Several months had passed since Lithia's birthday.
As winter attire began to appear across most of the Leomel Empire, the leaves in Eupeheim—the city known as the White Crown—had fallen, leaving the branches dusted with a light coating of snow.
A guest arrived at the Ignat Manor, the sprawling estate that served as the Marquis’s seat of power. A knight standing at the main gate moved to intercept them.
"Forgive me, but do you have an appointment?"
The knight spoke with careful politeness. To slight a guest here would be to tarnish the reputation of his master, Ulysses Ignat. Even though the figure before him was shrouded in a heavy robe with a hood pulled low, he remained a professional.
"Oh, sorry!"
The guest hurriedly pulled back her hood, revealing her face. She possessed a breathtaking, almost ethereal beauty, and her golden hair shimmered with a luster that put silk to shame.
"My deepest apologies, my lady! I didn’t realize it was you."
"No, it’s fine. I was the one hiding my face, so don't worry about it."
"I am grateful for your understanding. Please, come inside. His Lordship is currently attending to official business, but I’m certain he will see you the moment he hears you’ve arrived."
The knight guided the unexpected visitor into the lavish manor. They moved through the halls of the residence, which was large enough to be called a small castle. However, Marquis Ignat kept his primary workspace near the entrance, so the walk to his office was short.
Edgar was already waiting outside the door.
"It has been quite a while, Lady Chronoa. I caught a glimpse of you a moment ago, so I took the liberty of waiting here."
Edgar immediately took over for the knight. He knocked on the door to the office, and a response came instantly. Opening the door, Edgar gestured for the guest to enter.
Inside, a jet-black carpet covered the entire floor. Combined with the silver-heavy decor, the room felt dignified rather than dark. It had a slightly cold, sharp atmosphere, yet it remained elegant and understated.
"Hello, Marquis Ignat."
The Marquis looked up from his desk at the far end of the room near the window.
"It has been a long time indeed. I certainly didn't expect a visit from the Director of the Imperial Military Academy herself."
Ulysses walked over to the sofa and gestured for her to sit. Chronoa gave him a sheepish, wry smile as she took her seat.
"Sorry for dropping in like this."
"Not at all. You are always welcome here, Lady Chronoa. Edgar! Tea and something sweet!"
"Wait! I’d actually like Edgar to stay for the conversation... if that’s all right?"
Ulysses glanced at his butler. "It seems she has a request. Edgar, give the instructions to the other attendants, would you?"
"As you wish. Please wait just a moment."
Edgar left the room for a few seconds to coordinate with the staff, then returned and took his place behind his master.
"So, what brings you here today? I had heard you left the capital for some urgent business."
"Oh, you knew?"
"I knew you were away, though the details of your work remained a mystery."
"Heh-heh-heh... That’s a se-cret. A complete secret."
"I thought as much. In that case, what is your business with me today?"
"Oh, right! I wanted to hear more about Ren!"
Chronoa beamed with a radiant smile, but Ulysses and Edgar both frowned for a fleeting second.
"May I ask why?" Ulysses asked.
"Huh? Why what?"
"Why are you seeking information on Ren Ashton?"
Chronoa blinked, momentarily silenced by the question. Faced with the Marquis’s solemn and protective demeanor, she swallowed her initial thought—which was simply that she had taken a liking to the boy.
"As you know," Ulysses continued, "I have only revealed my daughter’s illness to a select few. However, I shared the details of her time with House Clausel with you because I had consulted you while searching for Thief Wolfen materials."
"Right... I’m sorry I couldn't help more back then."
"Nonsense. The Thief Wolfen is a rare beast; it was only natural that one couldn't be found. Besides, the Magic Tool you provided instead was invaluable. I cannot thank you enough."
The conversation paused as the tea arrived. They both took a moment to let the hot liquid soothe their throats.
"However," Ulysses said, his tone shifting. "I owe a great debt to Ren Ashton, as well as to the Ashton and Clausel families. I am reluctant to share information about him without a clear reason."
