Even as the night deepened, he was still reading. It wasn't the same book as before, but a different one entirely.
Ren eventually closed the book and turned his gaze toward the carriage window.
This was the private cabin prepared for him. Compared to the manor where he usually lived, and even more so than his room back in the Ashton family village, it was a cramped space.
However, it was comfortable—a room that felt exceptionally calming.
True to its status as a cutting-edge magic train, the cabin felt remarkably modern for Leomel. Rather than an antique style defined by wood and stone, it featured a clean, minimalist design, from the solid-colored curtains to the fresh carpets.
The novelty of the interior made him feel as if he were witnessing the turning of an era.
...I should probably get going.
Ren, who had been staring outside with his chin resting on his hand at the desk by the window, stood up.
He passed through the automatic door and stepped into the connecting corridor. Through the wide windows that spanned the length of the hall, he could see other guests admiring the night landscape.
A party had been held until about an hour ago, keeping Ulysses quite busy. However, wanting the guests to enjoy the journey on the ground however they pleased, Ulysses had ended the festivities early and opened the venue as a communal lounge.
Ren walked past the other passengers and headed toward the rear of the train, toward Ulysses’s private quarters. He had been invited for a late-night chat.
He reached one of the rear cars after a short walk.
Edgar stood tall in front of the door leading to the inner suite.
"Good evening, Master Ren."
"I thought I might be a little early, but here I am."
"No, you are perfectly on time, so please do not worry. However, I must apologize... my master has not yet finished his final rounds of greetings and has not yet returned."
Edgar had arrived ahead of time specifically to relay this message.
Hearing the gentleman in the tailcoat speak so apologetically, Ren hurriedly told him not to give it a second thought. He had known from the start that Ulysses would be occupied on such a high-profile journey.
"I believe he will return shortly. Would you like to wait inside?"
"Oh, if that’s alright, I’d love to."
At Ren's reply, Edgar opened the door and ushered him in.
The large guest room at the back served as Ulysses’s private suite, and its atmosphere was much like Ren's own cabin.
"My apologies, but please wait here for a moment."
Following Edgar's lead, Ren took a seat on the sofa.
He spent the next ten minutes or so enjoying a cup of tea brewed by the old gentleman.
Eventually, Ulysses arrived in a hurry, straightening his collar and offering a slight bow.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."
"No, please don't worry about it."
Having finished his social obligations, Ulysses came to Ren's side and sat down.
Unlike his usual appearance, Ulysses was dressed in flamboyant attire suited for a grand party. He still wore a suit, but the pocket square and the fine jewelry adorning his lapels added a touch of genuine grace without appearing gaudy.
"I wanted to have a relaxed chat tonight about how you've been doing lately."
The strong-armed man spoke in a remarkably soft voice.
"So, tell me. Has anything changed recently?"
Before answering, Ren voiced a small doubt.
"This is unusual for you."
"Is it? What I said?"
"Yes. For Lord Ulysses, I feel like you've asked me something quite... ordinary."
Ulysses narrowed his eyes with a laugh. He didn't seem the least bit offended by the remark.
"We didn't have much time to talk after the Roses Kaitas incident, did we? That’s why I wanted to set aside a moment like this."
When the invitation had been delivered, they had indeed been rushed.
"――I apologize for causing you so much concern back then."
"I was certainly concerned. But more than that, I was furious at how the Elfen Church handled things. There is absolutely no reason for you children to feel burdened by their failures."
Ulysses shrugged, his words carrying the weight of common sense. Seeing Ren at a loss for words, the Marquis laughed once more.
"I hope you enjoyed the party today?"
With the change in topic, Ren nodded immediately. "Yes. Licia and Lord Lezard seemed to be enjoying themselves as well."
"That is good to hear. By the way... hmm."
"Is something the matter?"
"Hearing it directly from your mouth... I see how it is."
Ulysses leaned forward slightly, staring intently into Ren's eyes.
"I had heard the rumors, but you really do call her by her name, don't you?"
"W-Well... a lot happened..."
"Well, I'm sure a lot did. I understand."
Ulysses didn't press the matter. Whatever expectations he might have held for his own daughter's romantic pursuits, he wasn't so tactless as to voice them.
Wishing for the distance between his daughter and Ren to close as well, he leaned back into the sofa.
"Right now, my Fiona seems to be studying with the Clausel girl. When I went to check on them earlier, she seemed to be having quite a wonderful time."
"Studying with Licia? Inside the train?"
"To be precise, the Riohalde daughter is there as well."
Hearing that, things clicked for Ren. He remembered their conversation about the recent exams before November began.
"Ms. Sera said her grades on the last exam were a bit questionable."
"Oh, is that so? I believe the Riohalde family is quite strict about academics."
"Well, even if she called them questionable, they were still on the better side. She probably meant 'questionable' by the standards of her family. On the other hand, she was thrilled that she had no problems with her sword classes."
"Haha! Then there really is nothing to worry about! Her skills are the real deal."
"But since the Special Merit Class exams are so difficult, I think she struggled with the written subjects."
"I understand. Their standards are high, so I suppose it can't be helped."
Ulysses then looked genuinely pleased.
"...Fiona has few friends. Seeing her social circle expand like this is a good thing."
Even if there were significant political differences between their factions, he didn't voice them. If he acknowledged them aloud, he might be forced to act on things he would rather ignore. He didn't want to throw cold water on the fun the girls were having.
