Morning, January 31, 1521, Sea Circle Calendar.
Inside the Divine Palace of the Babylon Temple, sunlight streamed through the high arched windows.
The faint scents of tea and paper lingered in the air. Several documents awaiting approval lay spread across the desk.
Sephiroth sat behind the desk, holding a report.
Melise sat at a smaller table beside his desk, with several ledgers and a communications terminal in front of her.
She wore a blue Lolita-style dress with a white apron tied around her waist. Her long golden hair was woven into a loose braid behind her head, draped over her left shoulder, its tip hanging over her chest. The little bells tied to her antlers occasionally chimed softly.
"Lord Sephi, Her Highness Isabella has contacted us. The Red Tears has arrived in Alabasta."
Seeing the message on the terminal's screen, Melise looked up and reported to Sephiroth.
Diplomatic affairs involving allies were generally handled by Isabella. If necessary, Sephiroth would simply make an appearance on the day.
"Mm, so they've arrived..."
Sephiroth looked at Melise and paused briefly when he noticed her dangerously "married woman" hairstyle.
He first took a moment to admire it, making Melise shyly lower her head. Only then did Sephiroth snap his fingers. A soft white glow moved the braid hanging over her shoulder onto her back.
"...Huh...?"
Melise did not understand his intention. Confusion filled her sapphire-like eyes. She tilted her head, and her bells chimed softly.
"Don't mind it."
Sephiroth tapped his fingers against the desk, picked up his cup of iced black tea, and took a sip.
"Uta and the others are always trying to lure Vivi into the band too. I wonder if they'll succeed this time..."
Vivi certainly got along well with the Girl Band. But she only had some talent