[Misaki left United Sanctuary. There was nothing she could learn there.
She truly felt useless.
…But that’s just part of being the Oracle, isn’t it. You’re a watcher, not a player. Do not get involved; you’ll only hurt yourself.
But she’s already this far. To simply back out and go back to her neutrality… She cares too much for that.
Caring. For Aichi, for Kai, for Ren… even Bengal, she supposes.
Failure of an Oracle, and failure at anything else. But… there has to be something she can do beyond simply watching…
If nothing else, she should at least inform Kai of her failure. Misaki sighs, and decides to head for the Dragon Empire.]
/Meanwhile, inside the castle, the Knight readies himself for a long journey.
Many units whisper in every corner, wondering about his recent behaviour, wondering if maybe, just maybe, it’s a sign of breaking? (“so young, what a pity…”) or maybe his interest now lies on something bigger than them? (“Bigger battles, endless battlefields! we should get ready too, Aermo!”). They can’t do more than gossip, after all, since he stubbornly refuses to tell anyone his destination.
Kai was getting ready to choose which other weapons he should take with him, carefully examining the castle’s royal armory, when Neharem approached him, talking about the visit of the Oracle. He nodded, letting the commander know he will meet her./
[It’s been some time since she last visited this country. They do not request her advice very often, and so her arrival was both unexpected and unusual. Still, they have no reason to turn her away, so she was allowed entry. Once she entered the castle, she became uncertain. Is Kai even here yet? She couldn’t be sure.
Before she could become more nervous, a servant approached her, letting her know that the Prince requested her presence. She felt relieved. Misaki nods, letting them lead the way.]
/Kai guessed than any place too related to the art of war would make the neutral maiden nervous, logically. Thinking of that, he choose the main dining hall for their meeting, an elegant room bathed in a gold glow. It seemed so sumptuous that it didn’t seem like part of the palace, that crimson fortress./
Oracle.
/He greeted her with a polite bow and, for once, he wasn’t wearing his armor./
And I thank you for yours, Oracle. We shall meet again after this journey is over. /The knight leaves the room then,...
[Misaki nods, understanding.] Thank you for your time, Prince. I wish you well in your battles.
Apparently they are getting more organized, but I’m not sure if that will make them less problematic or more. /A servant...
[Misaki laughs.] Well, that might work… with a smaller country. But then again, that shows some thought and planning, at...
/He nods in agreement, so troublesome./ They seem to think that we are weakened after attacking Megacolony and it’s...
[Misaki notes that tone, and while the subject is worrisome, she feels relieved that Kai can still manage light...
They always are. /Oh, was that a fond smile? the tone of the next words is almost conversational, as if he wasn’t...
I do not mind spending time in your company, either. [But things have changed so much, she just doesn’t know how to talk...
/Who is this “Aichi” you talk about? because if it’s the same Aichi he is metaphorically running away now after that...
[Feelings. You know, like what you have for Prince Aichi.] Hmm. If you say so. …I’ll stop taking any more of your time,...
/What is this “feelings” think you want to try talking about, Nee-san?/ I am the same as always, Tokura.
/Then being seen as “cute” is okay? :)/ … I have yet to see him talk to the other units by his own accord, but he seems...
[But the Oracle can’t be seen as ‘human’… :(] I see… Is he adapting to this country well?
/Well, it didn’t feel so weird to him, but he still smiled a bit at her mistake with the knight’s name. It’s both cute...
It is nothing, please make yourself comfortable until then.
[Well, Kai has a point.] Very well. I thank you for the help.
I insist, the zone surrounding this land is not peaceful at all I’d rather not… fear of you not returning home.
An escort…? I appreciate it, Prince, but I’d rather not trouble you so.
I see… /Kai thinks a bit and finally answers./ … I can get a unit to escort you home in an hour, if you are in such a...
Thank you. When do you plan to leave for the Neutral zone?
[Misaki frowns slightly. What Kai says regarding Aichi is logical, perhaps, but… No, it probably doesn’t matter. This...
What we need the most is information If the Royal prince (“Aichi”) is not willing to share it with us, I’d rather...
Aichi… Aichi wants to save him just like we do. He just… can’t tell me anything. [Is this all I can do? Pass minor bits...
… /The prince closes his eyes, not letting his disappointment show on his expressions. It wasn’t all lost, not even...
/Kai guessed than any place too related to the art of war would make the neutral maiden nervous, logically. Thinking of...
/Meanwhile, inside the castle, the Knight readies himself for a long journey. Many units whisper in every corner,...