. Now it's time for your true education. Incindia Barham expects nothing short of excellence. Every day could be the last, and we don't permit recruits to waste it moping around."
Without another word, Leopold picked up his tray and walked away.
Sion watched him go with a blank stare. He listlessly picked up a handful of noodles and slurped.
"It's cold," he muttered, dejected. "…But still pretty good."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Vroom.
The magical platform marking the entrance and exit of the tower slowly lowered Will and Lihanna downwards.
The Owenzaus stared at her friend. "Remind me again, just who are we meeting with?"
Kiki seated snugly on his head, Will offered a helpless smile. "I-I don't know. Madam Creirwy said to take a walk around Regarden and the bigshot will come find us."
Lihanna clicked her tongue. "And then we somehow have to smuggle his info back into the tower, unnoticed."
Will chuckled and flashed his ring. "That part I'm not worried about. It's Ms. Serah's insistence that I seem to know this person, or they know me, that's bothering me."
Will didn't think he knew anyone high up from Terralis, but if he did…
Was it just another thing I've forgotten? he thought wryly.
Bwoom.
The platform reached the bottom of the tower, causing the duo to shield their eyes as the gates opened.
Light blinded them for a moment as they stepped out of the tower onto academy territory.
"Back in Regarden," Lihanna declared.
Will clicked his tongue. "Let's hope we don't nearly get ourselves killed again."
Lihanna rolled her eyes. "I'd like to think of that time as an exception, not the norm, thank you."
The two shared a smile, only for Will to bump into something and stumble back.
Thump.
"Oi! Watch it!"
The two recruits froze as they took in the sight before them.
It was a small woman, perhaps even an inch shorter than Lihanna, with pale skin and braided black hair tied into a ponytail.
She leveled a menacing glare at Will.
The source of her ire was clear. Hundreds of sheets of paper and small booklets now lay sprawled across the floor.
I didn't even notice her. Will was startled for a moment before holding up his hands in apology.
"S-sorry, I didn't see you there!"
The woman's glare darkened. "You're calling me short?"
For some reason her tone sent shivers down both Will's and Lihanna's spines.
The magic swordsman shook his head swiftly, sweat dripping.
"N-no, not at all!" He crouched down, reaching for the papers. "H-here, l-let me help!"
Seeing him pick them up one by one, the woman clenched her jaw in irritation.
"First you bump into me… now you mock me…"
"Augh?!" Will yelped as he was suddenly hoisted by his collar, the woman's furious eyes locked on him. "Do you wish to die?! Then do so and atone with your life!"
Her grip tightened around his neck, forcing a cough.
His face flushed red as he gasped for air, thrashing uselessly against her hold.
D-dammit?! Why is this little lady so strong—
"You just thought I was short again. Didn't you?"
"N-no…ugh…" he groaned.
"Will—augh!" Lihanna burst forward, wand drawn, but before she could cast her spell she too was yanked into the air.
Both thunder recruits now dangled in the woman's deathly grip.
Kiki shivered, not daring to move.
They sweated in fear while Lihanna forced her voice out.
"H-he. W-wasn't… mocking… you. He… cannot… use… magic."
The woman paused, loosening her hold slightly as her gaze narrowed on Will.
"Is that true?"
"Y-yes!" Will gritted his teeth, nodding quickly.
The woman's eyes flicked to their Glorias. "You're the No-Talent?"
"Y-yes, Ma'am!" he blurted desperately.
Kiki shot to the ground and clawed at the woman's leg, pleading for mercy.
Mreow!
"..."
Will feared for his familiar's safety, but thankfully the woman took one glance at the carbuncle and released them both. They fell to their knees, gasping for air and rubbing their throats.
Thump.
"Haahhh hahhh!"
As they caught their breath, they looked up at the woman in a mix of fear and nerve-wracking anxiety.
She simply snapped her fingers.
Vroom.
All the pages glowed with a silver hue, pulled by levitation magic and bundled themselves together, floating neatly back into her arms.
The woman gave Lihanna and Will a flat stare. "Next time watch where you're going. This is Academy grounds, not a place for High Mages to act so arrogant."
Without another word she spun on her heel and walked down the courtyard path, distancing herself from the tower entrance and back into the Academy's outer sanctum.
Will and Lihanna watched her vanish with blank faces, before nearly cursing in unison.
"S-she nearly killed us!"
"A-and all because I bumped into her?! Who the hell was that—"
"Will! Lihanna!"
