Part 60: Always remember you have friends you can rely on. And you'll always, always have me.

-In My Heart-





Can't believe this...



(Tossing on a scarf...Trying to look cool, huh? I hope you're taking care of yourself.)



(What's he doing helping those bandits?)
(Why won't he...Why won't he let me help him...?)



(Doing crazy stuff like attacking an army base...And your eyes are so cold, like when we first met...And...And...)



Woman's Voice: Estelle?
Wha--?!





I was worried when you just wandered off like that, Estelle. What's wrong? Airsickness finally getting to you?
Ah, no, don't worry. I'm not sick or anything, really.
Well, all right.
Ahhh! The weather is fantastic today.
To think there are people plotting dark deeds under a peaceful sky like this.
Mmm. 'Goddess, what fools these mortals be.'
Yeah...
Estelle. Honey. You don't need to suffer alone, all right?
Er.
I won't ask what you talked about with Nial, but...Always remember you have friends you can rely on. And you'll always, always have me.
Ah...
Of course, if you really want to sort it out on your own, that's fine.
But every one of us wants to help you if we can. Don't forget that.
Um...Schera...
Hmm-hmm. That's all, don't worry.
It'll be a while before we reach Bose. The ship will be stopping in Rolent on the way, though, so remember to get in your seat before then.
I will.



Maybe speaking to everyone for a bit will clear my head.



Anton: I'm not one to smolder away in the capital! That's not me, no, sirree! I'm going to travel Liberl, wherever my legs can take me! I know that, somewhere out there, there's someone who needs me! And I'm gonna find that someone!
Ricky: So suddenly, Anton decides he absolutely needs to go to Bose. This, uh, happens a lot, so I'm tagging along to keep an eye on him. Could be fun playing tourist while along for the ride, at least.



Passenger: Now it's almost upon us. This is a real victory for Queen Alicia's diplomatic efforts, I suppose. So...real peace with the Empire, huh? Thinking about it, it sure seems like the last ten years flew by.



Passenger: It's been ten years since the Hundred Days War...Perhaps it IS time we make proper peace with the Empire.



Bloom: I couldn't find any girls Rinon would like, even in Grancel! What am I going to do for that boy...? I'm just glad I met this girl to talk to on the trip back. I'm sure Rinon would like her a lot, but...Sadly, it seems like this girl's going on to Bose.
Kitty: This lady said she runs a store in the city of Rolent. I'm part of the staff for Edel's in Grancel, so we got to talking about that...I bet it'd be wonderful to run your own store! Who cares if it's a tiny hole in the wall, even? Oh, I wish I could have a store of my own someday! I'd love to go see this lady's store...But I'm heading out to Bose to spend my precious, precious vacation time! It's kind of a pity, since we just got to know each other and all...



Passenger: Rolent itself isn't too famous, though, so they're all kind of secret. Hmm, I should try them before someone writes a guide or something.
Other Passenger: Rolent up next, hm? I'm not going there today, but I'd like to spend some time on a farm there someday. Delicious food, clean mountain air...The perfect place to refine one's beauty. Heehee...Plus, my guy wants to go fishing, so there'd be something for him to do as well! The Rolent region's one of those places I'd just love to go to be touristy as heck for a while.



Captain Petrov: The green, rolling hills of Rolent when viewed from up here are something else, eh? Staring at such a sea of green is calming and...healing, somehow.
Crew Mem. Roger: No need to alter course at the moment, Helmsman. You may leave the rudder as it is. Keep our course steady...We'll be starting our descent to Rolent soon.
Crew Mem. Quint: Waaah, doot-do... ♪ Yes, understood. Maintaaaaining current coooourse, la-de-da-daaaaaa... ♪ Waaah, wooooh... ♪ Doot-doo-da-dee-doot-doo... ♪



Tita! What'cha doing?
Oh, Estelle!
Um, I was kind of thinking about things...
Things? Like what?
Well...um...
Estelle? I'm not really reliable, am I?
Huuuh...?
You seem like you're worried about something...But is it something I can't help with?
Oh. Um...
Oh, man. Even Tita sees right through me.
I knew it!
I knew it was kinda selfish to ask to come along, and I'm not really much help...I...I couldn't even stop Renne...I'm just holding you back, aren't I?
Tita...
Oh, you little dummy. You're worried about THAT?
But, but!
I'm not really...worried, you see. It's more like I'm confused about something. I don't think it's really something anyone can solve for me, so...I just need some time to think on my own, okay?
But, Estelle...Isn't there anything I can do to help?
You bet there is.



