The Fog Sea, Emerald City.
Queen Mystic Bernadette stood quietly on a terrace overlooking the sea, gazing at the distant waters stained red by the moonlight.
Her eyes suddenly grew deep, revealing a radiance like the starry sky.
A long time passed.
Her eyes returned to normal, and she murmured to herself,
"...You broke your promise again, Edward."
Backlund.
Priscilla sat on a tall chair, swinging her legs, a hint of nervousness on her face. Tonight was the first Extraordinary Gathering to resume since she had taken "charge" of the Aurora Order's Backlund branch.
Although she had long looked forward to it and had long since prepared, she still worried she would mess it up.
"Phew-good thing Edward, Audrey, Fors, and the others will all be coming to support me in a bit!"
Medici stood nearby with his arms folded and snorted contemptuously. "You're this nervous over such a small affair? What will you do when you stand at a truly lofty height one day?"
Priscilla thought for a moment. "I... think I'll stay a little lower."
"..."
Eight that evening.
Fors and Xio were the first to arrive. Last time, Miss Death had stepped in to help for only 300 pounds... Although it had ultimately turned out to be a misunderstanding, Fors still had to appreciate the favor, so she had come early.
She had wanted to bring some friends, too, but she knew very few people in Backlund-and most of them were connected to publishing houses. Most of Xio's acquaintances were ordinary people as well.
As for Audrey and Viscount Glaint, they would be coming together.
The gathering's rules were no different from when Mr. A had been in charge. Only the room's decor had changed, and Priscilla had replaced him as the host.
Soon, Audrey arrived