As a high noble who had survived countless political battles in the heart of the Empire, Ulysses possessed a weight to his gaze that could be stifling. But Chronoa was one of the world's few truly powerful beings. She held enough raw magical power to reduce all of Eupeheim to ash if she so chose.
The tension between them held for a moment before Chronoa waved her hands in surrender.
"Okay, okay! I get it! I'm the one being vague, so just relax!"
She began to recount her first meeting with Ren and their subsequent reunion in a village near the Baldur Mountains. Her voice became animated as she described how he had protected her.
As they listened, Ulysses and Edgar lost their tension, replaced by pure bewilderment.
"The only person who’s ever really protected me like that was my father. It was such a nice feeling! It made me all warm inside!"
It was then that Ulysses and Edgar realized she wasn't plotting anything; she was simply smitten and curious. With the Marquis's nod, Edgar finally began to speak. He described the miracle Ren had performed during the crisis in Clausel.
"He's so cute and strong, but he's smart too," Chronoa mused.
"Regrettably, I was never able to properly describe Master Ren’s appearance to Lady Fiona," Edgar added.
"Hmm? Why not?"
"Because he was battered and broken when I saw him."
Edgar still vividly remembered Ren returning to Clausel after the battle with Jelququ, supported by Lithia on horseback. Though he remembered the boy’s sharp, determined words, Ren had been sequestered for medical treatment almost immediately. The time Edgar had spent seeing his face while he was conscious had been incredibly brief.
The three of them continued to talk about Ren for a while longer. As the sky outside began to turn the deep blue of twilight, Chronoa rose from the sofa.
"I really should get going."
"Won't you stay the night? Fiona would be delighted to see you."
"Believe me, I’d love to, but I have to catch a magic ship back to the capital tonight. I think I’ll stop by and see Fiona for a moment, though. I'm sure she’s fine, but I should give her a check-up since it’s been a while."
"Master, I shall guide Lady Chronoa," Edgar offered.
"Please do. As for me... I’ll prepare everything for her departure."
Edgar led Chronoa toward Fiona’s quarters.
"I wonder where she is."
"She is in her room. She planned to focus on her studies until this evening."
Chronoa worried about interrupting her, but since her goal was to monitor Fiona's health, she kept walking.
"Lady Chronoa!"
Fiona appeared from around a corner, jogging toward them. The necklace she always wore swayed against her chest. She stopped in front of Chronoa and gave a graceful bow.
"It has been quite a while."
"It has! You’re actually running on your own now."
"Hehe... The rehabilitation was difficult, but thanks to the potions my father provided, I can finally move like a normal person."
"Rehab is no joke, right?"
"It was hard, yes! But I enjoyed it! Seeing my body become more capable every day made it all worth it."
Fiona led Chronoa into her room. The space, which Chronoa remembered being filled with medical tools and potion bottles, was now clean and decorated with Fiona’s favorite things. Seeing this brought a secret smile to Chronoa’s face.
Then, she noticed something.
"Is that...?"
Against the wall stood a tailor’s torso wearing the uniform of the Academy's Special Merit Class.
"It might be a bit early," Fiona said hurriedly, "but I heard it’s better to be prepared! I’m certainly not taking the entrance exams for granted, I promise—"
"Ahaha! It’s fine, really. I’m the Director; don't you think I’d know that?"
Chronoa walked over to the uniform.
"When I heard you were applying to my academy, I wanted to fly to Eupeheim right then and there."
However, Chronoa’s position kept her constantly busy, and since Fiona’s condition had stabilized, Ulysses hadn't wanted to impose on her. As a result, she hadn't visited the manor in months.
"Have you tried it on?"
"Yes. I’ve had a few fittings for minor adjustments."
Chronoa imagined Fiona in the uniform. "I bet it looks wonderful on you."
Fiona scratched her cheek, looking embarrassed. "I still can't quite imagine actually being a student, though."
"Eh? Why not?"
"Well... I’ve lived inside this room since the spring..."