The sudden shout made their heads jerk left.
From the east, a bespectacled man of decent height and gray hair came running toward them.
"Workner-sensei!" Will leapt up in joy and dashed forward, crashing into the man with a hug. "I missed you!" His earlier dissatisfaction was completely forgotten.
"W-woah, Will?!" Workner stumbled back, but planted his feet to avoid falling.
He was about to admonish his former protégé, but one look at his student's sincere smile softened his expression. He shook his head with a sigh.
"Honestly… I missed you too."
"Heh heh!" Will grinned, while Lihanna stepped forward politely, Kiki nestled in her arms.
"Professor Norgram," she greeted.
"Lihanna," Workner repeated, before sighing. "You need not be so formal anymore. The two of you are High Mages now."
He eyed their garbs and smiled. "Colored at that. You're my equals in every sense of the word. You're no longer my students."
"We'll always be your students!" Will protested.
Lihanna chuckled. "He's right. And there are gaps even between High Mages. Until we've climbed the tower and descended the dungeon as far as you, you'll always outrank us."
"You two…" Workner tilted his head fondly. "What am I going to do with you?"
His eyes then flicked to their throats, noticing the red rings, and he dipped his head.
"Apologies. I tried to come as soon as I found out, but it seems I was a bit late."
Will went wide-eyed. "Wait, how'd you know we were on school grounds—"
He froze, glancing at his familiar.
Mreow!
Kiki raised a paw, pointing to the jewel on her forehead.
Will clicked his tongue. "Oh yeah, that's right. You can spy on us through Kiki…"
He paused again, shooting Workner a wary look. "You haven't been spying on us this whole time, have you?"
Workner let out a dry laugh. "I can't. The Tower's surface has too many counter-spells against espionage. Even transmitting through Kiki is impossible. Not that I would if I could."
"Then?"
"I got a signal when you exited Mercedes Caulis' premises and decided to investigate when it looked like you were lingering at the tower entrance for far too long."
He rubbed the back of his neck, half-embarrassed. "It's not that I'm spying on you. But with the Headmistress absent—wherever she is—and the recent security changes after the Terminalia incident, it falls on tenured professors like me to take initiative. We can't leave any abnormalities to chance."
"Oh… I get it." Will nodded, forcing a sheepish laugh. "Sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I was accusing you."
"No harm done." Workner coughed awkwardly, a flicker of guilt in his chest.
In truth, he had spied on Will many times in the past—throughout his entire school life at the academy—unable to stop worrying about him. He didn't really have the right to be upset now.
Still, it was an uncomfortable topic.
Thankfully, Lihanna pressed forward. "Then, Professor Norgram… if you don't mind me asking… who was that woman? And what's her deal?"
"Oh." He cleared his throat. "That would be Ichika-sensei. Professor Yami, if you will. She's a new recruit, and Edward's replacement for dark magic studies."
Will blinked. "Replacement." His voice wavered. "D-did something happen to Edward-sensei?!"
Workner and Lihanna froze. "You don't know?"
"Know what?" Will raised a brow.
"Edward Serfence was permanently removed from his post at Regarden," Lihanna declared. "Currently, he's back in the tower… mingling among the dark faction."
"He is?!" Will went wide-eyed. "W-why? How?!"
Workner stared at him, speechless for a moment, before whispering. "Because of how he handled your final exam… I brought the issue up with the Headmistress."
Will paused, his eyes watering. "Workner-sensei…"
He couldn't help but feel moved.
He knew how close Workner and Edward were. The best of friends. For him to go that far—to seek justice on his behalf—gratitude didn't even begin to cover it.
Workner sighed and handed him a tissue. "Don't cry." He shook his head. "Regardless, in the short time she's been here… Ichika-sensei has already gained a reputation for her temper. Sadly, the two of you ended up on the receiving end."
"Temper is putting it mildly." Lihanna frowned, rubbing her neck. "Ichika Yami… what a strange name."
Will narrowed his eyes. "It is… isn't it?"
"Paradise is a wide place," Workner echoed, earning their attention. "A refuge for people from countless walks of life. Home to many cultures, groups, and languages."
He was about to add more, but thought better of it. "Never mind. I have a class to teach, and you two clearly have your own matters to attend. I won't hold you any longer."
"O-oh, yeah." Will and Lihanna straightened as Workner prepared to leave, but he stopped mid-step and glanced back.
"I won't ask what you're doing out here in Regarden. But if it demands discretion, your uniforms will make you stick out like a sore thumb."
