"In that case, my sister will become the wife of His Majesty the Emperor. Inevitably, we also got much closer to the goal that we siblings had set our hearts on!"

"Goal… are you talking about the revenge you spoke of before?"

"That's right! Revenge against the world!"

With a clap of his hands and eyes sparkling, the blond gentleman Flop O'Connell answered, causing the woman named Taritta Shudrak, who was facing him, to widen her eyes slightly.

Though it seemed she was more surprised by Flop's enthusiasm than his answer, a smile soon spread across her lips. To laugh upon hearing the rather dangerous-sounding word 'revenge' was indeed fitting for a formidable woman of the Shudrak tribe, which was the pride of the Vollachia Empire.

Flop, who could color the air around such a remarkable woman with his own hue, was quite something as well.

Observing the two from the passageway of the fortress, leaning against the handrail with her chin in her hand, Ram evaluated both Flop and Taritta in this way.

Though it was a scene she came across by chance, she thought it was an interesting encounter.

—Ever since the reunion at the Imperial Capital Battle, Ram had held a good impression of the Shudrak.

Generally, in the Vollachia Empire, those Ram found hard to part with were just the Shudrak and Serena, who had a complicated position involving Roswaal.

She was also grateful to Katya, Rem's friend—

"—Ram, what are you doing in a place like this?"

"Oh, Mizelda. I was just observing your sister's love affairs from above."

"Ho, that's a good hobby. Let's see."

With that, the strong-eyed beauty Mizelda aligned herself next to Ram, leaning against the handrail.

Mizelda, who was Taritta's elder sister, narrowed her eyes as she watched Taritta converse with Flop below. Seeing a slight trace of concern on Mizelda's face, Ram also narrowed her pale cherry-colored eyes.

"You, worried about your sister? That’s unlike you."

"Unlike me, you say? Just how well do you know me? It’s only been a few days."

"Do we need more time? You and me?"

"Hahaha, not at all."

At Ram's question, Mizelda opened her mouth and laughed heartily. After laughing, Mizelda slowly shook her head from side to side and said,

"I feel the word ‘worry’ is too weak. So, I shall say I'm concerned."

"Yes. But of course. You are Taritta's sister, after all. Just like me, I'm always worried about Rem. In your words, I'm always concerned about her."

"However, Subaru is unquestionably a good man. His eyes are unfortunate, though."

"—. It seems it will take some time for you and I to agree on that point."

Ram lowered the tone of her voice slightly, to which Mizelda, who heard it, laughed again. Casting a sidelong glance at her smile, Ram looked down once more and said,

"So, you doubt that gentleman's character?"

"No, Flop is also a good man. His features are a bit too soft, but there's no doubt he's pleasing to the eye. Taritta should understand that too."

Her response was a mix of evaluating his character and appearance, making it hard to grasp the essence clearly. Nevertheless, Ram felt she could understand Mizelda's concerns.

And that was something neither an outsider like Ram nor even a blood-related sister could intrude upon or direct the concerned parties about.

It truly was a situation that could be described as 'a sister's heart, unbeknownst to her sister.'

"I like you more and more, Mizelda."

"Is that so? If you were a man, I would have made you my husband."

Both sisters had plenty to say about their younger sisters' love lives.

Physically and emotionally side by side, Ram and Mizelda watched as the interaction between Flop and Taritta continued below.

"Listen, Miss Taritta! I might have mentioned this before, but if I did, let me say it again!"

Flop extended his hand to the sky, opening and closing his palm as if trying to grab the distant white clouds or the sun showering its rays.

"If you proclaim grand goals and dreams and want to achieve them, you must seize the opportunities that come your way with all your might. This unexpected connection with His Excellency the Emperor was truly a golden opportunity worthy of risking one's life!"

"And this marriage between His Excellency and Medium... did Medium properly agree to it?"

"Of course! ...I wish I could say that, but naturally, a marriage proposal caused quite an uproar! It was the biggest argument in the history of my sister and me! But still..."

"But still?"

"Prioritizing revenge on the world over the happiness of one's close family is putting the cart before the horse. In that sense, I don't intend to make any proposals that Medium would seriously refuse."

