On the waters of the Rorsted Archipelago, aboard the slowly sailing Future.
Admiral of Stars Cattleya pushed up her glasses and watched Queen Mystic fiddle with a chessboard at a nearby table. The corners of her mouth lifted. Ever since leaving the Dawn Vessel, she had dreamed of a warm scene like this. Now it had finally come true!
Praise Mr. Fool, she thought. Then she remembered the message The World had just passed along through that great being, and worry for the Queen crept in.
The Tower is a member of the Tarot Club, and he's traded Astral World Stardust with me, but all I know is that he's a powerful Demigod. I have no idea what kind of man he really is...
Will the Queen be in danger if she goes exploring with him so rashly?
But it's the Queen's decision... I can't talk her out of it.
At least Miss Justice will be going too. She's kindhearted and has Mr. Fool's favor, so Mr. Tower probably won't do anything out of line.
As Cattleya's thoughts wandered, she saw Bernadette pick up every piece on one side of the board, then set down even more pieces. Bernadette frowned in thought.
Why does this feel different from the chess I learned from the Queen?
While Cattleya was still puzzled, Bernadette stopped, put away the board, and looked toward the other side of the captain's cabin.
At the same time, Cattleya's spiritual intuition stirred. Only a few seconds later, she turned her head too.
A young gentleman came into view. He had black hair and eyes, a high nose and thin lips, and a handsome face touched by illness. He wore a black shirt with leg-of-mutton sleeves and a hooded cloak over it.
Cattleya's gaze sharpened. After a moment's hesitation,