Chapter 2: The Darkness Lurking in the Northern Lands

It was—a place shrouded in untainted darkness.

In the frigid land of Snowria, perpetually cloaked in snow and ice, it lay at the heart of an unknown abyss.

Where exactly was this place? No honest soul walking under the sun would know.

Yet, those in the know were aware. At the bottom of the writhing darkness, it undeniably existed.

In that land, there stood an altar where practitioners of ancient, esoteric secrets gathered—the Silver Dragon Temple.

This was the headquarters of the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》.

“Those foolish idiots! They acted on their own and failed miserably!?”

In the space dominated by darkness, a hysterical, hoarse scream echoed.

From the tone of the voice, the screamer seemed to be an older man.

The reason for such vague phrasing is that, like most members of the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》, the man was cloaked entirely in a white triangular hood and robe, making it difficult to discern his age or gender from appearance alone.

However, his robe bore an odd emblem—a stylized dragon’s head—embroidered upon it, faintly suggesting he held a high-ranking position within the organization.

The headquarters of the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》was located within some ancient ruin. It was a circular chamber constructed from stacked stone blocks engraved with peculiar geometric patterns.

The ceiling was so high it vanished into the darkness, leaving one to question whether it even existed.

Massive pillars, similarly etched with enigmatic patterns, stood scattered throughout the circular space, their tips melting into the lofty darkness above.

At key points within this chamber, several bonfires were lit, their flickering flames barely holding back the heavy darkness that threatened to engulf the space.

At the center stood a massive, pyramid-shaped stone altar.

Stairs ran along the altar’s sloped sides, leading to its summit.

By the side of those stairs stood the high-ranking cult member who had screamed hysterically—Ernest.

He had just received a report of a failed uprising by younger comrades who had acted rashly, and he roared again in fury.

“Those newcomers! Why couldn’t they wait for our orders!? Why can’t they comprehend the will of our Great Elder and the revered Silver Dragon!?”

Looking around the altar, the scene was nothing short of bizarre.

Dozens of white-hooded figures formed multiple concentric circles around the altar, kneeling with hands clasped in prayer, muttering fervently under their breath.

On the floor, connecting these hooded figures, was a massive, sinister magic circle array.

The faint murmurs of their prayers, layered dozens of times, amplified and reverberated, creating an eerie echo within the circular chamber.

Atop the altar stood—a colossal block of ice.

Known to those in the know, this ice was a cursed frost called the “Eternal Ice Crystal,” which never melted or crumbled.

Within that ice block, a single girl was encased.

A human sacrifice, perhaps? The young girl slept peacefully, hands clasped as if in prayer.

By common sense, she could not be alive. Yet, to call her a frozen corpse would be premature—through the ice, her face and skin radiated vitality, as if she were merely asleep.

A mysterious ice-bound girl surrounded by a dubious magical ritual… such was the nature of this place.

“Tch, how infuriating! These shameful disgraces to our proud《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》!”

As Ernest’s bellows rang out, the hooded figures who had brought the report cowered in fear…

At that moment…

“Now, now, don’t make such a fuss, Ernest-sama…”

Zuu…

The woman emerged from the darkness within the darkness of the chamber, as if seeping out from the shadows.

Her lips, vivid as fresh blood, curved into a smile against the backdrop of the dark.

She was an enigmatic woman, elegantly clad in black mourning attire.

She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with raven-black hair and dark eyes reminiscent of a crow’s wet feathers. A sheer veil hung from the toque hat she wore, gracefully obscuring her face.

Yet, even through the veil, the darkness and madness swirling in her profoundly shadowed eyes leaked out, impossible to conceal.

Her mere presence seemed to deepen the surrounding darkness—

“E-Eleanor-dono…!? You’re here…!?”

Eleanor Charlet—Inner Circle of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom,《Adeptus Order》.

A cunning and depraved mage, once a secretary to the queen, who had strutted through the imperial government as if she owned it, engaging in all manner of schemes, now stood there in new guise.

“Those cult members who acted rashly belong to the Outer Circle of the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》… Their actions have no bearing on you, the Inner Circle, do they?”

Like most secret societies, the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》divided its members into the Inner Circle and the Outer Circle.

The Inner Circle was the organization’s core, accessible only to a select few who managed its secrets and operations.

