A fair amount of time had passed since Licia's birthday.
Signs of winter had begun to appear across nearly every region of the Leomel Empire. In the great city of Eupeheim—famously known as the White Crown—the leaves had long since fallen from the trees lining the streets, and the branches were beginning to catch a light dusting of snow.
Far from Clausel, where Ren lived, a single guest arrived at the grand estate that sat at the heart of Eupeheim: the Marquis Ignat manor.
"Please wait," a knight stationed at the main gate called out, blocking the visitor’s path. "My apologies, but do you have an appointment?"
The knight serving the Marquis assessed the stranger with practiced care. He knew that any slight toward a visitor could bring shame upon his master's house, so he maintained a polite tone despite the fact that the person before him was completely obscured by a heavy, hooded robe.
"Oh... sorry about that," the guest replied, sounding slightly flustered as she reached up to pull back her hood.
The knight caught his breath. The face revealed to him was one of breathtaking beauty, possessing a fairy-like loveliness framed by golden hair that shimmered with a luster finer than silk.
"It’s me. I don't have an appointment, but is it alright if I come in?"
Recognizing her, the knight immediately lowered his head in a deep bow. "Please forgive my ignorance, my lady. I did not realize it was you."
"No, don't worry about it. I was the one hiding my face, after all."
"I am grateful for your grace. Please, come inside. My lord is currently in his office, but I am certain he will see you the moment he hears of your arrival."
The knight led the unexpected guest through the estate. As they crossed the meticulously manicured gardens, the other servants noticed her and bowed in turn. Some stopped to offer a formal salute, while others hurried off to prepare tea.
The guest let out a small, apologetic "tahaha" at the fuss, but the staff remained undeterred in their hospitality.
The two proceeded through the ornate manor. Though the estate was vast enough to be called a castle, Marquis Ignat kept his personal workspace near the entrance, so the walk to his office was brief. Standing before the door was Edgar.
"It’s been a while, Edgar."
"Indeed it has, my lady. I spotted you from the window just a moment ago, so I was waiting here for you."
Edgar took over for the knight and knocked on the door. A voice from within responded immediately.
"Come in."
Edgar opened the heavy door and gestured for the guest to enter. Inside, a jet-black carpet stretched across the room, though the abundance of silver-accented furniture prevented the space from feeling somber. It felt somewhat cool and strictly professional, yet undeniably tasteful.
"Hello, Marquis Ignat," the guest chirped as she stepped inside.
"It has been a long time," the Marquis replied, rising from his desk at the far end of the room near the window. "I certainly didn't expect a visit from Lady Chronoa, the Principal of the Imperial Academy."
Chronoa gave a sheepish smile and walked toward the sofa the Marquis indicated.
"Sorry for dropping in so suddenly."
"Not at all! You are always welcome here. Edgar! Tea and something sweet, at once!"
"U-Um! Actually, I was hoping Edgar could stay and join us... is that okay?"
"It seems she has a request," the Marquis noted. "Edgar, give your instructions to the other attendants and then return."
"As you wish. One moment, please."
Edgar stepped out of the room, gave a few brief orders to his subordinates, and returned in less than a minute to take his place standing behind his master.
"What brings you here today?" Ulysses asked. "I heard you had left the Imperial Capital on some urgent business."
"Oh, you knew?"
"I don't know the details of your work, of course."
"Fuffuffuu... that’s a secret. A big one."
Marquis Ignat shrugged at her playful, self-satisfied grin. "I thought so. Well then, what can I do for you?"
"I don't really have any formal business. I was just passing by and thought I’d stop in since I was in the neighborhood. Oh, but..." Chronoa trailed off for a second. "It’s not exactly an official matter, but I did have something I wanted to ask Edgar."
"Me, my lady?" Edgar asked.
"Yep. That’s why I asked for you to stay."
"I see... and what is it you wish to know from my butler?"
Chronoa didn't hesitate. "I want to hear about the work Edgar did back in the spring."
"...Ah. You mean my trip to Clausel."
"But Lady Chronoa," the Marquis interjected. "I believe I already sent a full report on those events to the Capital."
"I read your report, Marquis. But I’m not really interested in Viscount Given’s nonsense. Given my position, it's better if I stay out of political drama anyway."