Even though she was physically capable now, Fiona had spent very little time outside the estate. She had visited the Academy and seen students in the capital, but...
"Seeing the students walking and laughing with their classmates... I wonder if I can really make friends like that. The capital is so busy and bright; I think I felt a little intimidated by it all."
"You’ll be fine. I know better than anyone what a wonderful girl you are, Fiona. But hey, try this—" Chronoa leaned in. "Think about yourself in that uniform, walking through the capital with your friends, stopping to buy snacks and just having fun."
"Is it all right to take detours on the way home?"
"Sure! We don't forbid it. As long as you don't bother anyone or do anything that would tarnish the Academy’s reputation, you're free to go wherever."
Fiona looked back at the uniform and let her mind wander.
"Think about the fun parts," Chronoa encouraged. "There's no reason to be afraid yet."
Walking through the capital with friends... a dream that had once been impossible. Fiona closed her eyes.
In her mind's eye, she saw herself walking through the streets. Beside her was a boy whose face she couldn't quite see, his features blurred like mist, but for some reason, he felt like Ren.
"!!??"
Fiona gasped, her face turning a deep crimson from her neck to her forehead. She shook her head violently.
"W-W-What’s wrong!?" Chronoa asked, startled.
"Nothing! It's nothing! Please don't worry about it!"
Fiona was mortified. Why had she put her savior in her own daydream? Why was she imagining walking through the city with him? She felt a wave of inexplicable shame.
I’m so embarrassed... imagining a savior I’ve never even met...
That night, Fiona would dream of her unknown savior again. And as she continued to have these dreams over the coming months, she would eventually realize that she was far more of a typical girl her age than she had thought.
Meanwhile, Chronoa checked her watch.
"I have to go soon. Can I do one last check, like before?"
"Of course. Thank you."
Chronoa placed her hand over Fiona’s chest and closed her eyes, focusing her senses. Fiona felt a gentle warmth—different from normal body heat—emanating from the Director’s hand.
"I think you’re finally clear to stop the medication. Your body is growing well, so it shouldn't relapse. You can relax now."
Chronoa patted Fiona’s head, then held up a warning finger. "But... be careful of malice. Someone might try to artificially trigger your special power."
"Is that even possible!?"
"Mmm... probably," Chronoa said with a light smile. She was mostly just trying to keep the girl cautious.
"Honestly! Don't scare me like that!"
"I'm serious, though! It’s been ages since the Demon King was defeated, but who knows if something like him might appear again? If that happens, they might have ways of doing things we can't even imagine."
"If that’s the case, my power would be the least of our problems..."
"Ahaha... yeah, you’re right."
Chronoa had just wanted to emphasize the importance of safety. But for Fiona, Chronoa’s words carried the weight of a divine decree. After sharing a few more jokes, Fiona took the warning to heart.
"I’ll do my best on the final exam. I won't let my guard down."
"Right! The final exam is coming up soon."
"Yes. It’s been a long road, but knowing the Special Merit Class entrance process is almost over makes me feel a bit lighter."
Compared to normal schools, the Academy’s entrance process was an endurance trial, lasting from late spring until the following winter. Fiona was determined to pass not just for the status, but to learn under Chronoa’s unique curriculum.
"And one more thing..." Chronoa looked at Fiona’s necklace. "Don't take that off, okay? Your body is fine, but we need to be ready for anything."
"Hehe. Just in case an existence like the Demon King shows up?"
"Exactly! Anyway, I’m rooting for you—but keep that between us, okay? I am the Director, after all."
Chronoa gave an awkward wave and turned to leave. Fiona tried to see her to the gate, but Chronoa insisted she stay, leaving Fiona to settle for shouting her thanks as they walked away.
Edgar and Ulysses accompanied Chronoa through the gardens toward the gate.
"By the way," Chronoa said, "I took a trip to the Baldur Mountains recently."
"How interesting. For what purpose?"
"One of the exam venues we’d prepared was taken off the list, so the Baldur Mountains were suggested as a replacement. I went to check it out." She shook her head. "But it’s not going to work."