"------"

As Flop softened his eyes, Taritta cast down her sharp gaze.

The marriage between Vincent Vollachia and Medium O'Connell, which Flop had proposed and the Emperor had accepted, was a well-known fact among those concerned.

Moreover, the rumor had spread quite widely among the common people.

When you think about it, it was probably a strategy by Berstetz or Serena to spread the news that Vincent had taken an Empress. Despite the lingering euphoria of the victory over the 'Great Calamity,' the reports coming from all over the Empire were mostly disasters. However, people need hope.

That's why a celebratory event—one that would universally resonate with the Imperial citizens—was ideal.

"A cunning man in a cunning country."

Ram wasn't sure how far Flop had thought ahead when he proposed it.

But since he made the decisive move at the critical moment, there must have been some calculations. And these calculations likely existed among Vincent, who accepted it, and the influential figures who gave their tacit approval.

At the very least, as Flop said, the political pawn Medium didn't harbor any hatred toward Vincent.

Flop, who proposed this engagement, certainly did consider this fact. —He should serve as an example to some other internal affairs officers who deceive themselves with their own detrimental behaviors like medicine.

Watching the exchange from the sidelines, Ram glanced at the profile next to her and asked,

"Speaking of which, don't you have any particular feelings about Emperor Vincent?"

"That's a foolish question, Ram. It goes without saying that Abel is handsome. But, according to the customs of the 'Shudrak' people, it's tradition to bring the groom back to the forest. Since I can't bring Abel back, that man is no more than eye candy to me."

"I see..."

"No, I was wrong. —To me, Abel is an eye-catching comrade-in-arms."

"I see."

Crossing her arms and declaring firmly, Mizelda received a quiet nod from Ram.

With that, their curiosity satisfied, the two eavesdroppers turned their attention back to the conversation below.

Both filled with a sense of frustration, Flop, who told Medium not to force things, continued while looking down, "Flop is amazing."

"Not only does he consider his own goals, but also the people around him and takes action accordingly. He doesn't hesitate when it's time to make a decision. ... Truly, he's admirable."

"—? That's a rather strange thing to say, Miss Taritta."

"Eh... Did I say something strange?"

"Yes, you did. Because the reason I could muster the courage to make such decisions was that I followed your example, Miss Taritta!"

"———"

Flop pointed sharply at himself, leaving Taritta wide-eyed with surprise. So much so that it seemed her thoughts had come to a halt.

As evidence, she instinctively twisted the finger Flop had pointed at her and pressed him against the wall.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!!"

"Ah, ahhh, I'm sorry! I was so shocked... I reacted reflexively!"

"No, no, no, I'm the one who should apologize for acting carelessly. As expected, the leader of the Shudrak tribe is trained differently. I need to learn not only from your mindset but also from your other aspects."

"Mindset..."

"Yes, mindset. That's precisely what impressed me the most about you."

As he shook his twisted arm, Flop smiled at Taritta. However, Taritta, who had no idea what he was talking about, could only look bewildered.

Seeing Taritta's reaction, Flop gazed at her with a fond, affectionate smile,

"When Miss Mizelda was unfortunate enough to injure her leg, you unexpectedly had to take over as the leader. You must have struggled. It must have been hard! But you made a decision and undertook the role strongly. From your actions, I learned the importance of not shying away from crucial decisions."

"Flop..."

"That's why I wanted to thank you. That was one of the two reasons I called you here! — And there’s one more reason."

Flop raised one finger of his left hand, then one finger of his right hand. Taritta widened her eyes at his words and stuttered, "One more reason..."

Receiving that murmur from Taritta, Flop theatrically lowered both hands with extended fingers and said:

"A day like today will never come again. Tomorrow is not necessarily guaranteed to arrive. Through this war, I was reminded of something I thought I already understood. I am grateful to the kind person who has kindled this flame in my eyes, to the kind person who has created this moment. And—"

"—"

"Miss Taritta, I have a great fondness for your way of being and your way of thinking. To put it more bluntly, I want to be with you! So, how about becoming Taritta O'Connell?"

