“Your... your highness!”
The sight of the approaching woman compelled everyone else to bow in respect. Despite the cap, fancy sunglasses, and overall outfit, her indistinguishable hair still poked out, giving away her true identity.
“Shh... Not so loud. Allow me to join all of you, please.”
(But... why us?)
The queen occupied the adjacent seat to Guiren, with Yu, Vincent, and Ason sitting opposite of them for seat balance. Ason counted how many people were present.
“This guy girl ratio ain’t cutting it.”
Chiaki flicked Ason’s forehead almost as if he warranted it.
“So... Sorry if I'm being too laid-back. It's tricky since you're a queen and stuff. But if I were to ditch the formalities, I need to give you a nickname.”
“My older cousin calls me Ly-Ly. Would that be sufficient?”
“I'm down with that, Ly-Ly... Are you trying to avoid someone?”
“... Hmm, everyone really. Following our departure from your school, we were persistently followed by the media until we reached the hotel. I communicated my departure to my chief of staff, who then efficiently organized my escape from both my security detail and the news media. I know that my disguise is insufficient and would appreciate if you could consider me as part of your group.
It bothers me how you're being so formal and talking so diplomatically. It's like you're hiding something.
“Chiaki, she's the head honcho of her country, so she's gotta be formal!”
Annoyed, she huffed and then noticed Yu, seeing the reflection of the outside world in their eyes. Another familiar face entered through the front door, and they immediately recognized it as Cassiopeia by her distinctive clothing. As she walked into the cafe, heads turned towards her. Using Cassiopeia as a sign, Yu paced towards the exit, his footsteps silenced by the cafe’s murmurs and whispers. The queen reached out for Yu's arm, her grip tight and nails digging into his skin.
“What was your question? From earlier at the school?”
Cassiopeia stood in complete silence at the heart of the room, her eyes unyielding, fixated on Yu with an intensity that held him captive. Avoiding eye contact with Cassiopeia, he took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and finally locked eyes with the queen.
“I think you got the wrong person. You must be busy, Your Highness. Don't bother wasting your time on someone like me. Now, if you’ll excuse…”
He yanked his hand out of hers and walked off. Rushing past Cassiopeia, he couldn't help but release a sigh of frustration that everyone could hear. Using a swift motion, Chiaki struck Yu on the side of the head with her phone.
“And where do you think you’re going?”
Chiaki slipped out of her seat unnoticed. When the queen looked to her side, she noticed the empty space next to Guiren. As soon as Lycoris noticed Chiaki and Yu engaged in conversation, she wasted no time in rising to her feet and hurrying over to them, eager to participate.
“Wait, he wanted to ask me something... Do you mind if I borrow him for a while? I think it was a personal question.”
The group exchanged baffled glances as the queen went to great lengths to provide an answer to a seemingly trivial person. When the opportunity presented itself, Yu seized the chance to slip away.
(Is she naturally this nice?)
In her pursuit of Yu, Lycoris made every effort to stay on his heels. Chiaki's group chased after Yu and the queen of Asura, but Cassiopeia intervened by stepping in front of them with her arms raised as if she was trying to hold the ceiling up.
“Uh… Wait.”
She avoided eye contact and couldn't find the right words to say.
“…Let’s go, covertly.”
The queen and Yu halted in a park, where chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air. The park echoed with the sounds of children's gleeful screams as they played on the swings and slides. Chiaki and her group of friends watched as the queen and Yu spoke, their voices barely audible from behind the trees. Vincent, recognizing the opportunity to gather information, asked questions to Cassiopeia.
“Cassiopeia, do you know what’s going on between the two?”
“You’ll see…”
As Yu and Lycoris strolled through the park, they unexpectedly came across a spacious grassy field alive with the joyful sounds of children playing. Children were supervised by parents and babysitters, while unsupervised students formed groups to play together. When they saw Lycoris and Yu, they exchanged glances with Lycoris, a subtle nod of acknowledgment, oblivious to the fact that they were acknowledging the queen of Asura. Lycoris stood in the middle of the field, her arms outstretched, as the wind wrapped around her like a gentle embrace. With a sudden motion, Lycoris turned and focused her eyes on Yu, a glimmer present. Tears streamed down her cheeks, falling faster and faster, a steady cascade of sorrow.
She threw herself into Yu's arms, the fabric of his clothes slipping through her fingers as she held on tight. Huddled behind a tree, Chiaki and the rest of the group observed the unfolding events. The unexpected bond between the queen and someone she knew within her immediate social circle surprised Chiaki.