He pointed west. "Les Ailes isn't far from here. Bradthal is an expert at such things. If you ask, he'll hold onto your Glorias and lend you clothes—no questions asked."
The duo blinked, then bowed.
"Thank you…"
"...Workner-sensei!"
"...Professor Norgram!"
Mreow!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Clang.
The front doorbell of Les Ailes jingled as Will and Lihanna stepped outside.
"Please come again!" Brandthal's shout followed them onto the street as the duo looked themselves over.
"This takes me back…" Lihanna exhaled.
"Sure does," Will agreed.
Their attire mirrored that fateful day when Lihanna cornered Will in the backstreets, scouting him for the All-Student Praxis.
Will wore a white shirt with simple dress pants and shoes.
Lihanna had chosen a white blouse over a skirt.
The outfits were similar, though of far greater quality now—along with a heavier price tag.
Neither dwelled on it, reassuring themselves.
Just borrowing it. Will return it.
All they had to do was keep the clothes from being damaged. Nothing too hard. Right?
Will scratched his cheek. "Where should we go first?"
Lihanna folded her arms, uncertain. "I don't know. If we're looking for someone—or supposed to be somewhere they can find us—we should avoid big crowds. Makes us easier to spot."
She stared down the street, whispering. "If it's an informant, maybe try the distillery district? I heard spies like their bars."
Will clicked his tongue. "Drinking? At this time of day? I don't know."
It would make you stand out like a sore thumb.
Yes, you wanted to avoid crowds—but only large ones.
You didn't want to end up in a place completely empty either. Especially if you wished to stay low-key.
Mreow!
Kiki's sudden purr snapped their attention downward.
"What's wrong, girl?"
The Carbuncle pointed her paw west toward Central Flois, ears flicking and nose twitching.
Then, without hesitation, the feline darted forward.
Will and Lihanna exchanged another glance before shrugging. They followed after her.
"Kiki, slow down a bit!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"Woohoo!"
"Alright!"
"Kahono! Kahono! Kahono!"
"Kiato! Kiato! Kiato!"
The crowd's cheers and music froze Will and Lihanna in place. They exchanged a wry look.
"So much for discretion?"
"What's happening here?" Will glanced at his feet. "Kiki… what did you bring us to?"
The Carbuncle shrugged, bouncing back and forth with the rhythm of the crowd, perfectly content.
Mreow!
Will and Lihanna peered over heads toward the front.
On a stage beneath St. Biora's statue stood a trio. A man in a straw hat, most of his clothes hidden under a long robe, strummed a wooden lute. A small cat perched on his shoulder—not a magical beast, just an ordinary cat.
In front of him stood a vivid pair, dressed in red and blue to match their hair and eyes. The redhead, slender and striking, wore her hair in an overflowing ponytail. The blue-haired man was broad and muscular, his braid trailing over one shoulder.
The straw hat player plucked the biwa again, parting his lips. His voice was deep, yet soft and pleasant.
"Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you Umi no Hibikizuki—Ocean's Echoed Moon!"
Will and Lihanna blinked as the crowd erupted.
"Alright! Go Fujio!"
The redhead stepped aside, spreading her arm as she began to sing.
The biwa's twang didn't drown her out—it anchored her voice, magnified it. She sounded like the most beautiful thing anyone in the crowd had ever heard.
"Our world above… a whispered tale, of sun and sky, wind set to sail…"
The crowd fell silent, entranced. Will and Lihanna were no different.
"From ocean's deep, we come and go. Dreams above and sorrows buried below.
But don't flee, don't run away. It's the wounds that make us who we are today."
As she sang and the straw hat man played, the blue-haired dancer stepped forward. His movements flowed in perfect rhythm, never stealing the spotlight, only heightening it.
She sang. He spun. The straw hat strummed.
"We've seen currents twist and turn, with lessons we all will have to learn. The deep is home, the silent blue, the moon shines, spelling dreams for me and you."
The final note, step, and strum struck together. The crowd roared.
"Encore! Encore! Encore!"
The trio exchanged smiles and obliged.
"Alright!"
"LET'S GO!"
Will and Lihanna winced.
"It sounds really nice… but we shouldn't be wasting our time here."
Lihanna nodded. "Y-yeah. Even if he wanted to, the bigshot wouldn't spot us—"
"Will-senpai? Lihanna-senpai?"
They spun at the sudden call.