Huh?
Wawawaaaaaaah!
Mmmmmmmmm! This is so relaxing. So soft, so cuddly, so warm...I could squeeze you aaaaall day!
Awww, Esteeeeeelle!
Tita, having you along is a big help, okay? I don't just mean your mechanical knowledge, even though that's part of it. Just seeing you smile cheers me up a lot.
Oh...
Even Renne looked like she had a lot of fun when she was playing with you, right? Now, maybe that was all just an act to fool us so she could do Evil Ouroboros Stuff, or something...But you know what? Somehow, I can't believe it was all a lie. You reached her. I know it.
You really think so?
Oh...I hope so!
Haha. There's that smile. Eeeeexcellent. Your smile is the best, you know!
Now, you're also cute and huggable when you're all sniffly and sad, but...
Oooh, Estelle...
Thank you, Estelle. Thank you...I'm gonna go back to my seat, okay?
Okay! See you in a bit.



No, actually, the reporter came to talk to Estelle. Estelle seemed...bothered after they spoke. I did wonder wha--
Heh. Well, that answers that...
Yes, that's fine. We needn't report anything to the Royal Army yet. I imagine 'he' has predicted all of this, anyway...
Hahaha! I called it perfectly, no? Well, to be honest, it was little more than a wild guess. But I suppose even jokes can be true, sometimes...even the bad ones...
I know, I know. You needn't raise your voice so, my friend. Regardless, you're to see to our preparations the moment you return to the Imperial capital. Yes...So that he might intervene, if possible.
As always, you have my 'special' thanks.



Ah, Joshua. To think you'd be a match for Mueller! I suppose I should have expected nothing less from one of Ouroboros' chosen.
Still, that's one guess I dearly wish hadn't been true...
What's true now?



And what the heck are you whispering about down here? You and--
Huh?
Olivier, who were you talking to?
Ah, whatever could you mean?
Do you truly believe I would engage in a secret soiree with a woman other than my Estelle?
I can only pray. But c'mon. I know I heard you talking with someone.
Ha-ha-ha! Oh, my! You heard me talking to myself, did you?
Talking...to yourself?
Well, talking to myself like a madman wouldn't quite be accurate...
I was going over lines from a play I once performed in, wherein I was the leading man.
Play lines? But why here?
Our destination, Bose, is the closest city in Liberl to my homeland. As we draw closer to it, I must confess I feel the pull of...homesickness. I fear that memories of home cannot help but tumble from my mouth!
Oh, uh, okay...
Do you think I have cottage cheese for a brain or something?
Er. Well.
Y'know, there're a LOT of suspicious things about you, Olivier. I remember you were talking with Dad about something secret too.
You mind coming straight with me about why you're REALLY here?
Mmm. To think you've become such a bloodhound for the truth.
You've grown, Estelle.
I've had good teachers.
So talk already, Mister Erebonian Suspicious Person.
Hm. Allow me to relieve some of your worries in exchange for my silence. I would ask that you grant me that small favor.
Uh...
You are troubled over the theft of the bandit airship, yes? I do not think that will prove to be a problem.
What?! Why not?!
You recall our earlier conversation?
The fact that the bandits are led by former Erebonian nobility is an embarrassing blemish on the Empire's image. Liberl does not wish to exacerbate the issue any more than we do, however, as it could impede the signing of the pact.
So if anything, the theft of the ship, at this exact moment, conveniently sweeps aside a problem.
Is that...really how it would work?
Well. If the bandits return to their old ways in Liberl's skies, that will be a different story. I find it unlikely they would be so foolish, however.
That's...true. (If nothing else, Joshua wouldn't let them steal from others...)
...Wait, how do you know they won't return to piracy?
Why did you agree?
Erk.
Heh. Now, then...I think I shall return to my seat.
Would you care to join me?
I think I'll pass.
...Hey, Olivier? Can I tell you one thing before you go?
Naturally.
Okay, look, there's a lot I don't know about you, and you seem to like to keep your distance from everyone...
But even so, I think you're a really important part of the team. I believe--and maybe it's crazy as hell, I dunno, but I do--that I can trust you. No matter what.
Oh, geez, that came out kind of sappy. What I'm saying is, uh...
...
Hey, what's with the drippy, dinner plate eyes?
No, it's...nothing.
Heh. You touch my heart, my fair Estelle. You need not fear. I shall not betray your trust...nor do I find your trust and love a burden. I give myself gladly to your cause!
Uh, 'love' has nothing to do with it...
But...thanks, Olivier.
Of course.
So, if you'll pardon me.