The Outer Circle served as the Inner Circle’s soldiers and operatives.

No matter how many Outer Circle members were captured, the Inner Circle’s secrets would never leak to the outside. Such was the fundamental structure of a secret society.

“After all, they’re just ‘naughty children who joined the cult out of a fascination with dangerous games’… Being able to weed out such people before executing the plan is rather convenient for you, isn’t it, Ernest-sama?”

Kusu kusu, Eleanor chuckled. Her laughter alone seemed to lower the temperature around her.

Determined not to be intimidated, Ernest raised his voice in agitation.

“That may be true… but I’d appreciate it if you refrained from interfering! This is a matter of our organization’s principles!”

The difference in stature between Eleanor and Ernest was glaringly obvious. His attempts to maintain dignity by masking it were nothing short of comical.

“Oh, how lamentable! The younger members these days understand nothing of the noble principles of our《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》! It’s infuriating!”

Yet, without recruiting them, the cult lacked the numbers needed for its activities. Their roster of mages was also limited. In the world of secret societies, the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》was a minor player.

“Now, now, Ernest-sama.”

Embracing the comical Ernest with a smile, Eleanor spoke warmly.

“To overcome such circumstances… isn’t that why you’ve allied with us this time?”

“T-that’s right!”

Ernest snapped irritably.

“If this ritual succeeds, our doctrine, our faith, our principles—all of it will be revived in this modern age! That will be the moment true faith is restored to this great Snowria! Our era will dawn!”

“Indeed. The esoteric secrets the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》has passed down through the ages… combined with the magical arts we possess… When these two unite, your millennia-long aspiration will be fulfilled…”

Kusu kusu kusu

Why did her laughter alone stir such primal fear rooted in instinct?

“…Please, devote yourself fully to this ritual. I trust you’ll do your utmost.”

Eleanor gracefully curtsied, delicately lifting the hem of her mourning dress.

Why, despite her deference, did it feel like she held the upper hand?

“B-but, Eleanor-dono… Is such a thing truly possible?”

Ernest asked, suppressing the sensation of cold sweat under his hood.

“Of course, completing the ritual is our long-cherished dream. But to think it could actually be achieved…”

“There’s no need for concern. Theoretically, it’s entirely feasible. As it happens, I’m quite well-versed in such rituals. Besides…”

Eleanor’s gaze flicked toward the altar—beside the ice block.

Ernest followed her gaze.

Standing beside the ice was a figure in a white hood and robe adorned with particularly lavish embroidery, leaning on an ornate staff, surveying the scene below with authority.

The stooped posture suggested an elderly person.

“The current Master of the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》… the Great Elder.”

Eleanor returned her gaze to Ernest, smiling faintly.

“That esteemed figure decided to proceed with this plan and approached us. Our Grandmaster responded in kind. I, a mere vanguard of the Researchers, am simply following the Grandmaster’s orders to assist the Great Elder. Are you not also acting to fulfill the Great Elder’s will by carrying out this ritual?”

“M-mph… That’s true, but…”

Ernest stared intently at the Great Elder atop the altar.

As if sensing his gaze, the Great Elder nodded back with conviction.

Indeed, everything was already in motion, and Ernest had been entrusted with the task. There was no turning back.

In that case, all that remained was to charge toward the plan’s completion.

“‘All for the sake of the Silver Dragon’… Understood. I’ll rely on your cooperation moving forward, Eleanor-dono.”

“Yes, of course. Leave it to me.”

Bowing courteously in response to Ernest’s words,

Eleanor smiled coldly, lost in thought.

(Phew… Babysitting these children is quite the chore.)

Despite her outward politeness, Eleanor inwardly scorned the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》with utter contempt.

(But so far, everything’s proceeding smoothly. There were a few hiccups, but they’re well within expectations. The ritual is progressing more or less as planned… No issues…)

Then, her expression tightened ever so slightly.

(And this time, that person is also in Snowria… I cannot afford to make a fool of myself in their presence. I must proceed… cautiously, with utmost care.)

Kusu-ri. Eleanor smirked, her smile cutting through the darkness like a streak of crimson.

In the abyssal darkness that seemed to crush all light, she laughed coldly, endlessly.