(Out of all people…)
Even though Lycoris continued to weep on Yu's chest, he resisted the instinct to console her with his arms. He remained motionless, standing in complete stillness, refusing to take a single step towards finding comfort.
(Give her a hug, you idiot!)
Chiaki put her open palm to her face and in her head.
“No letter or surprise visit or anything...”
Yu could feel Lycoris's words vibrating against his chest as she spoke into his shirt. Yu shifted his gaze in the other direction, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
“...”
“I thought you died.”
“How did you find out I was here?”
“Cassiopeia and Catharine. Crimson Moon also searched for you relentlessly for the past few years.
“I can’t go back...”
“You got your answers, right? You're the Praetorian Prefect I was counting on. When that student asked about mine... "He died," didn't seem like the right thing to say. Then I saw you. Even with that silly cap on, I could spot you from a mile away.”
The gang behind the tree blinked and looked to Cassiopeia for answers.
“So... Hold up, the two knew each other? Also, what the heck is a Praetorian Prefect?”
Chiaki said, her eyes blinking at a rapid speed. Vincent cleared his throat.
“The Asuran government and military are all about those Latin titles. The Praetorian Prefect is a title given to the autocrat’s personal bodyguard or royal guard. They are totally independent and are a separate division from the other praetorian guards. The regular praetorian guards are kinda like the secret service.”
“Oh yeah, I remember now!”
“…The queen explained it in her speech. Weren’t you paying attention?”
“Nope!”
“Chiaki…”
Chiaki placed her hands on Vincent’s head and twisted it to Lycoris and Yu.
“Despite the wars being over, I'm left with the aftermath of being responsible for thousands of lives. Give me some more time to wander... I need to make amends.”
“We can do it as a team!”
Cassiopeia finally approached the two and placed a hand on Lycoris's shoulder. It came as a surprise to Yu and Lycoris that she had followed them, then Yu spotted Chiaki and friends behind the tree.
“Lycoris, as your advisor, I… err… um. Don't get too attached to someone, it's a big no-no. At least, publically.”
“Hey, hush! You're missing him just like me. I know it.”
Cassiopeia blushed and used her fan to hide her face. Peeking from behind her fan, she smiled at Yu.
“Lycoris, the boy did a lot for you. Can you give him a break? He'll return when he's good and prepared.”
Lycoris tugged on his sleeve, staring Cassiopeia straight in the eyes, and responded with a voice a few octaves higher.
“Why can’t he rest back in Asura?”
Cassiopeia sighed.
“You know, I kinda liked the Lycoris who acted like they were better than everyone. Did she vanish or what?”
“My Praetorian Prefect got rid of her, of course.”
Whenever Cassiopeia spoke to Lycoris while thoughts of Yu filled her mind, it was reminiscent of talking to someone who was reliving the innocence and excitement of their first elementary school crush. As she looked towards them, she couldn't help but notice Lycoris holding onto Yu's arm tightly. After a bit, she looked at Yu.
“... Have you told those kids about yourself?”
Yu took a quick glance at Cassiopeia, then averted his eyes to avoid direct eye contact with her.
“... Not completely.”
“You owe it to all of them.”
Sensing Yu's attention drifting, Lycoris leaped into the conversation to assert herself.
“Hey. I could give you a mansion in North Asura. What do you think? How about I grant you complete access to the Ashurabanipal library? Ya gonna come back or what?”
“Heh... Well. Thanks, but I'll pass.”
Chiaki realized that she had never encountered an unusual sight before, as it captured her attention. Yu's lips curled into a genuine smile at the sight of Lycoris. With every silly comment she made, he couldn't help but laugh and flash her a playful smile. With a sudden jolt, Chiaki's heart skipped a beat, as if trying to catch up with her racing thoughts.
She had never seen a big smile from him until now, and it lit up his entire face. She finally heard him laugh, and it was a sound she never wanted to forget. Not a single laugh or smile was forced; they were all heartfelt and genuine. He had shed his stoic and cool demeanor and was now friendly with the queen, but his words remained icy, creating a sense of distance.
“Meeting them was meant to be, right?”
“You won't believe it, but I'm-”
While Yu was explaining, a group of children ran by, their excited voices masking his words. Chiaki and friends raised their voices, causing the children to scatter in fear. Chiaki, Vincent, and Ason's unexpected outburst startled Lycoris, prompting her to spin around and confront them. As Yu finished his explanation, Cassiopeia's eyes widened, her jaw dropping at what he had just revealed. With a deliberate nod of her head, Lycoris confirmed what Cassiopeia just heard.
