Radius was alone in the room he had used frequently since the Lion King Festival when Ren visited him after school that day.
Their eyes met as Ren entered.
"Are you by yourself?"
"Yeah. Mirei just stepped out."
"Right. Got it."
Ren walked into the room and took his usual seat. He informed Radius that he had received an invitation to the Gardiknight from Ulysses and mentioned his upcoming journey to Eupeheim in November.
"I was wondering if you could introduce me to that person you mentioned before while I'm there."
"Of course," Radius nodded immediately.
Ren's schedule during his stay in Eupeheim wasn't packed to the brim. Much of the trip was intended as a holiday for Ren, Lithia, and Lezard to relax, so there was no issue with Ren heading out for a short while.
"I’ll let them know about you. I’ll also drop by on the day of the meeting."
"Is that okay?"
"Yes. I have something I want to discuss with them as well. Since it’s convenient, I’ll arrange to head to Eupeheim by magic ship."
"So you won't be riding the Gardiknight?"
"I’ll attend the ceremony, but if I were to actually board the train, the other passengers wouldn't be able to relax. Besides, I have other business to attend to."
His voice sounded as weary as it had the other day. It didn't seem to be related to the Demon King Cult or any other major trouble, but Ren noticed Radius let out a heavy sigh.
"It sounds tough... what kind of business?"
"To put it simply, family matters."
Radius spoke with a suggestive tone that hinted at a long-awaited resolution. Since one didn't dig into the "family matters" of the Imperial Family, Ren smoothed over the conversation as usual.
"I doubt many people have family matters as complicated as yours, Radius."
"Hah. I'm inclined to agree."
Radius nodded back with a faint smirk.
A few more days passed, and the largest station in the Imperial Capital was bustling with unprecedented crowds.
Gathered on the platform were those invited by Ulysses, hailing from all corners of the Leomel Empire regardless of their political faction.
The body of the rumored Gardiknight was massive compared to conventional magic trains. Unlike previous models, it was a double-decker, and its width had been expanded to the tracks' absolute limit. Its streamlined frame seemed to assert that it was in a league of its own.
During the ceremony, Radius offered words of celebration as the representative of the Imperial Family. Before long, the invited guests began boarding.
"Take this."
An Imperial Guard handed Ren an envelope. Radius had used the guard as an intermediary to avoid drawing unnecessary attention by handing it over directly. It was a single, high-quality envelope.
"His Highness has entrusted me with this letter of introduction for you."
Sensing the situation, Ren looked over at Radius, who stood some distance away.
...Thanks.
...Don't worry about it.
Exchanging a silent message through lip-reading alone, Radius left the station with his guards.
Ren and Lithia boarded the carriage along with the other guests. Shortly after, the Gardiknight departed and began to accelerate rapidly. It left the city behind in a heartbeat, racing toward its terminus at Eupeheim. Just watching the scenery change through the window was enough to make Ren's heart race with excitement.
Ren and the others sat in a carriage that served as a cafe during the day and a bar at night.
"...It’s so fast, yet it doesn't shake at all."
"It’s the latest model, after all," Ren replied to Lithia.
"Fufu, I’m glad you seem to be enjoying yourselves."
Fiona followed up with a graceful smile. The window of this carriage was a single, massive pane of glass, offering a panoramic view of the world outside. The landscape wasn't entirely unfamiliar yet, but the novelty of traveling on the Empire's newest train kept the experience fresh.
"............"
Suddenly, Ren felt a gaze directed at his profile as he watched the scenery. It came from Lithia, who was standing beside him. Noticing her, he turned his head.
"Lithia? Is something wrong?"
"No. It’s nothing."
She gave him an immediate smile, so Ren didn't pay it any more mind.
"—Talk to you later," she whispered under her breath, a murmur Ren didn't catch as he turned back to the view.
While they were enjoying their relaxed time, the carriage door opened and Sarah, who had also been invited, made an appearance. She was dressed in her uniform, as were the other three. They had all come straight from supplementary lessons at the Academy, and Ren noticed several other young lords and ladies in their school attire as well.