Will cursed himself for being distracted but forced a smile. "Iris? What're you doing here?"
The blonde beamed under her glasses, cupping her cheeks.
"I should ask you that! I'm a fifth-year student now, but you two should be in the tower!"
Her eyes glinted mischievously as she added a jealous lilt.
"Kyah~! Don't tell me you snuck out for a date—to watch Paradise's number one idol group? How naughty my senpais are!"
Lihanna flushed. "D-date?!"
Will shot Iris an awkward look, speaking softly.
"Iris… the thing is, I know you're part of the tower too."
She froze. "Huh?"
Will kept his strained smile. "You were there during the second bloom. Masked, standing with Sir Patri and Masterias Noah."
Her eyes widened as he pressed on. "And at the Terminalia, I saw you too. Barking orders into masers, moving in the background."
Lihanna regained her composure, narrowing her eyes. "You're a Watcher?"
It wasn't a question—it was an accusation.
Iris' smile slipped. She stuttered, ushering them into a nearby alley.
"L-let's talk somewhere more private."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"H-how do you know my identity?!" Iris hissed in the alleyway, her voice barely audible over the miniature concert.
"T-that's kind of a secret." Will offered her an apologetic smile.
Iris froze.
Kiki looked at her in pity while Lihanna snickered. "You'll get used to it. Will has a lot of tricks up his sleeve."
She clenched her jaw. "Whatever. But this stays between us, alright? Don't blow my cover."
Lihanna nodded, while Will hesitated.
"W-wait. Iris, do Watchers know one another?"
Iris raised a cautious brow. "Somewhat. Why?"
Will tried to hide his anxiety. "W-well, do you know of anyone named Evan amongst your ranks?"
"Evan?" Iris repeated, frowning. "Yes. He had a special assignment—to find a replacement for Yulvar, the previous Albis Vina. And he succeeded by bringing Lady Elfaria into the tower."
Will clenched his fist. Elfie…
Iris carried on. "Matter of fact, he was stationed as a professor in the academy six years back. Of course his cover was blown by the stunt he pulled, but it didn't matter. He achieved what he set out for."
"Evan-sensei?" Lihanna muttered. "Now that you mention it, I do remember him. What's going on with him now?"
Iris narrowed her eyes. "I don't know." She admitted quietly. "He was set for greatness. Lady Elfaria's achievements would have reflected greatly on him… but then he disappeared shortly after she was inducted into the ice faction."
"Disappeared?!" Will echoed. "A-and you have no clue where?"
Iris shook her head. "Not at all." Her voice lowered. "Why're you asking? What brought this on—"
She suddenly stopped. Her jaw tightened, and she let out a bitter laugh as she dipped her head. "O-oh, sorry. I forgot."
A look of understanding appeared on Lihanna's face as she cringed.
Will exhaled tiredly. "N-no problem."
It wasn't a secret in the academy. Almost everyone had heard the rumor.
That Will Serfort was bait. Evan's bait to bring Elfaria into Urbus Regarden, so he could borrow the Tower's might to force her into its fold.
It had just happened so long ago that it slipped Iris' mind.
She forced a smile. "T-trust me when I say this. Bastards like Evan are rare. M-most of us Watchers are good people! I-I even tried to scout you once, but during the crown attack, you let Wignall take the prize, and so my efforts were wasted."
"Oh." Will rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a bit surprised. "S-sorry about that."
His eyes cleared. "And I've never doubted you before. I can't exactly explain how, but I am a good judge of character. You couldn't easily deceive me."
Iris smirked. "I expect no less from a Sword." She then looked between the two.
"Well, I'm sure you sneaking out here has to do with your espionage mission."
They flinched but didn't deny it, which made Iris chuckle.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm in Masterias Noah's inner circle. Of course I know of your mission." She tilted her head. "But can you tell me what you're specifically after right now? Perhaps I can help."
Will and Lihanna exchanged a look before shaking their heads.
"We're afraid that's not appropriate."
"Tell no one. Trust no one. Those were our orders."
Iris didn't seem upset. Instead, she smirked in approval.
"Not bad, kiddies."
Suddenly, the petite underclassman known as Iris X. Stellamaris seemed anything but a child.
So much so that Will couldn't help but blurt out.
"Ma'am! H-how old are you?!"
Her smile faded as she pinched Will's nose with a dangerous grin.
"Will-senpai. I find you quite cute and adorable. That does you a lot of favors, so don't spoil it by asking stupid questions. Alright?"