"—Ah."

"In order to obtain what you truly want, you must not let opportunities slip by. It's something I have learned, without exception, from you."

Smiling and winking, Flop's words were unmistakably a proposal.

For Taritta, it must have been as shocking as the sky falling down. But, at the same time, it should have been a joy as incredible as flowers blooming all over the ground.

As a fellow woman, Ram herself felt the desire to applaud the blessing bestowed upon her.

However—

"But, I—"

Seeing the anguished face of Taritta as she muttered this, Ram narrowed her light crimson eyes.

The root of Taritta's reaction had been revealed moments earlier in her interaction with Medium.

As per Shudrak tradition, a bridegroom must be brought back to the forest settlement.

However, Flop, being Medium’s brother and a future consort, would have many duties and tasks to fulfill in the imperial capital. It would be completely irresponsible to abandon all of that and leave Medium in the imperial capital.

Understanding this, Taritta's hesitation crushed her joy.

What had given Flop courage—the inheritance of the Shudrak clan leader’s title, which had brought their hearts together—had now become an obstacle preventing their union.

Taritta, with her strong sense of responsibility, was about to accept that unfairness—and at that moment,

"Don't worry, Taritta!"

"—. Ah, Sister?"

At the unexpected voice, Taritta's eyes widened in shock.

Until this very moment, she hadn’t realized that Ram and Mizelda were on the walkway above her. She exchanged glances with Mizelda, who was gripping the handrail tightly.

Seeing her younger sister like this, Mizelda let out a small sigh, then lifted her right leg—her wooden prosthetic leg from the knee down—and slammed it onto the railing with a thud.

And then—

“Can someone who wavers between the duties of the chieftain and a man properly fulfill the role of chieftain?! I learned how to fight on one leg in the battles up until now! If you’re so pathetic, just quit being the chieftain!”

“What…! Please wait, Sister! That is…”

“No, I won’t wait! A pathetic-looking sister like you is unnecessary for the Shudrak!”

Shouting this firmly, Mizelda took her foot off the railing and turned her back. With uneven footsteps due to her different legs, Mizelda walked away along the walkway.

Watching Mizelda’s retreating figure, Ram sighed.

“Is this your way of giving your sister a push?”

“If you don’t say it, she won’t understand. Ram, soon it won’t be someone else’s problem for you, either.”

“Disgusting.”

Unwilling to hear any more, Ram twisted her cheek in response.

Deciding it would be unseemly to stay, Ram moved to follow Mizelda’s retreating figure.

“Mizelda-san! I’m deeply grateful! Is there anything I can do for you?”

In place of a bewildered Taritta, Flop called out to Mizelda who had made a major decision. Not turning back or stopping, Mizelda waved her hand and replied,

“It’s decided. Send a strong, robust, handsome man as an envoy to the Shudrak settlement. Then, the treaty between the Empire and us will be maintained.”

“—. Haha! Understood, Mizelda-san! No, my sister-in-law!”

Between Mizelda and Flop, a decision had been made over the head of the actual person involved.

And Ram knew that the decision would soon be accepted by the one left out.

“—”

The sound of Taritta’s footsteps approaching Flop after kicking the ground reached Ram’s ears clearly as she continued to chase Mizelda’s back.

“Is it alright to decide on resuming the role of chieftain on your own?”

“If someone’s not satisfied, they can just take it from me. But…”

Mizelda, who had just spoken, turned her piercing gaze forward. Following that gaze, Ram understood why she had stopped speaking.

At the end of the corridor, waving their hands, were the women of Shudrak—Kuna and Holly. They greeted Mizelda and, jerking their chins downward, said,

"How is it? Has Taritta become more obedient?"

"Yes. Even though she’s my sister, she’s quite a handful."

"But you know, that can’t be helped. After all, she's the chieftain's sister."

"Well, until we all discuss it, Taritta is the chieftain... Oh, I don't really mind. Personally, I have no objection to Mizelda returning as the chieftain. Probably the others don’t mind either."