"May I ask why?"
"Too many sheer cliffs. Plus, I’ve heard this winter is going to be brutal. It’s just too dangerous for the examinees."
Ulysses nodded. "That makes sense."
"Have you informed the Board of Directors?"
"Yeah. I’ve been scouting locations all year, so now it’s just down to the final selection."
"I would suggest leaving the rest to the Board," Ulysses noted.
"Ahaha! Even though they’re all busy stabbing each other in the back?"
"...A fair point, unfortunately."
The Board was comprised of nobles from various factions, and while they were meant to ensure the Academy's fairness, their political infighting was constant. Chronoa stayed neutral, refusing to take sides despite their squabbling.
"Keeping the venue location confidential must be a headache," Ulysses mused.
Graduation from the Special Merit Class guaranteed a glorious future. To prevent cheating or favoritism, the location of the final exam was a closely guarded secret. Only a handful of people knew: the transport crews, the Academy staff, and the lord of whichever land was chosen. Even the Imperial Family was kept in the dark until the last moment.
"Wait, should you be telling me all this?" Ulysses asked.
"Don't worry. It’s not something to shout from the rooftops, but we’re only talking about a venue I already rejected."
Just before the gate, Chronoa stopped and turned to Ulysses.
"I’ll be leaving Leomel before the year is out, so I’m glad I got to see Fiona one last time."
"Oh? Where are you going?"
"Business in the Holy Land. For over a year! A whole year! I almost said no when they asked, but the job was too important to turn down."
The Holy Land sat at the center of the Elfen Continent—a neutral territory that housed the headquarters for the worship of the Chief Deity Elfen.
"They’re rebuilding part of the Silver Sacred Palace," she explained.
"Ah, the heart of the world's temples. It was getting quite old, so that makes sense."
Chronoa wasn't a mason or a carpenter, of course. She was being called in because of the countless Sacred Relics stored within the palace. The building was protected by ancient seals and barriers that couldn't be touched by ordinary hands. She was there to handle the delicate process of dismantling and resetting them.
"Other countries are sending their experts too, so Leomel has to send someone."
It was a political move disguised as a religious duty. Since so many in Leomel followed the faith of Lord Elfen, the Empire couldn't afford to be left out.
"So, while I'm away, the Board will be the acting authority for the Academy."
"That is good news. Watching those faction-obsessed nobles drown in paperwork should be quite entertaining. You should use this as an opportunity to relax, Lady Chronoa."
"Hmm... I wonder about that..."
Chronoa checked her watch and gasped. "Oh! I have to go! Thanks for everything today!"
"Of course. Please visit us again when you return to Leomel."
Chronoa left the estate, pulling her robe tight and keeping her head down to avoid attention. She spent an hour walking through the town, enjoying the beautiful architecture of Eupeheim as she made her way to the magic ship terminal.
She purchased a ticket from a machine and boarded the ship bound for the capital. Having splurged on a private cabin, she sat by the window and watched the city fade into the distance. She thought back on her trip.
Ren was so cute. It really would have been easier if I could have used the Baldur Mountains as a venue...
She thought about his face and his mannerisms. Interestingly, while she had been at the Ignat Manor, she had never actually described what Ren looked like. Ulysses and Edgar had been so surprised by her visit that they’d forgotten to ask, and Chronoa had assumed they already knew.
Unaware of the missed connection, Chronoa groaned and flopped onto the large sofa. Since she was alone, she hugged a cushion and kicked her legs in a fit of playful frustration.
"Ugh, I'm done! I'm sleeping!"
She announced her decision to the empty room. Rubbing her heavy eyelids, she managed to crawl into the bed. She checked her notebook one last time—it was packed with appointments right up until the morning she was due to leave the country. The trip back to the capital was her only real break.
"Rawr!"
She made a mock-menacing growl at her overstuffed schedule.
"...Wait, what am I doing?"
Feeling ridiculous, she lay back and closed her eyes. Exhaustion finally claimed her, and she drifted into a deep sleep.