As Sarah arrived and began chatting with Lithia and Fiona, Ren looked back out the window. As they left the capital and passed Erendil, racing along the tracks, he let his mind wander.
"Sarah, I believe Wayne was coming too, right?"
"Yeah. I think he went to the observation car with Kaito earlier."
While their current carriage had a good view, the observation car Sarah mentioned was particularly famous for its glass ceiling. Ren was curious about what his friends were up to.
"I’m going to go check it out for a bit."
He excused himself from the girls and headed down the train. Entering the connecting corridor, he was greeted by the bustle of the other guests.
What a crowd.
He saw several boys and girls in the Imperial Military Academy uniform, as well as students from other schools. Most were likely the children of parents involved in the railway project.
Ren squeezed past the guests and moved through the corridor. When he opened the door to the observation car at the rear, he found it even more crowded than the cafe.
"Oh?"
Kaito, sitting in a window seat, noticed Ren and gave a wide wave.
"Ashton! Over here!"
It was a loud, conspicuous greeting, but Ren ignored the stares and walked over. Both Kaito and Wayne were also in their uniforms.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Haha! Of course not!"
Ren sat down next to Wayne, opposite Kaito. A board game resembling chess was set up on the table, and the two were locked in competition.
"You want to play too, Ren?"
"No, I’ll just watch."
Ren reached into his pocket and pulled out a small book about the size of a paperback. Seeing this, Kaito looked up from the board.
"Reading another one of those weird books, are you, Ashton?"
"It’s interesting. Would you like to read it too, Senior Leonall?"
"Do I look like the type to read books voluntarily?"
"...That’s a difficult question to answer, so please spare me."
"Hahaha! Sorry, sorry!"
Wayne looked at the title in Ren’s hand.
"‘Basics of Magic Ships: Even a Little Boar Can Understand!’?"
Ren had found it while shopping with Lithia on their way back from the Academy. Perhaps because he had spent time repairing the Lemuria recently, he had felt a sudden urge to learn more about the mechanics. Even as a novice, he found it surprisingly engaging.
"Heh, so you read stuff like that too."
"Every once in a while. I think I’ll read while I watch your match."
Neither Wayne nor Kaito minded, and they continued their game like the close friends they were. Ten minutes passed as Ren turned the pages, accompanied by the background noise of the players.
"Alright! One more time, Wayne!"
"Sure. I won't lose this one either."
Ren read while occasionally glancing at the battle on the board. As he focused on the text, the voices around him began to fade into a blur.
"Ah— Hey! That’s—"
"It’s a match, so— fair and—"
"Guh— I won't lose—"
He sat quietly beside the heated game. Before he knew it, a member of the staff had placed a cup of tea on the table—a subtle touch of service common in this carriage. Ren sipped his tea and set it back down, repeating the motion several times. By the time he finished his cup, the two were entering their third match.
Then, Kaito spoke in his usual, casual tone. His words immediately drew Ren’s focus away from the book.
"By the way, Ashton, have you heard? On the orders of the Pope, the Elfen Religion's prized 'Greatest Force' is on the move. They’re apparently getting serious about the Demon King Cult."
"What? Surely you don't mean the Elfen Religion is the one going on the offensive?"
"That’s exactly what I mean."
Ren closed his book, looking stunned. "Wait, are you serious?"
"Dead serious. I heard one of their temples was attacked a while back. I think it was right before the Great Clock Tower in Erendil was hit."
"Ah, right... I heard something about that, but..."
"Rumor has it that one of the religion's Sacred Relics was stolen. The Elfen Religion can't afford to overlook the cult's movements anymore."
Kaito was referring to the 'Elfen Tears', the relic that had reportedly been stolen by the cult's leaders.
"I wonder if the Church can actually track the cult's movements."
"Maybe. They have branches all over the world, so they might know something we don't."
When Ren finished his tea, the staff noticed and immediately poured him a fresh cup.
Ren continued reading well into the evening, though he had switched to a different book. He eventually closed it and looked out the window. At this hour, it was pitch black outside, and the shifting scenery was invisible.
He was currently in his private guest room. It was naturally smaller than his room in Erendil or even the one in Ashton Village, but it was cozy and comfortable. As befitted a state-of-the-art train, the room featured a modern design that felt brand new to Leomel—clean lines, solid-colored curtains, and carpets that signaled the coming of a new era.
