The Five Columns of Garderobe sat in a circle around their conference table, discussing a certain Otome who had gone more or less rogue toward their wise cause. The leader of the quintet, Natsuki Kruger, carefully studied a packet of papers before speaking first.
"So, Krau-Xeku is going to be Argos XIV's successor. That makes our predicament more... difficult."
Juliet Nao Zhang, whose red hair stood out from the rest of the group, sighed loudly before she spoke next.
"Any ideas?"
Natsuki shook her head as she looked downward in deep thought. She knew the issue perplexed the highest level of authority in the academy.
"Not even the Founder is sure what to do with her."
Nao, as she was commonly called, now appeared to be annoyed. She spoke again while scratching the back of her head.
"Can't we just leave her alone? She's probably useless to us, anyway."
Natsuki closed her eyes as she was engulfed by her conscience.
"It's not that easy. It would be wrong to make her suffer just because she followed what her heart wanted, but now Shiho's run off with her own GEM and Florince has no choice but to reinstall Rosalie. As much as I hate to say it, she started a new pattern. We have to set an example before this gets ridiculous."
It had been true love that had caused the now-renegade Otome to abandon her obligation. She had eloped with the young nobleman who was now unexpectedly about to become the leader of the empire of Chaldea. They all understood why she did it, and they each held varying degrees of respect (or, in at least one case, contempt) for it, but it was their job to bring differing opinions to the problems that arose in the Otome system. Their establishment wouldn't be fair and just if they all simply leapt to the same conclusion.
The most experienced warrior in the group, Shizuru Viola, soon made her own observation.
"In a way, Natsuki, this is our fault. We're the ones who caved into the King of Florince's demands when we were supposed to know what's best for our students. We're the ones who pushed her into graduating ahead of schedule, when she obviously had doubts on her mind."
Sara Gallagher, whose dark formal attire contrasted with her bright blonde hair, adjusted her spectacles as she spoke next.
"We rushed through things so quickly that we never even told her Fumi was considering making her the next Column..."
Nao was taken by slight surprise at Sara's words. The redhead had just recently joined the team, being promoted out of her Pearl class only weeks earlier. She had replaced a retiring Column, as there were always five young women moderating Garderobe. She looked mainly toward Shizuru and Natsuki, whose seats were adjacent to each other, before she interrupted.
"You guys never told me that."
Shizuru was the one to calmly explain the Founder's decision.
"We keep these things a secret during the deliberation process. She likes to stay neutral in foreign affairs, so she allowed the contract with Florince to supersede her interests."
Sara crossed her arms as she conveyed her thoughts toward the center of the table.
"I wonder if she's even still an Otome."
All Five Columns were also well-versed on the particular qualifications a young woman needed to meet in order to serve as an Otome. The context under which the renegade had fled from Garderobe meant there was a high chance she would no longer be able to use her magnificent power, but probability wasn't the same as confirmation.
Nao leaned back into her chair and hopelessly shook her head.
"I doubt it. They probably popped the cork on that wine bottle the first chance they got."
The tan-skinned Mahya Blythe spoke up in disagreement.
"I don't think so, Nao. They seem more like the kind of couple who would want to take things slowly and make the moment special. It's not a coincidence the place the Chaldean council plans on intercepting Krau-Xeku is some shady love hotel."
A coy smile then crossed her lips.
"I say we make her be her emperor-boyfriend's Otome."
The other four girls turned their attention toward Mahya in unison, surprised by her radical proposal. She gleefully continued.
"Think of it as aided courtship. They want to be together, so let them be together. If it works out, they'll be that much closer together once she finishes her contract. If it doesn't, they'll find out for themselves that they're just not meant for each other. Chaldea's going to start bugging us for a replacement for Fiar, anyway, and I know she'll give it her all with her man on the throne."
Her voice changed to a concerned tone.
"Besides, if we revoke her Meister title now, he'd be Emperor while she'd be some lowly commoner girl. They wouldn't have a chance together."
However, her smirk then took on an almost devious nature.
"I'll be there to make sure they don't get TOO feisty, of course."
Nao replied to Mahya with a raised eyebrow.
"Why are you so into this all of the sudden, grandma? You're the one who was about to retire."
Mahya answered in a fake yawn.
"Old women make pretty good matchmakers these days."
It was true she had been active for a few years longer than her peers, but she saw the current situation as motivation to stick around. She would be helping a young girl make her dreams come true, and maybe having a little bit of fun in the process.
Natsuki had regained her composure. She began considering the violent events that had set their problem on its current route.
"Mahya has a point, though. Pairing our most pacifistic Otome with a timid emperor like Krau-Xeku would certainly lower the chances of another Argos situation occurring."
Sara thought aloud next.
"As a Florince-born Otome working for a Chaldean Emperor, she'd also help bring the stability we were hoping for. As soon as we locate Shiho, Florince and Chaldea will have an equal trade."
Shizuru politely added her own wisdom.
"And they're already determined to make this a lifelong relationship on their own terms. Not that it necessarily means anything to us, but the children of a ruler and his Otome are bound to be the product of good breeding."
Nao cupped her cheek and rolled her eyes as she complained.
"This is all assuming she can still use her GEM."
Mahya stopped to scratch her chin. She then revised her offer.
"If she can't, I'll still take her into custody until we figure out something else."
Her voice then took on a most dreadful character. It was likely the only thing she said in a completely serious tone.
"Let's pray she's a smart girl and hasn't done anything hasty."
Natsuki closed her eyes again in silent thought. After giving her intelligence packet a final glance, she slowly nodded.
"Then it's settled. I'll have the warrant written up within the hour."
She then acknowledged her four subordinates with a seated bow.
"Dismissed."
The other Columns responded with similar gestures and began exiting the room. After most of the group had left in single file, Natsuki and Mahya were the only members left in the conference chamber. The lead Column gently took her comrade's shoulder before speaking in private.
"Mahya..."
Mahya stopped in place and turned at attention, her usual half-joking expression beaming on her face.
"Yes, Headmistress?"
Natsuki gazed toward the floor in subdued regret before speaking in a low voice.
"Don't be too rough on her. She's technically a criminal, but she's a compassionate girl and her intentions were pure-hearted."
Her mind then drifted to older thoughts. The idea of an Otome wandering away from her duty was a familiar and fairly personal experience for her. Although the circumstances of the event she was thinking of were quite different, the problem was all the same in the end.
"Besides, if we came down on her too hard, people would question why we don't do more about that whole Fire Stirring Ruby fiasco."
Mahya only winked and grinned.
"You know me."
After some hesitation on Natsuki's side, the two women parted to their separate tasks.