Will gulped and nodded. "Y-yes ma—Iris!"
Iris beamed. "Great." Then she pointed over her shoulder toward the Central Flois.
"Well, in case you were worrying, I wasn't out here tailing you two. I came to check them out."
"This band?"
"Who are they? They seem so popular."
Will and Lihanna muttered as they stood beside her, backs pressed against the wall.
Will knew little of the world, his thoughts always circling back to news of Elfaria.
As for Lihanna, her interests outside the Tower and her own aspirations rarely strayed from food.
Neither were particularly well-informed on trends.
"They're wandering entertainers that call themselves idols," Iris explained. "Blending music, song, and dance, this Ocean's Echoed Moon has made quite a name for themselves around Paradise since their first appearance in Samios four years ago."
Her eyes narrowed. "In fact, they were supposed to perform during this year's Terminala, but we know how that went."
She clicked her tongue. "I thought they left, since they weren't spotted in a while. But it seems they were just waiting for things to calm down before putting on a little concert. Saved me the trouble of tracking them down."
Will raised a brow. "B-but why? They're just performers… aren't they? What's so special about them?"
"You mean besides every moment of theirs seemingly putting a spell on the audience?" Iris chuckled. "It's their names. Don't they strike you as odd?"
"Weird? How?" Lihanna pressed.
Iris pointed at the straw-hatted man. "Fujio Tenmanyashiki."
Then at the redhead. "Kahono." And finally to the blue-haired man. "Kiato."
"All three names are strange. Foreign." She declared. "Paired with their clothes and exotic looks—especially that Fujio—it's clear that none of them come from anywhere recorded in Paradise."
Will and Lihanna went wide-eyed. "T-then where do they come from?"
"Beats me." Iris shrugged. "But that's what I'm trying to find out…"
She hesitated before adding on.
"It's told in some tales and old books—of a land. A land Far East from here, with a more traditional culture and customs. Some dismiss it as a rumor, but we of the Tower aren't so sure."
"W-why?"
"Because of evidence." Iris snorted. "There are things in our culture, things we don't think twice about, yet they don't fit."
"What kind of things?"
"Honorifics, for starters." Iris bit her lip. "For example, it's normal for us to call Elleaf Cannan, Lady Ellenor, correct?"
"Yeah."
"What of it?"
Iris focused on her seniors—or rather, juniors. "But occasionally we might say something like Ellenor-sama. Now we all know sama means master or mistress. But why do we have another word for it? And an honorific at that. One clearly not from Rhizanth."
They went still as she carried on.
"It's not just sama. But san. Kun. Chan. Senpai. Kouhai. Sensei. All of these terms clearly do not belong to the common language!"
"…Shishō." Will muttered, causing Lihanna to stiffen.
"Yeah, that as well." Iris nodded casually, unaware of their strangeness. "But it's not only honorifics. Some foods like ramen, rice balls, and congee. Some aesthetics in clothing and furniture. Remnants, few and far between—but irrefutable evidence of another culture. Another tribe we once had contact with! One that influenced us!"
She clenched her fist. "A tribe I'm hunting leads on… so we may restore that connection."
"..." Will was silent, shaken.
Lihanna wasn't. "W-why? To what end, and to achieve what?"
"Because I'm a Watcher." Iris sighed. "My role is to assemble enough people, especially those of talent, to face the Fated Day."
"If there truly is an entire nation out there—isolated but real—and full of warriors, even if only one or two are exceptional, even if only one or two can rival our Vander, such a force cannot be ignored."
"It would be an indispensable addition to our ranks."
"This nation, these people, might very well be our hope at the dawn of the apocalypse!"
"I-I see…" Lihanna stuttered, sweat beading at her temple. "B-but what if they're not friends… but foes?"
Iris smirked. "Oh. I think they've proven to be friends. Plenty of times."
Lihanna raised a brow. "B-by singing? Dancing? Entertaining us? That seems like a low bar."
Iris shook her head. "No. By fighting for us."
The two stared, waiting for an explanation, and Iris obliged.
"The current Tower is as unstable as it's ever been, but it's also at its strongest."
She snickered. "Largely because we've gathered many individuals whose true origins are in question—many whose features are as exotic as this trio, don't you think?"
Lihanna's and Will's pupils dilated.
Iris began listing names that struck like cold wind. "Théo Coqus. Hagen Steinfels. Argenta Hivernelle. Terzo Auguste Pennacallis. Annalie Theralde—"
"You're doubting Anna-senpai?!" Lihanna hissed.