I should probably head over.
Ren stood up from his desk. Passing through the automatic magic door into the corridor, he saw several passengers gazing at the star-filled sky through the windows.
A party had been held until an hour ago, and Ulysses had been quite busy. However, wanting the guests to spend the journey as they pleased, the Marquis had ended the party early and opened the venue for relaxation.
Ren walked toward the rear carriages to Ulysses’ private suite. He had been invited for a late-night talk. In front of the door leading to the rear section, Edgar was waiting.
"I thought I might be a little early, but I came anyway."
"Not at all, Master Ren. However, I must apologize. My Master has not yet finished his final rounds and has not returned to his room."
Edgar had arrived ahead of time to deliver the message. Ren told him not to worry, knowing how busy Ulysses would be during this voyage.
"He should return shortly, so why not wait inside?"
"If that’s alright, I’d love to."
Edgar opened the door and ushered him in. The suite was large and shared the same modern atmosphere as Ren’s room.
"Please, make yourself comfortable."
Ren sat on the sofa. About ten minutes later, after finishing his tea prepared by the elderly gentleman, Ulysses arrived in a hurry, straightening his collar and bowing slightly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"No, no, it's fine."
Ulysses sat down across from Ren. Tonight, he was dressed in flamboyant party attire—a sharp suit with a silk pocket square and tasteful jewelry that felt dignified rather than gaudy.
"I wanted to have a proper chat about how you’ve been doing lately."
Before answering the Marquis's gentle question, Ren voiced a thought. "That’s unusual."
"What is?"
"For you, Lord Ulysses. That sounded like a very ordinary question."
"Haha! Now that you mention it, I suppose it is."
Ulysses didn't take offense; he simply laughed. "But since the Roses Kaitas incident, we haven't had a chance for a long talk. I’ve wanted to set aside some time for a while."
When Ulysses had visited the Clausel manor to deliver the invitations, things had been too hectic for a real conversation.
"Right... I’m sorry for making you worry back then."
"I was worried, of course, but more than anything, I was furious. I couldn't believe how poorly the Elfen Church handled things. There's no reason for you kids to feel guilty about it."
Radius had mentioned that he’d had his hands full restraining Ulysses' temper back then. Ren was grateful for the affection the Marquis showed him, and he realized just how much work Radius must have put in.
They talked a bit more about the incident before Ulysses changed the subject.
"Are you enjoying the trip so far?"
Ren nodded instantly. "Yes. This train is incredible. Even Lithia and Lord Lezard were amazed by how different it is from what we're used to."
"I'm glad to hear it. By the way... hmmm."
"Is something wrong? You're staring."
"Hearing it from your own mouth makes it real." Ulysses leaned forward slightly. "I’d heard the rumors, but it seems you really are calling her by her name now."
"E-Eh... well, a lot happened..."
"I'm sure it did. I understand."
Ulysses didn't push. He was far too tactful to be unrefined about it, even if he had high hopes for his own daughter. He leaned back into the sofa.
"It seems Miss Clausel and my Fiona are holding a study session before bed. The maids said they seemed to be having quite a lot of fun."
"A study session? Why the sudden interest?"
"To be precise, the young lady from House Riohard is there as well. I didn't get the chance to hear how it started, though."
The Imperial Faction, the Hero Faction, and the Neutral Faction. All three were gathered in one place. Ren knew Fiona and Sarah were acquainted, and he remembered a recent conversation about exams.
Sarah did mention her grades were a bit shaky lately.
It wasn't that she was failing, but the standards for a member of a Heroic Ducal House were high. Even with decent grades in the Special Merit Class, she felt the pressure to improve.
"Fiona has few friends. It’s good to see her social circle expanding."
Fiona had been bedridden for much of her early life. That was why Ulysses never interfered in her friendships, regardless of faction. He didn't want to pour cold water on her happiness by bringing politics into it. Besides, as one of Leomel’s sharpest minds, he likely handled the political fallout behind the scenes anyway.
Eventually, Ulysses decided they had spoken enough. "This was a good talk."