After the resolution of the hotel occupation incident by the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》,

As the chaos among the people gradually subsided and night fell,

Glenn and his companions were invited to the White Town mayor’s residence, where they were treated to a lavish dinner.

“I never would’ve guessed that you were the Seventh Rank—Septende, Celica Arfonia-san.”

Seated across from Glenn’s group at the long dining table was the 35-year-old mayor of White Town, John Maillart. His refined, slightly boyish features made him appear younger than his age, exuding the air of a gentleman.

“The White Town council, the Silver Dragon Festival committee, and the security officials were all astonished when they heard. It’s truly an honor to meet you in person like this.”

With a gentle smile, he showered Celica with praise.

“Thanks to you, Celica-san, the conflict with the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》was resolved swiftly. All the cult members involved in the hotel occupation were arrested on the spot, and the hostages were all rescued unharmed. The council had some debates about what to do next, but it seems we’ll be able to proceed with the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ starting tomorrow as planned.”

“Hmph, good to hear… (If they’d said it was canceled, I would’ve erased this town from the map.)”

Celica elegantly sliced her fish dish with a knife and fork, bringing it to her mouth with a composed expression.

Glenn, sitting beside her, pretended not to hear the ominous whisper she muttered under her breath.

“However… it’s regrettable that, despite only minor injuries, many of the White Town Patrol Agency’s security officers were harmed. It won’t affect tomorrow’s operations, but still…”

John lowered his eyes sorrowfully.

At those words, Glenn flinched, accidentally biting his fork.

“And to think that Château Snowria, the luxury hotel White Town poured its heart into building, completely collapsed… All because of…”

“Y-Yeah, exactly! As I honestly confessed earlier, it was all the work of those despicable《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》members!”

Sweating profusely, Glenn hurriedly began to explain.

“Seriously, those guys are the worst, aren’t they!? Bringing in such a dangerous bomb! When Celica thwarted their plans, they detonated it out of desperation, completely destroying that glorious, noble hotel. They’re utterly unforgivable, right!? Right!?”

“Huh? Glenn? Isn’t that a bit off? I mean, that was because I—”

“Just shut up! Please, I’m begging you, stay quiet!”

Glenn frantically reached over to cover Celica’s mouth as she sat beside him.

Though Glenn hadn’t explained anything, Sistine and Rumia, sensing the situation, forced awkward smiles while trembling nervously…

“…munch munch”

Re=L, indifferent to it all, piled her plate high with strawberry tarts, stuffing them into her cheeks like a squirrel.

“Mayor! Those guys will probably deny it, saying, ‘It wasn’t us!’ So please, make sure to hold them accountable! The bomb fragments are undeniable evidence, so please, bring the hammer of justice down on them!”

“Of course, that’s a given.”

“Man, what a shame! If we’d handled things a bit better, maybe that luxury hotel wouldn’t have been blown up!?”

“No, no, there’s no need for that. Please don’t let it weigh on you, Glenn-san.”

To calm the seemingly indignant Glenn, John spoke gently.

“A hotel is just a thing. If it’s destroyed, we can rebuild it. But people are different. Let’s simply be grateful that all the guests who came to visit Snowria are safe.”

John then bowed deeply to Celica and Glenn.

“If anything had happened to the guests, we truly would’ve had to cancel the ‘Silver Dragon Festival.’ On behalf of the city, I, John Maillart, mayor of White Town, extend my heartfelt thanks to you both. …Thank you, truly.”

“Damn it! This guy’s too saintly! My heart hurts! It hurts so bad!?”

“Hey, Glenn? What’s with you during dinner? That’s bad manners. A true gentleman or lady should always remain composed and elegant… Oh, sorry, waiter, I’ll have some tea after the meal. Let’s see… Refres’ premium aged tea leaves, steeped for eight minutes, with a pinch of chamomile.”

“Don’t make such a complicated order! Feel some guilt, damn it!”

Glenn barked, eyes bloodshot, at the smug Celica.

Ignoring the noisy banter between Glenn and Celica,

“Um… Mayor?”

Rumia hesitantly raised her hand to ask.

“Even after all that, the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ will go on as planned starting tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, exactly. As scheduled.”