Iris was unmoved. "I'd be an idiot not to. I mean, look at that skin—"
"Milia Zazah is just as dark—" Will offered, voice small.
"But she doesn't dress with those ornaments and other strange, alien accessories." Iris cut her off.
Will and Lihanna trembled as Iris sighed. "Look. Annalie has proven herself. Even if she is from the Far East, what does it matter? She's still a valued member of the Tower, one we'd have to be stupid to make an enemy of through interrogation or whatnot."
Lihanna looked hopeful. "Y-you promise?"
Iris nodded. "Of course. We're just interested in seeing whether those five—or anyone else—could be the lead or bridge we're looking for to open dialogue and restore connection with that hidden nation."
"Or at least serve as a clue to its whereabouts."
"You're going to take them in?" Lihanna pointed at the trio.
Iris shook her head. "Of course not. That'd just put them all on edge. We're casting a long line to catch the big fish. We're not about to let our impatience jeopardize this operation when it's just begun."
Will whispered softly. "In the academy there's someone named—"
"Yami Ichika. I know." Iris cut him off. "Don't look so surprised. The Tower is the true ruler of Urbus Regarden, and that includes the academy."
"We have casefiles on their entire faculty list and class registers."
"If not, how could we slip one of our own into their ranks?"
Will flushed. "I-I see. That makes sense."
"Yami Ichika." Iris repeated with a sigh. "This is another thing. Some of them clearly possess foreign names, while others likely use pseudonyms, and that's not a sign that inspires much faith in their intentions."
"So that begs several questions." She drew the words out. "Just what are they up to? Are they aware of each other? Are they working together?"
"Why have they positioned themselves in the Tower? Why in the academy? Are there others hiding in Paradise? If so, why? What do they want? And most of all—why are they all here? Why now?"
"Did something happen back home? Did someone put them up to this? Because this is clearly an infiltration."
She paused, voice low. "And not just by them. Remember there are many other people—people who look like us, who possess names similar to ours, who are also enigmas in themselves."
Will stiffened.
Iris shook her head. "Never mind that." She started walking away. "I've finished my surveillance for today and have to make my report."
She glanced over her shoulder. "If you see or hear something suspicious, I hope you know you can trust me and tell me. Have a good day, you two… with whatever it is you're doing."
And then she vanished down the street, leaving the two frozen.
Mreow! Kiki tried to draw their attention, but both were lost in thought.
Lihanna feared for her mentor.
While Will… feared for his.
Asta… is that where he's from?
Ki sounds foreign, and it clearly isn't mainstream in Paradise.
There are so many strange things about Shishō. It's like he's from another world.
So is this it? Is he from far to the east?
But he looks like the rest of us. And his name isn't too out there…
Still. I know firsthand he's been living lowkey for the past six years. As if hiding from something.
I once thought he did something bad. Some petty crime or two… or that something bad happened to him… like he was running from something.
But was he infiltrating Regarden?
And if so? …Why?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Will and Lihanna walked down the central district, twisting and turning at several forks, both lost in thought.
Eventually, Lihanna took a deep breath. "W-where do we go now?" She tried to shove the earlier conversation aside.
Will ran a hand through his hair. He was still troubled, frustration rising. "I don't know… I don't even know what or who we're supposed to be looking for, like some sort of sign—"
Shine.
He stopped mid-step, catching the glint of silver several blocks away.
"Will?" Lihanna frowned as she stepped forward. "Is something the matter?"
"Yeah." He answered simply and broke eastward at a sprint. "Follow me!"
Mreow! Kiki bounded after him, leaving Lihanna frozen for a beat before chasing as well.
"S-sure, just wait up!"
Five minutes later they spilled out of the backstreets, halting before a familiar and luxurious café.
"This is…"
"Les Fleurs," Lihanna whispered. "It's where I brought you and the others to form our Praxis team." She turned to him. "Why're we here?"
Will only shrugged. "Time to find out."
Without warning, he twisted the doorknob and stepped in.
"W-wait. Will, you can't just—"
"Can't what?" He blinked curiously, but froze as he came face-to-face with an elderly butler wearing a monocle.
"Reservation name, please," the butler requested.
Will faltered, caught off guard.
Lihanna hissed in his ear. "This place is very sought-after by nobility. They don't allow drop-ins, not even when it's empty. No exceptions. You need a reservation, a month in advance. Even with Sion's and Julius' names, it was hard for me to book a room."