Responding with understanding smiles, Kuna and Holly made Ram realize just how much Taritta loved and was loved by her tribe.

Reflecting on this, Ram embraced herself and said,

"Even though it was by chance, it was worth the trouble of being a bystander."

"Hearing just that makes it sound pretty bad."

"If the chieftain wasn't there, it would have been a terrible scene. It's a ridiculous story."

As Ram made her remark, she received a barrage of responses from Holly and Kuna. Beside her, Mizelda slightly relaxed her intense gaze and looked up at the sky with a gentle expression.

Looking at the sky that was annoyingly clear,

"Since losing her Soul-Sister Mariuli, Taritta has been in a slump. You guys understand how much that means, right?"

"...Indeed."

"Exactly."

"This is the time for change. I will consider this as a blessing that Taritta has earned."

Ram heard a word she did not know, understood only by the three women of Shudrak.

It was likely a relationship with no blood ties, perhaps akin to the relationship between Kuna and Holy. Their strong bond hinted at the magnitude of the connection Taritta had lost.

And Ram knew well that what is lost cannot simply be replaced.

"------"

The empire had won. But in exchange for that victory, too much had been lost. Even in her immediate surroundings, the wounds inflicted on Rem, Emilia, and Subaru were substantial.

Just being by someone's side and continuing to speak to them cannot always be a remedy for such wounds. It's a terribly cruel and irresistibly unreasonable principle――.

"――Give thanks to the pledge of our ancestors and the pride of our ancestral spirits."

"「「――Give thanks.」」"

Mizelda, Kuna, and Holly bless Taritta, who found the only way to resist what was ahead of them, in the manner of the 'People of Shudrak.'

Following their way, Ram also closed her eyes and participated in a part of that prayer.

And then, she thought.

――The irrationality of the fact that there is no way to save the hearts of all who mourn what is lost.

"Give thanks."

She whispered these words to the pledge and pride within herself, different from those of the Shudrak.

△▼△▼△▼△

The wheels of the wheelchair made a rattling sound as they turned.

It was a sound she had grown completely accustomed to, but the occasional stuttering noise was due to the remnants of the chaos, such as the pieces of fallen rubble and the cracks in the corridor that had yet to be fully repaired.

Rem, worried about leaving such places to Katya alone, took on the role of pushing her wheelchair from behind.

"So, it seems that your brother's defense of His Majesty the Emperor was highly appreciated. He's been given the role of guarding His Majesty closely as an independent 'General'."

"Is that so? That brother of yours..."

"You seem like you have something to say. … No, you don't have to say it. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably the same as what I'm thinking."

Without turning around, Katya grabbed the braid hanging over her shoulder and her voice trembled.

Rem didn't say much, but she likely agreed with Katya's thoughts. Therefore, she decided to keep her feelings about Jamal to herself, as requested by Katya.

Whatever the case, he was her blood-related brother whom she had sent off with so much anxiety. Katya, who wasn't very straightforward, must have been relieved that he returned safely.

Yes, him returning safely is what matters most.

"Lady Priscilla..."

Suddenly, as she let her guard down, she was seized by an emotion that tightened her chest, and Rem uttered those words.

In Rem's mind, her pale blue eyes downcast, appeared the image of a beautiful woman, like a flame wrapped in vivid red――the 'Sun Princess' who had kept Rem by her side for just a short time.

With her unshakable demeanor, Priscilla radiated a heat that consumed everything around her. In her characteristic graceful way that allowed no one else near, she ended her own life.

In the final conversation, which she didn't know would be their last, she couldn't forget a single word exchanged with her.

However—

"You said I had a core like a diamond, but I don't understand."

It had been a few days since they last saw each other, and during what turned out to be their final exchange, Priscilla praised Rem for her current state. At that time, Rem could accept it with pride.

But she couldn't understand it anymore. Because Priscilla was no longer there.

"Hey, Rem, is it really okay for you to stay with me?"

"Huh?"

Suddenly, the wheelchair she was pushing was stopped, and Rem was startled. When she looked, Katya was gripping the wheels tightly, forcefully stopping their movement.