“I was just wondering… why are you so determined to hold the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’? I don’t know the details, but there are people like the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》who fiercely oppose it and resort to extreme measures…”

“Haha, indeed. To outsiders, it might seem a bit strange.”

Without taking offense, John gave a wry smile.

“…We’re committed because the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ is the lifeline of Snowria today.”

Suddenly, a young woman who had been standing silently by John’s side, like a shadow, spoke up.

She was Millia, introduced earlier as John’s maid and secretary.

“Originally, Snowria was a remote frontier of the empire… a textbook example of a dying rural community left behind by modernization. This region is already harsh for human habitation. Depopulation worsened year by year, and Snowria was quietly fading away… That’s the kind of place it was.”

John glanced at Millia as if to say something, but she pressed on, undeterred, as if to say, “No, let me speak.”

“To save our homeland, our master—Mayor John—stepped forward. Having studied the latest economics at Alzano Imperial University in the capital, he turned down offers for high-ranking government positions to return to Snowria and promote regional revitalization policies.”

“Turned down government jobs? Wow, that’s bold…”

“With his exceptional governance, the mayor revived Snowria in the blink of an eye by focusing on tourism. The fact that a railway was built to this remote Snowria is a testament to his negotiation skills and the connections he built during his university days…”

It seemed the man before Glenn and his group was far more remarkable than they’d realized.

“Now, with the cooperation of major firms like the Venus Chamber and the Reidi Chamber, Snowria has transformed beyond recognition.”

“T-that’s incredible…”

“Come to think of it, Snowria’s rise as a tourist destination really only happened recently…”

Rumia and Sistine widened their eyes in amazement.

“Hahaha, it’s not a big deal. I just thought about what I could do for the Snowria I was born and raised in and acted on it.”

“And one of the key attractions of the mayor’s tourism initiatives is the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ starting tomorrow. The economic benefits it brings support the livelihoods of the surrounding communities…”

“Alright, Millia, that’s enough.”

Cutting off Millia’s passionate speech with an embarrassed look, John continued.

“The ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ is a traditional event rooted in the enduring Silver Dragon faith of Snowria.”

“The Silver Dragon… I know about that! Long ago, this region was said to have lived in peace and prosperity thanks to the protection of a dragon god called the Silver Dragon, right?”

“Impressive, as expected of a student from the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Quite the scholar.”

John nodded approvingly at Sistine’s words.

“Exactly. Whether that tale is true or false, whether such a dragon ever existed… the truth is lost to time. But as part of my tourism strategy, I revived the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ to honor the Silver Dragon.”

“Ah… I’m starting to get the picture.”

“Yes, likely just as you’ve surmised.”

John nodded wearily at Sistine.

“The《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》is the most extreme faction of the Silver Dragon faith, marked by the exclusivity typical of frontier regions. Most of its senior members are elderly, and they cannot tolerate their sacred festival—something they believe belongs solely to them—being conducted and commercialized by youngsters like us or outsiders.”

“That’s… a deeply rooted issue.”

“I’ve been trying to negotiate with them to gain their understanding, but they refuse to listen. Still, for the sake of the people living in Snowria today, we cannot afford to cancel the ‘Silver Dragon Festival’ now.”

“Hmph, just ignore those old fossils in the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》.”

Millia spoke sharply, clearly harboring deep resentment.

“For years, the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》dominated Snowria, letting it waste away without doing anything.”

“Millia.”

“The cult’s leaders are obsessed with maintaining their authority and status within the organization, forcing the dragon’s teachings on people and demanding ridiculous donations while never offering so much as a piece of bread to the starving villagers! It’s because of Mayor John that we can now live warm, human lives, and yet—some young people these days even support the《Silver Dragon Cult (S.D.K)》half-jokingly!”

“Millia, you’re an excellent secretary, but you get too emotional.”

Smiling wryly, John calmed Millia and turned back to Glenn’s group.

“…So, that’s the situation. It may not make sense to you, but I hope you can understand.”

“N-No… I’m sorry for asking about such a complicated matter when I know so little.”

Rumia bowed apologetically.

“No, no, it’s fine. More importantly, we welcome you all to our Snowria.”

John smiled gently, reassuring Rumia.

“This time of year, Snowria is filled with attractions and events. As the city’s benefactors, I’ll cover all your lodging and entertainment expenses, so please enjoy your autumn vacation in Snowria to the fullest.”