Zosimov: He was, like, totally muttering to himself. I wonder what that was about. And then he started laughing in the middle of it! Oooh, I wonder if he's a dangerous psycho! That'd be so cool! But...also kinda freaky...



Crew Mem. Alex: Yeah, I can definitely tell she is. You really get a sense of refinement from every movement she makes. Not really surprising that students of a famous school would be refined, I guess! I'm sure they get some really strict lessons on proper etiquette.



Kloe! So this is where you've been hiding.
Haha, yes. It's a lovely view, isn't it?
I'm guessing you're on one of your airship walks.
Ah, yeah. Kinda felt the need.
...
...
What's happened to Joshua?
WHAT?! H-H-How did you--?
Haha...Thought so. So that WAS what Nial wanted to talk to you about.
...
Did you just BAIT me, Princess?
Haha. Well, I am the possible heiress to a nation. Let's just say I'm well-educated in Secret Royal Bargaining Tactics and leave it at that.
*sigh* I'm no match for you, really.
Yeah...It's about Joshua, all right.
So Joshua is safe, and even still in the borders of Liberl. But there's some element to it that means you can't be happy about it.
Is that about it?
Um...That is it, isn't it?
Kloe...you aren't a princess, you're a freaking mind reader.
You ask me, you've got this queen thing in the bag.
Haha. Thanks.
Still...that's good. Joshua is safe. Even knowing he's okay is a relief.
Yeah. I was happy to find that out too, but...
...
Estelle?
Kloe...You remember when we went to arrest Dalmore, right? And how Joshua responded when Dalmore threatened me with that gun?
I...do, yes.
If I said Joshua's eyes are like that, right now...What would you think?
Oh...
I'd...
Er, sorry, Kloe. I shouldn't really drop questions like that on you without context.
No...It's fine.
I can understand, at least a little, why you're so worried.
Yeah...
...
And, um, on a note that's absolutely in no way related at all...
Hm?
Like, yeah, totally has nothing to do with anything, totally hypothetical, but, um. What would you say if I said, while I'm here worrying my butt off over him, he's with another girl?
...
How old?
About the same age as us.
...
To answer this hypothetical question...I would find myself uninterested in any excuses Joshua would have to make.
I know, right?! It'd be totally out of line!
Certainly.
Just what are you thinking, Joshua...?
Yeah, my current plan is to have Olivier sing at him for an hour, and then we'll hear everything.



Thanks, Kloe. I feel a little better now.
Haha...You're welcome, Estelle. I'm glad I could help you.
Once I get my head on a bit straighter, I'll tell everyone what's happened. Can you keep quiet until then?
Of course.
I think I'll head back to my seat.
Okay, see you later.



Crew Mem. Alex: Well...okay, to be honest, what I really wanted to do was wear the uniform. Uh...The male uniform, that is, of course. Yes. Yes...



Crew Mem. Nora: Visible to our right is the kingdom's largest continuous forest, Mistwald. It remains home to a large number of woodsmen, and is the source of 70% of the lumber used in Liberl. Our ship is currently in the air above Mistwald. Please enjoy your travels with us until our next stop at the Rolent Landing Port.



Passenger: Looking down at that enormous forest gives you a sense of just how wild the Rolent region really is, still. Mmm, I feel like I could watch forever. However...That fine lady attendant over there is just as lovely. Mmm, I feel like I don't want to get off anymore.



