Area 11, Tokyo Settlement.
The Rhongomyniad landed on the Imperial Family's private landing pad.
Jeremiah had long since arrived with his men to await him.
Neatly arranged ranks of soldiers stood on either side, led by General Boris. Their heads held high and their chests thrust out, they lent the place an air of solemnity.
A brilliant red carpet ran down the middle, without a single footprint visible in the sunlight.
Until their master set foot on it, they had no right to sully that path.
After the hatch opened, Leila led the way, Ask walked in the middle, and Monica followed behind.
Anya had been left aboard the warship to rest. In her current state, walking was out of the question; she could barely keep her legs from trembling even when she stood still.
At that moment, rather than the synchronized cheers that usually greeted an important arrival, there was silence. Even the sound of their breathing had to be kept to a minimum.
They knew that His Highness disliked noise.
Jeremiah approached, carefully matching his pace while remaining half a step behind, and said softly:
"Your Highness, V.V. has been locked in the Special Prison Cell. Miss C.C. has arrived as well and is keeping him company. Would you like to head there immediately?"
"Of course. Nothing is more important."
"Understood. However, there is one more matter..."
His voice cut off abruptly. A familiar figure stood within sight.
What he had left unsaid became self-evident.
"Elder Sister."
Ask walked up to her and said evenly:
"It has been a long time. You are as beautiful as ever."
"Spare me the flattery, Ask. It's time you told me about Euphemia."
Straight to the point.
It showed just how anxious Cornelia was.
"If you want to know, you can go