“Yo, Glenn, you hear that? The mayor’s footing the bill, so let’s go all out and have a blast!”

Celica, ever shameless, took full advantage of John’s saintly generosity.

“Argh, you—!? My heart hurts! It hurts so bad!”

Even Glenn, the self-proclaimed scoundrel, couldn’t hold a candle to Celica’s audacity.

Thanks to Mayor John’s kindness, Glenn and his group were to stay as guests in the luxurious mayor’s residence during their time in Snowria.

Apparently, John preferred a frugal lifestyle, but the citizens insisted that “the city’s leader should live in a home befitting their status,” forcing him into this grand residence.

As a result, while not on the scale of a luxury hotel, the mayor’s residence was still an impressive noble mansion by upper-class standards, with plenty of spare rooms.

Thus, Glenn and Celica were each given private rooms, while Sistine, Rumia, and Re=L shared a large room, serving as their lodging in place of the collapsed hotel.

“Haa… Man, I’m exhausted…”

Glenn let out a deep sigh as he walked down a carpeted hallway in the mayor’s residence.

His attire was casual—disheveled dress shirt, slacks, and a towel around his neck. He had just come from a bath in the residence’s large bathhouse.

Steam rose from his damp hair and flushed skin, but—

“Whoa!? Cold! It’s freezing!”

Shivering, Glenn felt his body heat rapidly dissipate as he walked.

Being a cold-region residence, every room in the mayor’s residence was equipped with fireplaces or coal stoves, keeping the interiors warm and cozy.

But, inevitably, the stairways and hallways were not so fortunate.

Hurrying to slip into some room, Glenn strides quickly down the dimly lit hallway, guided by the faint glow of evenly spaced lamps.

Glancing out the double-paned window, he catches the shadowy dance of cotton-like snow falling steadily outside.

His breath fogs the glass, leaving a white haze on its surface.

“Let’s see, this should be it…”

Glenn opens the nearby door and steps inside.

Just as he’d memorized from the mansion’s floor plan, the room is a lounge.

A warm carpet stretches across the floor, adorned with tasteful furnishings like a chandelier and taxidermy. A fireplace crackles quietly in the back, its gentle heat enveloping Glenn’s chilled body the moment he enters, like a soft embrace.

“Hm?”

Glenn notices someone else is already in the lounge.

“…Hey, Sistine, I don’t get this part… Tell me the answer.”

“Come on, Re=L, you have to try thinking it through yourself first.”

“Muu… Meanie.”

Familiar faces occupy the lounge’s table and sofa.

It’s Sistine, Rumia, and Re=L, all in their nightgowns.

They’re huddled over the table, surrounded by notebooks and textbooks.

“What’re you all up to?”

“Oh, Sensei! Uh, w-wow…”

“H-hey! At least knock before you barge in! Geez!”

Rumia and Sistine blush, hurriedly grabbing jackets from nearby to cover their nightgowns.

““……?””

Glenn and Re=L, clueless about their reaction, merely tilt their heads.

“W-well, we’re using some free time tonight to… you know, work on our fall break assignments together.”

“Even on a trip? …Talk about diligent.”

Glenn mutters, clearly exasperated.

“You could at least forget about that stuff while we’re traveling.”

“What’s wrong with it, honestly…”

Sistine retorts, sounding mildly annoyed.

“Well, the Silver Dragon Festival starts tomorrow. Get some sleep, alright?”

Glenn heads toward the door on the opposite side of the lounge from where he entered.

Beyond that door lies a staircase leading to his room.

As Glenn passes by Sistine and the others—

“Oh, right! Hey, Sistie, why don’t we ask Glenn-sensei about that part from earlier?”

“…You’re right, that’s a good idea.”

Hearing their exchange, Glenn pauses.

“What’s up?”

“Um, well…”

Sistine holds out a magic textbook toward Glenn.

“This problem here, the array part—I don’t quite get why it works this way.”

“Oh? Let the great Glenn Radars-sama take a look.”

With a smug grin, Glenn takes the textbook and examines the origin array formula written within.

“Right, this one. The array conversion in this case follows a special rule… uh, let’s see… huh?”