Looking back, it really had been nothing more than a casual chat.
"Let’s do this again. Somewhere we can talk slowly, without worrying about the time."
"I’d like that, my Lord."
"Good. I'll look forward to it."
Ren left the room. On his way back to his cabin, he found Lithia leaning against the corridor wall. She broke into an adorable smile when she saw him.
"I thought it might be around now. I was waiting for you."
"So your study session is over?"
"Yeah. It was getting late."
When Ren asked how it had started, it was exactly as he suspected. Sarah had mentioned her struggles with certain subjects, Fiona had offered to help, and the two had decided to make it a formal session.
Lithia stepped away from the wall and walked alongside him. "I’m not sleepy yet. Want to go to the observation car?"
Ren agreed. Unlike the daytime, the observation car was empty, giving them the place to themselves. The stunning night view was theirs alone.
"Everyone else is still at the party venue, so we can actually relax here," Lithia said with a small smile.
"Did you scout the place out before asking me?"
"............Is that a problem?" she replied bluntly, trying to hide her embarrassment as she walked toward the massive window.
With its glass ceiling, there was no better place to see the stars. Away from the lights of the capital and Erendil, the sky was impossibly clear. The stars were so bright that the black voids between them looked like deep lapis lazuli.
"...It’s beautiful."
Lithia’s profile as she gazed upward was no less stunning than the celestial display. After a moment of silence, she turned to him, her expression turning slightly serious.
"Ren, there’s something I want you to tell me."
"When you ask me while knitting your brows like that, I start to get nervous."
"Good. That's why I'm looking at you."
Lithia leaned in slightly and poked Ren’s nose with her finger. "What were you doing with the Third Prince?"
"Me and Radius? When?"
"This morning. And you’ve been acting secretive lately."
Faced with her unwavering gaze, Ren gave up on making excuses. "So you noticed." He gave a wry smile. "Is that why you were staring at me during the day?"
"Yes. Now, tell me. Does it have something to do with me—with my Holy Magic?"
"——Yes."
"I knew it... so you were asking Radius for help. Is that why you’ve been secretly studying Holy Magic too?"
"Wait, you knew about that too!?"
"Of course I did." Lithia sighed and lowered her finger. "Why did you try to keep it a secret?"
"Do I really have to say?"
"Yes, you do," she replied instantly, stepping even closer.
"I didn't want to make you worry. I didn't want to see you getting anxious about your magic."
"But I wasn't going to keep it a secret forever. I was going to tell you as soon as I actually learned something useful."
Lithia looked touched. "...Thank you," she said softly. Then she added, "But! You have to talk to me first next time! So, what are you planning to do in Eupeheim?"
"You're too good at this! How do you know I'm planning something!?"
"Fufu. You wouldn't have gone through all that trouble with the Prince right before we left if you weren't. I saw you two passing messages through the knights, you know."
She was entirely correct. Ren decided to be completely honest.
"I’m getting an introduction to someone who used to be Radius's tutor. I was planning to meet them a few times and ask some questions while we're in the city."
"An imperial tutor... that’s an incredible connection."
"I was surprised too. So, while I’m doing that, you'll be staying at the inn."
"Staying at the inn?"
"Exactly. You're staying behind."
Lithia’s voice went up an octave. "Wait! Why does it turn into that!? I’m coming with you!"
"No. This is a personal introduction for me. Taking you along without warning would be rude to the other party."
Ren countered her excitement with calm logic. It was a perfectly reasonable argument, leaving her with no room to protest.
"——Now that you mention it, I suppose so."
She agreed, but her lips were pouted in dissatisfaction.
"Why the long face if you agree with me?"
"Because you're right, and I hate it." She sighed and gave him a sheepish look. "I'm sorry. I got a little too worked up."
She cleared her throat and looked him in the eye. "If you keep any more secrets, I’ll just have to keep an eye on you twenty-four-seven."
She spoke in a teasing, giggling tone. Ren decided to play along.
"Even when I'm sleeping?"
"Yes. Even then."
They were both joking, but Ren delivered a sharp, tactical rebuttal.
"I think you’d fall asleep long before me, Lithia."