But Ulysses was no fool. On the contrary, he was one of the most brilliant men in the empire. Ren suspected the Marquis was carefully managing things behind the scenes to allow these friendships to flourish.
Eventually――
Judging that they had spoken enough, Ulysses said, "This was a good talk."
Looking back, Ren realized they really had just been making small talk.
"Let's talk again soon. Somewhere quiet, where we don't have to watch the clock."
"I'd like that too. Let's definitely do it again."
"Yeah, I'll look forward to it."
Ren stood up from the sofa, bowed, and left the room.
On his way back to his own cabin, he found Licia leaning against the wall of the connecting corridor. When she spotted him, her expression softened into a cute smile.
"You were with Marquis Ignat, weren't you?"
"And you were supposed to be working hard on your studies, weren't you?"
"We were. But while we were talking about how Sera's grades were poor, Lady Fiona started teaching her as they chatted. Then Sera decided she wanted to be tutored properly, so they were working hard in my room until just now."
Until just a few minutes ago, the three girls had been huddled together over their books.
Licia pushed off the wall and fell into step beside Ren.
"Want to go to the observation car?"
Ren agreed, and they began to walk. Licia hadn't visited the observation car yet, despite their stop there earlier in the day. The night view was beautiful now, and there was one more benefit to going at this hour.
Unlike during the day, the observation car was empty. They were the only ones there.
"It's like we've reserved the whole place."
"Everyone else seems to be at the party venue. This way, we can actually relax, right?"
"Did you check to see if it was empty before inviting me?"
"...Is that a problem?" Licia asked bluntly, turning toward the large windows to hide her blushing face.
With a ceiling made of glass, the car offered an unparalleled view of the heavens. The night sky out here felt much clearer and more vibrant than the skies above Erendil or the Imperial Capital.
"It's so beautiful," she whispered.
Licia’s profile, illuminated by the starlight, was every bit as beautiful as the sky above. She admired the view for a moment longer before speaking again.
"There's something I want you to tell me."
"Um, when you say that with a scowl, it makes me feel like I need to brace myself."
"As you should. I'm looking at you exactly so you'll feel that way."
Licia looked up at Ren and leaned in close. She reached out and playfully poked the tip of his nose.
"What were you up to with the Third Prince this morning?"
"Me and Radius? When was this?"
"This morning. And don't think I haven't noticed you acting secretive lately, either."
Faced with such a direct confrontation, Ren decided it was pointless to be stubborn. With a wry smile, he came clean. "So you found out."
"Is it about me and my holy magic?"
"Yes."
"I see... so you were asking the Third Prince for a favor. Is that also why you've been secretly studying holy magic lately?"
"Wait, you knew about that too?"
Licia gave a small nod and a heavy sigh. She pulled her finger away from his nose.
"Why were you trying to research it without telling me?"
"Do I have to answer that?"
"Obviously," she replied instantly.
"It's because I didn't want to make you worry. I didn't want you to be anxious about your magic."
"So you were doing it for me? I appreciate that you're worried about me, but I'd prefer if you talked to me first. And I also did my own research apart from consulting with Chronoa. ...But I didn't plan on keeping it a secret forever. I was going to tell you as soon as I had something concrete."
Ren's kindness warmed her heart, but she wasn't quite finished.
"I'm happy you care, but from now on, talk to me first. So, what exactly are you planning to do in Eupeheim?"
"You predicted that too?"
"Fufu, otherwise you wouldn't have been so busy exchanging messages with the Third Prince before we left. You used a knight as an intermediary, but I still saw you."
If he had plenty of time, he wouldn't have been so rushed. Licia’s intuition was spot on. Having been thoroughly caught, Ren hid nothing.
"I was introduced to the person who used to be Radius's tutor. I plan to meet with them a few times while we're in Eupeheim to ask some questions."
"Y-You were introduced to someone that important?"
"I was surprised when I heard it too. ――So, that's why you'll be staying behind, Licia."
"Staying behind? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. Please wait for me at the inn."
"After all that, how is that your conclusion! I'm coming with you!"
"No, this was a private introduction specifically for me. It would be rude to the other party if I suddenly showed up with a guest."
His words were calm and perfectly logical. Licia bit her lip; as much as she hated it, she couldn't find a flaw in his reasoning.
"Now that you mention it... I suppose you're right." Despite her words, she was still pouting.
"If you agree, why the long face?"
"Because you just presented such a sound argument that I can't argue back."
Even so, Licia honestly added, "Sorry. I got a little too worked up."
She cleared her throat and looked at Ren again.
"If you try to keep any more secrets, I'm going to have to watch you every second from now on."
She giggled, making it clear she was joking. Ren decided to play along.
"Even when I'm sleeping?"
"Yep. Even when you're sleeping."
Since it was a joke, they obviously wouldn't be sharing a bed. Regardless, Ren delivered a finishing blow that left Licia speechless.
"I think you'll fall asleep long before me, Licia."
"............"
"Don't you think so too?"
Licia realized he was right.
A long silence stretched between them for several seconds. Licia gave Ren a flat, sulking look, her lips pouting as she stared up at him. Finally, she gave up on the argument and intertwined her fingers behind her back.
She bumped her right shoulder against Ren's arm once—a tiny, adorable act of defiance.
"...Ren, you're mean."
She turned away, huffing cutely.