Normally, Glenn would rattle off a clear, concise explanation without missing a beat.

“Wait, what? Uh… what was it again? It’s right on the tip of my tongue… damn it, I can’t recall… uh, uhh…”

But today, unusually, Glenn’s words falter.

“Damn it! Sorry! I’m totally blanking on this one. Argh, so frustrating!”

“Wow, it’s rare to see you struggle like this, Sensei.”

“Haha, even you have moments like this, huh?”

Sistine and Rumia blink in surprise, watching Glenn flounder.

“U-um, Sensei? S-sorry, I didn’t mean to trouble you during the trip. If you can’t figure it out now, it’s fine—you can explain it when we’re back!”

Sistine says this considerately, but her words seem to prick what little pride Glenn has left as a teacher.

“Gah! Just hold on a sec!”

Clutching the textbook, Glenn starts to storm off.

“Sensei!? Where are you going!?”

“Damn it, I’m gonna ask Celica! I’ll be right back!”

So childish, Sistine thinks, her exasperated yet fond gaze following Glenn as he hurries out of the lounge.

“Argh! To think I—of all people—would forget something so basic!”

Gnashing his teeth in frustration, Glenn stomps down the hallway.

The sting of failing to answer something he should know by heart makes him oblivious to the chilly air dominating the corridor.

“Let’s see, Celica’s room is… that way, right?”

Crossing the hallway and climbing a staircase, Glenn soon stands before Celica’s door.

“Ugh, she’s definitely gonna mock me… ‘You don’t even know that?’ …So depressing.”

Yet, for some reason, not being able to answer Sistine and the others’ question feels even worse.

Resigning himself, Glenn raises his hand to knock—but pauses.

He stops short, hearing voices from beyond the door.

“…Celica?”

Unable to resist, Glenn presses his ear to the door.

“—Just stop it already, you!?”

Though muffled through the door, it’s unmistakably Celica’s voice.

“How many times do I have to say it!? I don’t even remember that mission anymore—!”

Celica, usually so flippant and teasing, sounds genuinely agitated—furious, even.

Her conversation partner must be speaking softly, as Glenn can’t hear them from outside.

“—I know. I know that! But even so, I—!”

Gradually, Celica’s words begin to carry a tinge of unbearable anguish.

She sounds on the verge of clutching her head and breaking down in tears.

“…Stop it… please, just stop… don’t say any more… I’m begging you…”

Who could possibly be pushing Celica to such a breaking point?

In an instant, Glenn’s blood boils with rage.

“Oi! You bastard!”

Reflexively, Glenn kicks the door open and bursts into the room.

“Glenn!?”

Celica, seated on a sofa with her back to him, whips around in shock.

Undeterred, Glenn storms inside—

“I don’t know who you are, but what the hell do you want with Celica, huh!?”

He glares, ready to confront the vile person tormenting Celica.

Or rather, he tries to glare.

“…Huh?”

In the next moment, Glenn freezes, stunned.

Because—across the table from Celica, in the entire room—

There’s no one else but Celica.

“W-what’s going on…? Who were you just talking to…?”

Suppressing the icy chill creeping up his spine, Glenn looks at Celica.

“……”

Celica remains silent for a moment, but then—

“Uh… haha, hahaha… looks like I worried you, huh!”

She suddenly pulls a gem-shaped communication device from her pocket and holds it up for Glenn to see.

“…I was just having a long-distance call with an old acquaintance, you know… yeah.”

“……”

“We’ve been at odds over a certain matter for a while, but… don’t worry. I’ve cut ties with them. Feels refreshing, haha!”

Glenn, feeling a faint dryness in his throat, stares at Celica.

“Also, seriously, you. Even with our history, you’ve gotta knock before barging into a lady’s room. Geez… at your age, with no sense of tact? Your mom’s worried, you know.”

Celica seems her usual self. She looks like her usual self.

She’s acting as she always does… yet, for some reason, Glenn feels a faint unease.

“Anyway, more importantly… hey, Glenn.”

To Glenn’s uncertain expression, Celica flashes her usual mischievous, scheming grin.

“We came all this way, so let’s make the most of the Silver Dragon Festival starting tomorrow, yeah?”

“Y-yeah…”

Faced with such a Celica, Glenn can only nod vaguely in response.