"............"
"Don't you agree?"
Lithia realized he was right. They shared a long, silent stare for about ten seconds. She looked up at him, her expression somewhere between a glare and a pout. Finally giving up, she clasped her hands behind her back and bumped her shoulder against his arm as a small act of protest.
"...Ren, you're so mean."
She turned away, huffing adorably.
The next day passed in elegant relaxation, and then came the morning of the third day. It was before dawn, and most of the passengers were still asleep.
Ren woke up and sat up in bed. He raised the window blind and saw the first hint of the sun peeking over the horizon. He was wide awake, and since it was too early for breakfast, he washed his face, tidied his hair, and left his room.
He headed to the dining carriage for a cup of tea to wake himself up. There, he found Fiona. Aside from her, there were only a few other guests. Sitting by the window with a cup of tea, she noticed Ren and smiled.
"Good morning. You're up early too, Ren-kun."
"I usually wake up around now. I guess old habits die hard."
"Then we're the same," she said with a lovely laugh. "Would you like to join me?"
"I’d love to."
Ren sat across from her. A member of the staff appeared as if from nowhere, placed a cup of tea in front of him, and vanished.
"Let’s see..."
Ren looked at the light breakfast menu. As he decided what to order, Fiona looked down at the glass in front of her. It had been filled with fruit water, but now only a few drops of condensation remained, reflecting her small image in the morning light.
Listening to Ren order his food, her mind drifted elsewhere.
It's not... weird, is it?
She murmured almost inaudibly, touching her bangs. She had tidied herself up before leaving her room, but if she had known she would run into Ren, she would have spent another twenty minutes on her hair. Even the slightest angle of her bangs worried her now.
"Yeah... it should be fine."
"Eh? Did you say something?"
"No! Nothing at all!"
Fiona lowered her hand, smoothing her silk-like hair as she did. Her profile, caught in the rising sun, glowed with a jewel-like brilliance.
Ren's food arrived, and they enjoyed a quiet, peaceful morning.
"We’ll be in Eupeheim soon," Ren noted.
Since leaving the capital, the scenery had changed a dozen times—from rich farmland and famous lakes to rolling hills and quaint towns they would never have seen otherwise.
"How was the trip for you?"
"It felt like it went by in a flash. The views were incredible, and it was so comfortable I ended up relaxing more than I usually do."
"Fufu, I’m glad. Please enjoy it until we arrive."
As she spoke, the scent of the sea began to drift in through a gap in the window. They both looked out at the vast expanse of water. The reflection of the sun on the waves made them squint.
"The sea looks... different here."
"It is! It’s the interaction between the currents and the magic in the water... there are a lot of factors."
"Heeh... so that’s why it’s so beautiful."
Looking at the deep blue ocean, which was a distinct shade from the sky, Ren thought about their destination. He had first heard the name Eupeheim a long time ago. His connection with Ulysses had begun with the trouble Viscount Given caused, leading back to the day Edgar had handed him an invitation at the Clausel manor.
Being so close to the city now brought those memories back vividly. And most importantly, there was the presence of the girl sitting across from him.
"Ren-kun?"
Fiona spoke to the boy who was smiling faintly at the sea.
"I was just remembering the way back from the Baldur Mountains," he said, still looking at the waves. "I can remember that winter like it was yesterday."
"...Me too," she replied with a soft smile.
The light reflecting off the water was dazzling. As they left the carriage to return to their rooms, Ren stopped in front of a large window in the corridor, looking out at the calm sea once more.
"I really did make it to Eupeheim, just like we said we would."
Ren reached into his pocket and pulled out a black card. It was the original invitation he had received months ago.
"Ah! Is that—!?"
Fiona’s eyes went wide, and then softened. Standing alone with him in the quiet corridor, she placed a hand over her heart and looked up at him.
"You kept it! You brought it with you!"
"I didn't think I’d actually need it this time, but I wanted to bring it anyway."
Since he was a guest on the Gardiknight, the old invitation wasn't necessary for entry. However...
"No! That doesn't matter! I'm just... I'm so happy you brought it!"
Fiona’s voice was full of life, and her heart beat like a racing drum.