New Year Under Starlit Trails · Chapter 9

Filling the Pages

A brilliant white glow filling my vision pulled me back to consciousness.

The relic before me was radiating a blinding light.

Asherah

Captain! Can you hear me?

Asherah...?

Asherah

No time to explain! Grab the relic!

Still confused, I reached out and grabbed the glowing relic.

Asherah

Now...!

The next thing I knew... I was back in the ballroom.

Epindel

Asherah! Captain!

Asherah

Ngh...! I'm fine. What about you, Captain?

I think I'm okay too...

Everything after being dragged into the rift was a blur, but at least I had no difficulty moving.

What's with this white glow...?

What appeared to be fragments of the relic descended around us like motes of light.

Though dim and fleeting, the glow carried an inexplicable warmth.

The moment the glow reached my body, my wounds healed without a trace.

Asherah

It's a long story...

I think... I may have met the Star Savior.

Epindel

...You what?

Asherah

I don't mean I met him in person. But...

I think I caught a glimpse of his memories through the relic.

A glimpse of his memories?

Asherah

...I'll tell you the rest once this is over.

First, let's take care of that thing.

The crimson eye writhed in agony as the glowing fragments struck it.

Asherah

It's probably because the seal was only partially broken.

The relic shattered before it could regain its full strength.

Epindel

Even so, we have no idea how powerful it still is.

Asherah

...If the Star Savior had to seal it himself, it must be incredibly dangerous.

But he said he'd leave it to us.

Then we'd better make sure we don't disappoint him!

Battle

Asherah

Whew... We actually beat it...

Epindel

Asherah...!

Asherah

Epindel!

Epindel

We really did it! I couldn't have done it without—

Epindel reached toward Asherah for a hug, only to freeze the moment our eyes met.

...?

Epindel

W-Well... Ahem!

L-Lady Stranis... and esteemed Journey Captain.

Your assistance allowed us to resolve this incident without further harm.

I offer you my sincere thanks in the name of House Orlan.

Asherah

Hey, you were calling me by my name just a minute ago!

Drop the formalities again!

Epindel

...Better not to repeat something that might become a bad habit.

Thus, I shall respectfully pass on that suggestion.

So what exactly was it?

The relic.

Epindel

You said earlier that you met the Star Savior, didn't you, my lady?

It seems the relic wasn't created solely as a seal.

Asherah

Mm-hm. I think so too.

My guess is...

I think it was a journal once used by the Star Savior.

Epindel

A journal...?

Asherah

What I saw was probably a memory recorded within its pages.

If that's true...

Why choose a journal of all things for the sealing vessel?

Asherah

Hmm... Good question. It seemed like that journal meant a lot to him.

Epindel

The way you say it makes it sound like you were there yourself.

I'd like to hear more about this memory you witnessed.

Asherah

...What? Are you finally getting curious about the Star Savior?

Epindel

D-Don't misunderstand! I was only—

Luna

Asherah! Captain!

Smile

Unidentified barrier has dissipated. We came at once.

Massive energy impact detected. Threat status? Casualties?

Asherah

We blew away the thing that was sealed inside. Don't worry! Nobody got hurt.

Roberta

Even if nothing hurts right now, you could still have internal injuries. Take it easy for a while.

Is everything okay outside?

Roberta

Thanks to you. Things got a little messy, but no one was seriously hurt.

We owe you one. Thank you, all of you.

And Lady Orlan, thank you for your efforts as well.

Epindel

...I merely did what needed to be done.

Luna

Jeez, that was terrifying! I thought something terrible had happened!

Asherah

Look, not a scratch! We're good!

Smile

Captain's safety confirmed. Anxiety reduced.

Thanks, Smile. I appreciate it.

Epindel

*...Sigh*

It appears you have much to discuss. I should excuse myself.

Asherah

Wait, where are you going?

Roberta just said we still need to rest even if nothing hurts.

Epindel

Unlike you, my lady, I still have quite a bit of work to do.

Our NOA estate has been left in complete disarray, as you can plainly see.

I still have to notify my family and deal with everything that comes after—

Without waiting for her to finish, Asherah gently pulled her into a hug.

Epindel

A-Asherah...?!

H-Hold on, why are—

Asherah

We made it through this because of you, Epindel.

If you hadn't shown up with the relic, there's no way we would've made it.

We did it together.

Epindel

W-Well...!

Thank you, Epindel. I really mean it.

Epindel

So, um...

...J-Just so we're clear, I wasn't helping you for nothing!

I-I mean...

House Orlan is placing this one on your tab!

You will settle this debt one way or another. Don't you dare pretend you forgot later!

Old Gentleman

I'm relieved to see you safe, Lady Orlan.

Epindel

...Luck was on my side. It could've ended much worse.

Old Gentleman

So it would seem.

Epindel

Once I've had a moment to recover, I'll prepare the report for the family immediately.

Please gather everything we'll need for the report, including the extent of the damage.

Old Gentleman

Certainly.

...Lady Orlan.

Epindel

Do you have something further to say?

Old Gentleman

So... did the Falconet of Orlan make it through the storm?

Epindel

Well, it would appear so.

Old Gentleman

...

You've grown into your role. Then I have nothing more to worry about.