The two men exchanged a confused look. If not the politics, then what? Chronoa finally voiced her true intent.
"Could you tell me about Ren?"
At the mention of the name, both Ulysses and Edgar stiffened. A flicker of wariness crossed their faces, unsure why someone as powerful as Chronoa was taking an interest in the boy who had saved their family.
She caught their reaction instantly. "T-Tahaha... If you two get that defensive, you're going to hurt my feelings."
Her characteristic, easygoing pace broke the tension, making them feel a bit silly for their sudden hostility.
"May I ask why?" Ulysses questioned.
"Eh? Why what?"
"Why are you seeking information on Ren Ashton?"
Chronoa fumbled for a second. Looking at the Marquis's dead-serious expression, she found it difficult to give her honest, lighthearted answer: Because I've taken a real liking to him.
"As you know," Ulysses continued, "I have only told a handful of people about my daughter Fiona’s condition. I shared the details of her time in Clausel with you because I had asked for your help when I was searching for Thief Wolfen materials."
"Right... sorry I couldn't help you find any back then."
"The Thief Wolfen is a rare beast; it was only natural that your search came up empty. Besides, you provided us with alternative magic tools instead. For that, I am eternally grateful."
The conversation paused briefly as tea was served. The two sat back and took a sip, moistening their throats.
"I owe a mountain of gratitude to Ren Ashton, his family, and the Clausel house," Ulysses said firmly. "I am reluctant to hand over information about him without knowing the intent behind the request."
As a high-ranking noble who had survived countless political battles at the heart of the Empire, Ulysses possessed a natural, suffocating presence that was separate from physical might.
However, Chronoa was one of the few people in the world who could match him. She held enough power within her small frame to turn all of Eupeheim into a wasteland if she so desired. She didn't flinch.
The only problem was that her reason was entirely, 100% personal.
"I actually met Ren."
She realized there was no point in hiding it. She decided to tell them everything—the story of how they had crossed paths.
"You... you met Ren Ashton?" Ulysses was stunned, his aura of authority vanishing in an instant.
"Yeah. It was a total coincidence."
"I see... so you went to Clausel?"
"For work. Like I said, meeting him was pure chance."
She described their first meeting, their second encounter in the forest where she watched him take down two Steel-Eating Gargoyles single-handedly, and their third meeting in a village near the Baldur Mountains where he had protected her.
"I’ve never really been protected by anyone besides my father before. It was so nice! I was actually really happy about it!"
Ulysses and Edgar finally understood. This woman didn't have any hidden agenda; she had simply been charmed by the boy.
With his master's nod of approval, Edgar began to speak. He recounted the events in Clausel—the miracle that Ren Ashton had performed during that chaotic incident.
"He really is something..." Chronoa mused. "He's so cute and strong, but he's smart too."
"Unfortunately," Edgar added, "I wasn't able to give the Young Lady a very good description of Master Ren's appearance."
"Hm? Why not?"
"Because the boy was battered and broken," Ulysses answered for him.
When Ren had finally returned to Clausel after his battle with Jelququ, he had been supported by Licia on the back of his horse. Edgar still remembered the sharp, dignified presence the boy had maintained even in that state. But because Ren had been rushed into isolation for recovery immediately after, they had only seen him for a few brief moments.
The three of them continued to talk about Ren, the conversation flowing easily until the sky outside began to fade into the deep blues of evening.
"I should probably get going," Chronoa said, standing up from the sofa.
"Won't you stay the night? I’m sure Fiona would love to see you."
"I'd love to, but I have to catch a magic ship back to the Capital tonight. But... I think I'll go say hi to Fiona before I head out. I'm sure she’s fine, but it’s been a while, so I’ll give her a quick check-up."
"Master, I shall escort Lady Chronoa," Edgar said.
"Thank you. I suppose I’ll go prepare for her departure."
They left the office together, and Edgar led Chronoa toward Fiona’s quarters.
"Where is Fiona right now?"
"She has been in her room focusing on her studies since this afternoon."
Chronoa worried she might be an interruption, but since her goal was to ensure the girl's health, she decided to peek in for just a moment.