Doing something like that must have hurt Katya's delicate hands greatly.

"Katya—"

"It's fine. Right now, my hands don't matter. More importantly, it's about you."

"About me..."

"You don't have to stay with me like this. You have your sister, people who knew you before, and even that noisy guy..."

"No, that's not it."

Katya stared intently at Rem, who interrupted her words and silently mouthed "mugu" as she was beginning to speak faster. Rem shook her head, appreciating the concern behind her words.

Certainly, her sister, Frederica, and Petra could be sources of support for Rem. But even they couldn't fill the void left by Priscilla. They didn't know the days and times Rem spent with Priscilla.

And the last person Katya was about to mention, Subaru—

"I don't want to lean on him in his current state."

"You mean he can't be relied on?"

"No, that's not it... I don't want to rely on him. I hate it. Becoming just one of the many people who depend on him."

"——"

Katya was wide-eyed at Rem's response, and so was Rem herself. She hadn't understood her own feelings clearly until she said it out loud.

When she said it out loud, she was able to come to terms with it.

"Somehow, Ms. Katya, you always seem to see my flaws."

"I don't think it's just that. In the first place, if we are talking about shame, I have plenty of my own... No, don't make me think about those things! Just thinking about the trouble I cause others by merely existing makes me want to die... or at least, it becomes painful!"

Katya, considering Rem's feelings, probably avoided saying "want to die."

Rem slightly relaxed the corners of her mouth at Katya's somewhat clumsy consideration. Not overly concerned or empathetic, Katya's presence provided a sense of relief.

Indeed, she had asked whether she should stay by her side.

"Being with you, Ms. Katya, makes me feel at ease. You immediately make a fuss and draw my attention away."

"Is that a compliment? Are you trying to compliment me? Because if so, you really lack talent in that area."

While Rem intended to express sincere gratitude, Katya gave her a sharp look, making her feel misunderstood. In this manner, Rem and Katya were walking through the fortress.

A voice saying "Oh hey" could be heard, causing Rem to look up. There he saw a young man with gray hair casually waving at them with a grin.

Though Rem had no recollection of him, Katya let out a small "ah" and—

"Do you know him?"

"Not that well, he's just a slacker."

"A slacker?"

"Well, well, remembering me like that is hurtful. Although back at that time, it wasn't really far from the truth, was it?"

The young man, not rushing but rather leisurely, tried to correct Katya's impression. As he approached, Rem, slightly wary, tightened her grip on the wheelchair's handles.

Noticing Rem's state, the young man stopped and raised both hands.

"Please don't worry. I'm not the kind of person who would harm anyone. I'm just a pitiful person who has lost their only redeeming quality and is retreating in disgrace."

"Retreating in disgrace... are you going somewhere? Skipping out again? At a time when everyone is struggling and supporting one another?"

"That's why I said, it's different. I do agree with the situation being what it is, though."

With a wry smile, the young man looked back—at the fortress city which had just begun its reconstruction, spread his thin arms wide to the sides, and said,

"I've been looking from too high up until now. From now on, I'm going to firmly press my feet on the ground and live by looking closely at what's in front of me."

"...I don't understand. What kind of declaration is that?"

"I'm showing respect, young lady. I had no certainty I'd meet you, but perhaps this was the last act of grace from the stars."

Katya did not change her puzzled expression at the young man's vague remarks. Meanwhile, Rem remained cautious, but it seemed clear that this young man had no malice or hostility towards Katya.

On the contrary, as he had stated himself, there seemed to be a kind of respect for her.

It was unclear if this was related to Katya calling him a slacker.

"You, young lady, have saved the Vollachia Empire. The brightness of the rising sunlight and the activities of the people visible from here were wrested by you from 'destiny.'"

"Are you mocking me?"

"No, no, no, not at all. I was acting according to 'destiny,' but being surprised by His Majesty the Emperor or General Chisha scarcely fazed me. That's why it's only you."

