The Next Scoop

...

Ahem, ahem.

Oh. You picked it up for me. How courteous of you.

As always, I have the pleasure of running into you in the most unexpected places, Captain.

This handkerchief is precious to me. Even the thought of losing it pains my heart.

I have a matter to discuss with the High Saintess. It concerns the nature of my duties as the heir of House Orlan.

...

Speaking of which, it is the Falconet's obligation to return the favor.

Since you've returned what was mine, I would like to invite you for tea. Would you come with me?

Huh?

...I see you already have company, Captain.

Your title reaches beyond your own borders and into the Orlan territories.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Epindel de Orlan, heir to House Orlan.

Oh dear, it was remiss of me to choose such a poor time.

But Captain, my offer still stands.

We Orlans do not settle debts with mere formality.

Turned around without a second thought, took three steps forward. Steeling myself so that I may not look back.

I would be lying if I said I was not abashed a little, but I acted with grace... right?

There's always a next time, Epindel. The pretext is set, so a letter is now in order...

My... did I just hear that right? Choosing the bride? Wedding dress?

...

The Falconet of Orlan, eavesdropping from behind a pillar... How disgraceful...

Choosing a bride can only mean one thing...

B-but that quickly?!

There's no time to exchange handkerchiefs, no time to pour tea, let alone discuss each other's family...

Or maybe they already... no, more importantly, there are at least two hundred suitors, which means...

I am... very late... aren't I?

...No, stay calm, Epindel. There still is a chance.

...

A wedding dress... Come to think of it, there was one I had my eye on...

Oh, it's here! The place where Omega woke up!

The horned missy isn't here. Neither is Elisa.

...

Mister must be busy. He looks very serious.

Omega is a good girl, so Omega will play by herself!

That's not good enough. There are no conspiracies, no villains, no tales of tragic love...

I can't meet my sales quota with an article on something so trivial as this... Hm?

Hello! I'm Veronica from the Bellaskiver Times. Do you have a moment to spare?

Some are even saying you're his secret daughter...

That's certainly an interesting way to refer to him...

Aaanyway! So, Omega, what are you doing here all alone?

Mister is going to pick a bride and take her to the church. And then, he's going to put flowers in her hair!

...Oooh! I get it, the Journey Captain must be the guest of honor as well as the judge for the festival!

If that's the case...

...!

Yes... Yes!!! I have it now!

And... you're really young to be on the Journey.

Where are your parents? Will they be attending the festival too?

Hmm... A motherless girl...

Say, would you mind if I used our conversation for a newspaper article?

Don't worry, I won't twist a word!

Here, take this candy.

You're such a nice lady! Okay, you can write all you want!

Let's get started.