She tugged his sleeve. "Come on. Let's go. Causing a scene here would reach every noble in Regarden."
But Will stood firm, jaw clenched. "Reservation for… Silva."
Lihanna froze.
The butler, however, smiled warmly. "Ah yes. The party of five was waiting for its last addition. Are you Young Master Serfort?"
"Y-yes?" Will stammered.
"Please then. Second floor, first room on the left." The old man stepped aside with a graceful gesture.
Will blanked, glancing between Lihanna and the butler.
The butler dipped his head apologetically. "Forgive me, but we don't accept last-minute additions. Of course, familiars and pets are an exception."
Mreow!
Will forced out a smile. "That won't be an issue." He turned to his companions. "Sorry, Lihanna, Kiki, can you two wait outside? I shouldn't be long."
Mreow! Kiki purred again, curling into Lihanna's arms. The thunder knight furrowed her brows but gave a reluctant nod. "S-sure…"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Will stopped in front of the magnificent doorway. He felt the pulse of life beyond it, and after a deep breath, turned the knob and stepped inside.
The four individuals seated at a round table—dining on luxurious baked goods, sweets, and appetizers—paused and looked his way.
They all had fair skin.
The man had lavender eyes and silver hair tied in a distinctive style, a braid falling down his forehead with a clover pin at the end. He wore a dashing navy-blue suit trimmed in silver, adorned with floral and eagle motifs. He gave Will an indifferent glance. "Took you long enough."
The woman had striking eyes, deep purple at the edge of her pupils and turquoise at the center. She wore a lavender miniskirt, a pink witch hat with a long cape, and brown ankle boots. She flashed him a playful peace sign. "Yoohoo! It's been a while!"
As for the other two—
They were small gremlins. One boy, one girl.
Both had silver hair. The girl's was long like her father's, left to flow past her shoulders, while her turquoise eyes mirrored her mother's. The boy had short hair, unlike his mother's curls, and his pupils were her deep purples.
The boy wore a wizard's hat, the girl a witch's hat, and both had matching robes. Their outfits echoed their mother's in shape but their father's in style.
The two hopped down from their chairs and darted to the door.
"Look, it's Will!"
"It's Will!"
They spoke in eerie unison, circling him as their voices overlapped.
"Will, you remember me?"
"How about me?"
"How do you do?"
"How are you?"
"Why're you here?"
"Have you come to eat with us?"
"To play with us?"
"How have you been?"
"Are you married?"
"Do you have kids?"
"Are you a Vander?"
"Are you a king?"
"Maybe a queen. We won't judge."
"Yes. We don't judge."
"You know, Mom tells me I'm a prince."
"And I'm a princess. Isn't that cool?!"
Nozel groaned, clicking his tongue as he returned to sipping his tea, while Dorothy watched on fondly.
Will sweatdropped. "Y-yeah… we're all princes and princesses to our parents." He figured this was some new game.
The twins froze, frowning in unison. "Don't patronize us."
"Yeah, don't pander."
Will scratched his cheek. "Wow… you two know some big words."
"Hmph!" The boy scoffed, arms crossed, cheeks puffed in pride. "Of course. We're big kids now! We're five!"
The girl frowned. "Liar! We're only four and a half!"
"Hmph! Speak for yourself! I'm five!"
"We're twins!"
"You're a twin! Your whole family are twins! Your mom is a twin!"
"Mom!" The girl pouted and turned. "Noctis is being a dummy again!"
Dorothy didn't respond right away. She seemed lost in thought. "Actually… I have a lot of sisters. Many I don't even know the names of. I might be a twin."
The girl and Will froze.
Noctis blinked. "Damn… Grandmother must've been a real—"
"Noctis Nozel Silva, think very carefully before you finish that sentence."
"Y-yes Ma'am!"
The girl beamed at her brother's misfortune, making Noctis spit. "B-be quiet, Stelwyn! R-respect your elders!"
"We're only a minute apart!"
"One minute is the difference between life and death!"
"Why you… you wanna go?!"
"Let's go—"
"Sit down and eat your lunch."
"Y-yes Mother!" The two scurried back to their chairs, suddenly obedient.
Will blanked but stepped forward. "M-mister Nozel… Mrs. Dorothy… why're you here?"
Nozel gave him an unimpressed look. "Have you already forgotten your mission?"
Will froze. "Y-you're the informant?!" he squeaked.
