The grandest festival of the year was approaching-it had been a rare year of abundance, with just enough rain and just enough sunshine.
The sea lay as still as if it were asleep. No uninvited sails dared enter these waters anymore.
Those reckless fools had long since sunk into the dark depths, becoming scenery that schools of fish occasionally passed.
Whispered conversations flowed through the gaps in the crowd:
"It's all thanks to the royal family..."
"Lord Riku is always smiling, too."
For most people, life did not need to be full of thrills.
No farewells, no bloodshed-even if life was as bland as a cup of warm water, that was still a warmth they were willing to cradle in both hands.
As for those others who chose to walk the blade's edge and chase phantoms-
"They're here!"
The shout erupted from the far end of the long street and rolled toward them.
"At the docks! The officers stationed on the outlying islands have arrived-Lord Rossi is leading them!"
The crowd suddenly turned, surging toward the harbor as though pushed by an invisible hand.
In the shadows at the mouth of an alley, a young woman gently closed her left eye.
"Everyone seems to have grown used to life as it is now."
A tall man stood beside her, silent as a stone statue.
Several seconds passed before he uttered stiffly, "...I'm sorry."
"What do you have to apologize for?"
The young woman turned and held out her hand to him against the light, a sly little curve lifting her lips. "Kyros, will you come to the docks with me? Let's take a look at those 'Family officers.'"
The man paused, then took her hand. "As you command... Lady Scarlet."
Hand in hand, they stepped into the flowing crowd.
People