“But... Erm. Geez, I guess it really is fate then...”
Lycoris withdrew her hand from Yu's arm as the group neared the three. The queen's playful antics dissolved, and she regained her usual air of composure and refinement.
“I will find more things to bribe you with next time... But let me impart some knowledge before I take my leave. This exchange would benefit everyone involved.”
Lycoris stood before Chiaki, Vincent, Ason, and Guiren, feeling the weight of their gazes upon her.
“Chiaki, Ason, and Guiren, I express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your family members during the Asuran War, as they served as members of the Avatar Brigade. Please forgive me if I come across as insensitive, but I believe everyone is aware of the existence of the Red Wing, correct?”
With a sharp intake of breath, Yu narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw in frustration. The name 'Red Wing' now filled him with a deep sense of loathing. Hearing Lycoris acknowledge both the Red Wing and the Six Blades names made him realize the gravity of the situation.
“Why do people keep bringing up the Red Wing? What exactly is the Red Wing?”
The moment the words escaped, he could envision Chiaki's face contorted with disgust and disappointment. Ason and Vincent maintained a composed demeanor, hiding their emotions, as they listened to Lycoris's words.
“... Ah, I realized I never shared that information with you yet. The Red Wing, a murderer from the Asuran War, took the lives of thousands of individuals.”
“No, I understand that description already... But who is the Red Wing?”
“Unfortunately, my knowledge on the subject is limited, as I only heard about it through hearsay during the war. At present, they are a minor offender who murders for money.”
Her eyes shift from Yu to Chiaki’s. That's when she glimpsed how disgusted Chiaki’s face appeared.
“Poor choice of words from me. I should not have downplayed the Red Wing as a minor offender. To stay on the topic of the Red Wing. I assume that the three of you and I share a common aim, which is to witness the enforcement of justice upon the Red Wing.
Ah... sorry. Please forgive me. Prior to my arrival at the school, I had committed to conducting research and background checks on everyone here.”
As Lycoris drew her attention to Vincent's gaze, she gave a gentle laugh.
“Vincent, I must tell you... I cannot recall any involvement of your family members as soldiers in the Asuran War or East Rebellion. According to my understanding, your parents hold official positions within the U.W.F. offices. Out of everyone present, your ambitions are the most enigmatic to me.”
“Heh. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He winked at the queen, and she smiled in response.
“I understand you want to bring justice to the Red Wing. Princeps Officii Cassiopeia and I agree humans should resolve this issue. Thus, I will offer any intel and resources to helping you all.”
The Queen's surprising declaration of support for the friends left everyone, including Yu, stunned. Alarmed by the queen's words, Cassiopeia's voice trembled as she fumbled her words before speaking out.
“Wa-wait... you’re saying too much, Lycoris.”
“It is fine, Cassiopeia. I candisclose this information to the avatars.”
Suspicion etched deep lines around Chiaki's narrowed eyes as she fixed her gaze on the queen.
(She knew this entire time?)
Ason's hands enclosed the queen's, and she felt his warmth and became becoming captivated by the gleam in his eyes.
“Please, that would be a great help!”
“But, I still want my Praetorian Prefect back. He will stay here until only after you have taken down the Red Wing.”
Chiaki stepped in between Ason and the queen, her eyes narrowing in front of the queen's gaze.
“Ya know, he owes me a ton. Yu is under my watch, and he lives with me.”
Yu's heart sank.
(You realize I'm here, right?)
Lycoris attempted to hide her true feelings with a smile, but her forced laughter could not mask her discontent.
“What? I presented you with a house, a room, and unlimited options, yet you quickly decide on her home?”
With a quick shake of her head, the queen wiped away the annoyance that had been written across her face. She refocused her attention on the avatars and Vincent.
“I understand, Chiaki. My Praetorian Prefect has become a close companion of yours. But the Red Wing is not the only thing on his agenda.”
Vincent spoke up.
“Your Highness, can I ask you something? How was Yu chosen to be your royal guard?”
Just as Yu was about to open his mouth, Lycoris prevented him from responding to Vincent by raising her hand.
“I guess he has not revealed all the aspects of himself. Although I would love to delve into specifics, I would prefer him to be the one to speak when he feels it is appropriate, but I will tell you this. He has served under me during the East Rebellion and for a short time during the Asuran War. It’s his contributions that made me choose him over many others who were equally qualified candidates.”
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