The hotel's unheated swimming pool remained pleasantly warm despite the late-autumn chill.
Ririko lay faceup on the trident, which had obligingly reshaped itself into streamlined curves, supporting her back and the bends of her knees as it floated on the water.
Her eyes were closed, one hand resting on her abdomen while the other occasionally paddled through the water, keeping her drifting slowly along.
The people beside the pool watched her lounging there, unsure what cutting-edge gadget that golden fork might be. Somehow, it could balance on the water and even give off a dazzling light.
"Hi, we meet again."
A pleasant voice came from above. Ririko opened her eyes and saw Diana standing at the edge of the pool.
She wore a pale silk blouse with elegant wide-leg trousers. Her head was lowered as she surveyed the scene with a slightly startled look.
The sacred Trident of the Sea God, powerful enough to stir up waves across the Seven Seas, was now meekly supporting a girl as she floated around a swimming pool. Diana would never have imagined this.
Ririko sat up. The trident gently adjusted its angle and carried her toward the edge.
She tilted her face up toward Diana, reflected light rippling faintly across her cheeks. "Is this fate... or did you come looking for me?"
Diana composed herself and looked away from the trident, her gentle gaze settling on Ririko's face. "A bit of both... it drew me here."
Diana happened to be staying at the hotel. When she suddenly sensed a pulse of divine power nearby, she came to investigate, never expecting to find the girl she had met at the auction house.
"Then I'll take it that you came to see me." Ririko gave her an alluring smile and held out her hand.
Diana