W-wait… Mrs. Silva once said she's from Terallis, so it makes sense Mister Nozel is from there… it's just—what kind of bigshot is he—?!
"The mayor." Nozel answered flatly, seeing through his thoughts.
"Huh?" Will blanked.
"You heard me." He drawled. "I'm the mayor of the western hub of Terallis."
Will's jaw slacked. "N-no way?!"
"Yes way." Nozel winced. "Must you be so loud? Seriously… like master, like apprentice."
"O-oh sorry…" Will dipped his head.
He knew Nozel wasn't particularly fond of Asta for reasons beyond his understanding. He treated his brother-in-law less like family and more like a colleague. Perhaps that was normal. Nozel Silva was always professional.
Will scratched his neck. Dammit. How did I forget something that major—
"You didn't forget." Nozel cut through his thoughts. "I've simply never mentioned it to you."
"Oh…" Will frowned. "W-wait, you know about my memory?"
Nozel nodded.
"Why? H-how?"
Nozel gestured toward Dorothy. "Noelle and Asta once tasked my wife with helping you restore it."
Dorothy threw up another peace sign. "Obviously I failed, tee-hee. Sorry about that!"
Will's brow twitched. "N-no problem." He responded awkwardly before turning back to Nozel.
"A-actually, there was something I wanted to ask you…"
Nozel set down his tea, raising a brow. "Go on."
"It's about Asta—"
"Not interested." Nozel silenced him.
Will froze.
The former royal sighed. "It's not what you think. Although I have my issues with him, I do respect your master. A lot. Which is why I refuse to go behind his back. If you're curious about something, then muster the courage to ask him yourself. The worst he can do is say no."
Dorothy nodded. "Nozel's right. There are things people have to say themselves. And there are things that should stay between the ones directly involved. Don't try to drag more people into it."
Will clenched his fist. "I see. I'm sorry, that was wrong of me."
Nozel inclined his head. "Anyways, enough time has been wasted. Every second talking here is better spent getting the information into that Arbiter's hands. I know she's quite anxious."
"O-oh, that's right." Will glanced around. "S-so, are you coming with me or something?"
"Of course not." Nozel extended his right hand in an uncharacteristic gesture—a fist bump.
"W-what?" Will hesitated, then noticed the ring on Nozel's finger. Identical to his own.
Almost without thinking, Will raised his hand and bumped fists. The rings clanked, glowing faintly.
Noctis and Stelwyn gasped, eyes sparkling.
"Pretty…"
"I didn't know they could do that…"
"It's a new feature," Dorothy chuckled. I wonder what else Nero and Dominante have cooked up over the years…
Will looked down at his ring, curious.
"Anything we had on the Berzemes is now there," Nozel said. Then he pointed to the door. "You should get going. Don't keep the Arbiter—or your colleague—waiting."
"O-oh, okay…" Will stuttered, heading for the door before pausing. "By the way… Madam Creirwy only mentioned contacting you a few days ago. How did you already get a reservation here? Did you plan this trip earlier?"
"Not at all." Nozel shook his head.
"Then…?"
"Contrary to what the rules say, there are exceptions to everything." A cruel smile crossed his lips. "Being a mayor of a major city comes with certain… perks."
"Oh." Will blinked, then shook his head and stepped out.
"Bye, Will!"
"Next time, come play with us!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Will exited Les Fleurs and spotted Lihanna across the street. She fell into step beside him as they made their way toward Les Ailes.
"You got the information?" she asked casually.
Will glanced over his shoulder, then rubbed his ring.
Vroom.
It glowed, and a folder materialized in his hands.
"Looks like it," he said.
Vroom.
Without opening it, the folder sank back into his ring.
"Great," Lihanna replied, not pressing for more details.
Broom.
Her stomach rumbled, and color rushed to her cheeks.
Will smiled wryly, though there was warmth behind it. "There are some shops along the way. We can make a stop or two to get something to eat."
"S-splendid." She stammered, embarrassed, yet unable to hide the grin tugging at her lips as drool prickled at the corner of her mouth.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Back inside Les Fleurs, Noctis and Stelwyn turned to their father with eager eyes.
"Father! Can we go to the tower? I wanna check it out!"
"Yeah, I wanna see Auntie! And Uncle! And the baby!"
"Especially the baby!"
Nozel paused, then shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
He hadn't brought his family all the way to Regarden simply to eat at a café, after all.
"Yay!" the twins chorused.