Passenger: Gotta finish this business fast and get home soon. *sigh* My wife works me to the bone AND complains all the time. It's rough.
Other Passenger: Heehee! I'm going to Bose to help Daddy with shopping! Shopping, shopping, so much fun...! ♪



I hope it goes off without any problems...
We'll be stopping in Rolent soon. We'll be getting off at Bose, though, so I guess we still have some time, right?



Oh, uh, just having my usual walk around the ship.
Ah, right. Heh. I'm kind of amazed you don't get bored with it.
Why do you treat me like a hyperactive Pom? We've just got time before we hit Bose, is all.
Enough time for a quick nap, at least.
So Bose up next, huh. Ruan, Zeiss, Grancel...Wonder what the society'll try throwing at us next.
Yeah...'Nothing' would be the best answer, but I have a feeling we won't be that lucky.
You too, huh?
Well, let's hit the ground running and get to investigating those bandits once we land, yeah?
Wait, what...?
Why the surprise? It's possible they're workin' for the society. You said it yourself, remember?
Ah, yeah, I did, but...
Cooome to think of it, I don't think that's all that likely, y'know? Yeah, it's sorta stupid, haha.
...
I mean, we've fought them a number of times, right? They didn't really seem to be the kind of baby-eaters the society usually brings on. I think.
...Well, whatever.
I'm sure we'll hear the details from old Lugran when we get to Bose.
Yeah...Yeah, we will.
Recapturing an airship, huh? That'll be tricky.
Ah, our next stop is Rolent!
I would have loved to enjoy their fresh, pastoral cuisine again...Ah, well. There shall always be another time!



Go ahead and walk off some of that nervous energy if you want.



Oh, um...I just went to get some fresh air.
I see. So I heard we'll be landing in a town called Rolent on our way. That's your hometown, isn't it?
Yeah, it is. Well, to be specific about it, our house is just a bit outside the city limits. Dad wanted it that way, apparently.
Huh. Interesting.
A house built by Master Cassius...Must be quite a place.
I, uh...dunno about that. I mean, I'm not sure if I'd say it's fabulous or anything, but it IS really comfy. It holds lots of memories for me of Dad, Mom...and Joshua, too.
...I see.
No, Zane, it's okay, really.
If we were staying in Rolent, I'd invite you over. Next time, for sure.
I'll look forward to it. By the way, Estelle. When we arrive in Bose, would you mind accompanying me on some training?
Huh? This seems kinda sudden.
Back at the Grancel guildhouse, not only did I miss the sleep agent in the cookies, but I was unable to awaken myself. It's obvious I need to re-train myself in some areas I've been neglecting.
Oh, uh, okay.
Well, I dunno how good a training partner I'd be for an A-rank bracer, but...If you want me, you've got me!
That's settled, then.
Nothing to do, really, so I think I'm going to catch a nap.

*BING BONG*

Oh, hey!
You should probably find your seat, Estelle. It really is dangerous to stand during a landing like this.
Okay!



-Silence-



Er, huh?
Oh, my...

-Engaged People in Secret Maneuvers-



Captain Petrov: How could we have entered a cloud at this altitude?!
Crew Mem. Quint: We didn't enter a cloud, sir! We're descending! This doesn't seem like a cloud, though, it's more like--
Crew Mem. Roger: Captain! Transmission from Rolent Air Traffic Control! The city and surrounding area has been engulfed in a deep fog!
Captain Petrov: WHAT?!



Wow, it's completely white!
Hm. Did we enter a cloud bank?
Possibly, but...this also seems impossibly low to be a cloud.
Is this...usual when landing an airship?
I sure as hell have never seen anything like this.
Nor have I...

*BING BONG*

Fog? Rolent does get fog, but it's usually just like a thin fuzz, isn't it?
Yes. I don't ever remember seeing it this thick.
This...really worries me.









Yeah! You can't see anything!
It looks like the port authority is grounding all flights until the fog clears.
Hmm...
I think we'll want to visit the guildhouse here.
Thought so too, huh?
Huh? Why?
This fog is deep and strange enough that even you and Scherazard comment on it, Estelle.
It's possible the society is behind this. Somehow.
Ah...
Hm. Only Rolent and Bose remain unmolested by their hands.
It is possible their next 'experiment' shall be here, then, and not in Bose.