"I really don't understand. It just feels like you're holding a grudge because I scolded you for slacking off. But still—"

The young man gave a wry smile at Katya's response, but she cut him off there. Then she mumbled a bit, pointed to Rem behind her, and said,

"The reason I was there was because I was accompanying this Rem. And in the first place, I met this child at the Chancellor's mansion, which was because of Todd... oh, anyway!"

Katya pointed sharply at Rem, then turned that finger towards the young man.

And then—

"Even if I'm praised in ways I don't understand with logic or reason, I'm not getting carried away. Generally, telling a woman with a bad leg that she's amazing or special is suspicious! What can I do alone? It's all thanks to other people!"

"Ka-Katya-san, isn't that a bit too much...?"

"Huh? Aren't you pushing my wheelchair right now? Try letting the wheels get stuck in a hole in the floor. I'd turn into bones right there!"

Rem was overwhelmed by Katya's bold voice.

While he recognized that Katya's mix of humility and reliance on others was a positive aspect of her thinking--

"Ha, haha, ha-ha-ha-ha!"

As Rem was thinking that, the young man clasped his stomach and started laughing wholeheartedly. Katya flinched at his reaction, and in a flustered manner, asked, "W-What?", but Rem somehow seemed to understand why the young man couldn't help but laugh.

Caught between Rem's vague understanding and Katya's incomprehension, the young man wiped the tears at the corners of his eyes with his fingers and said,

"Ha, I'm glad we talked. If you told me something like that dismissed 'fate,' I wouldn't be able to say anything anymore."

"I don't feel satisfied just because you selfishly feel content..."

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to get someone around you to do something about that. Well then, this is goodbye."

"Where are you headed?"

At those words, Rem instinctively asked the young man who had picked up the small luggage at his feet.

She didn't even know the young man's name, had no reason to stop him, yet she didn't want the young man who had appreciated Katya to meet with misfortune.

In response to Rem's question, the young man pointed towards Mount Gildre, which the fortress carried on its back, and said,

"For now, outside the Empire. Well then, take care."

He gave only that reply, and as the young man turned his back and started walking away, neither Rem nor Katya could find words to call him back. They merely wished for his path, bright and clear, to be blessed with happiness.

The reason he could walk away with his back straight like that was because of Rem and Katya, and because of all those many people, more than anything, because she had paved the future with her shining way of life.

"All thanks to others..."

"W-What is it, do you have any complaints? Sure, I admit I overdid it a bit with my extreme argument, but..."

"No. I thought it was very like you, Katya, and it was very good. I also want to make sure I don't mistakenly think I can stand all on my own."

Responding to Katya who occasionally glanced over, Rem stroked her own legs. Watching that gesture, Katya, with downcast eyes,

"At some point, you were able to walk normally, you know?"

"It seems that the mana that should have been flowing through my body wasn't flowing properly... It might also have an effect on Katya-san's legs."

"...I'm fine. I'll have my brother or someone else push my wheelchair. Besides,"

"Besides?"

"--for a while longer, you'll be pushing it, right?"

With a hint of fear, Katya said this, and Rem slightly widened her eyes, but soon softened her gaze and nodded, "Yes."

Both Rem and Katya understood that the phrase "for a while longer" did not imply a very long time, and their exchange was based on this understanding.

Surely, before long, there would be a farewell between Katya and Rem—when Rem would return to the place she once belonged with Ram, who had come to pick her up, and Subaru, she would feel a sharp pain.

However, farewells with Katya and the people of this land would be farewells filled with hope for a reunion. It was her last…,

"Sympathy? Or are you being mean, Priscilla-san?"

'Rem, follow your heart. Your heart is wavering, but those ripples are by no means unsightly.'

In Rem's mind, the words Priscilla said to her last time echoed.

A wavering heart—it must mean the weakness within Rem that would always, from now on, rise up like bubbles and try to disturb her peace.

But, she didn't want to be someone who would especially reject and cling to the thought of distancing those feelings.

Because that Priscilla, who shined on Rem like a flame for such a short time, someone who never mistook what she saw as certain, said that Rem's 'ripples' were not unsightly.

—Therefore, please forgive that my heart wavers at the reality of you disappearing. Until the day when those ripples eventually settle and I can remember you without tears.