Charles climbed the lighthouse stairs. Looking up, he saw Brando chatting with three ladies by the railing on the sea-facing side of the lighthouse. Miss Romane was snickering nonstop, while a gloomy shadow hung between Faina's brows, making her look troubled. Nemesis was dressed in full armor, leaning back against the railing with her back to them as she gazed out over the sea. Her long black hair fluttered lightly in the sea breeze. In the distance, the sea and sky blended into one, while floating clouds seemed like white mountains rising and falling along the horizon.
Everyone else had long since grown accustomed to the female knight's silent, meticulous nature. They simply had not seen any sign of Xifah, the Little Princess who loved joining in the fun. It seemed she had dragged the little fairy off to wander around the harbor. The two little ladies had now become close friends who could talk about anything. Of course, they did in fact share common topics and interests—namely, their talent for causing trouble.
"My lord."
Brando wore a black knight's cloak, with the Sword of Earth hanging diagonally at his waist. Its scabbard, made of black rhino hide and inlaid with silver, nearly hung down to point at the ground. He only noticed that his wizard attendant had arrived after turning around. He smiled faintly and waved. "You came at just the right time. What do you think of the view here?"
Charles was slightly taken aback. "It seems you are quite fond of the scenery here, my lord?"
Brando smiled and shook his head. He extended a gloved hand and patted the lighthouse's ancient, weathered outer wall. "Do you know the history of this lighthouse?"
Charles instinctively looked up at the lighthouse. It was clearly quite old, but appeared