Chapter 19: Thinking of You


It's been a quiet night, as Lady Blanc simply sits in the chair across the counter. I've continued to serve the occasional customer who does their order to go, but the rain seems to have made most people just want to stay home.

But the whole time, Lady Blanc simply sits there with a pensive look on her face. No, not pensive. She's simply there thinking, calculating, trying to figure something out.

"This is something you should coordinate with the others." Lady Blanc says, breaking the heart pounding silence. "However."

"However?"

"I'm willing to be with you every step of the way. Truth be told, I think it will help everyone, that we no longer have to be so… on our toes. But, you should think about this more deeply. Remember, this is a choice that can radically change the way people view you and it will change your life. There's no going back once you do so."

I nod, having already understood that to be the case. If I do this, then… yeah, there definitely will be no taking it back.

"You'll need to prepare several things. Obviously, you'll need to prepare your statement about the reason why you didn't reveal yourself in the first place. You'll also need to clearly define your relationship with Noire." She says, holding her right hand with her pointer finger up in a lecture style position. "Long story short, you have a lot of work cut out for you. I'll get in touch with IF—what's wrong?"

"Hm?"

"You twitched when I mentioned her name. Don't hide anything from me. It could radically change what you need to do."

"I… I just feel a bit bad for always relying on IF. I make all of this extra work for her and she's never said 'no'. I just am—"

"A big idiot, that's what you are."

That voice time with the chiming of the entrance bell isn't from Lady Blanc, instead it's from…

"I thought I was interrupting something private, but when Elliot looked away from you all glum, I thought I'd step in." IF says, letting the door close behind her. "Geez… you don't remember our talk at all, do you?"

"Your talk?" Lady Blanc asks as I quickly start preparing a hot chocolate for IF.

"Yeah, we had a talk while walking around Lo—" She immediately cuts herself off, mumbling a "Shut up" even though Lady Blanc didn't say anything. "What I'm saying is, Elliot, we both have things we're good at. And I don't say no because it's something I want to do for you. You're a good friend and I want to help my friends how I can, so of course I went through whatever you're making me do… which is um… what exactly, now?"

"Elliot wants to come clean about the gala." Lady Blanc says, with an expression of actual shock coming onto IF's face, her eyes widening and her eyebrows shooting up. "But what brought this on?"

"I guess… seeing Lady Ram and Lady Rom having to confront the reporters about it today and all of the rumors about it. Maybe I just want to be able to put it behind me and stop living so afraid of it all the time. And maybe so that way everyone can stop lying for my sake."

"Always comes back to that, doesn't it? Ha, you're too kind for your own good sometimes." IF asks with a knowing smile. "Well, I guess I can get where you're coming from. It's going to be a lot of work, that's for sure."

"I'm thinking either a press release or some sort of live statement." Lady Blanc says, putting a hand on her chin.

"We'd have to get Noire involved, too. We can't do this without her."

"Mhm."

With that, I place IF's hot chocolate in front of her. "What should I do?"

"Think, Elliot. Think really hard about what you want to say and about whether or not you want to do it." IF says, looking right into my eyes. "But don't worry, no matter what happens, I'm here."

"Thanks, IF. I'm… you really have no idea how happy that makes me."

"Hey, none of the tears, now. You remember what we said, right? Sure, I've done a lot for you, but you really don't know what you've done for me." IF says, reaching over and cupping my face so I look right at her. "So none of that, got it?"

"Alright."

"Ah, allow me to give you some privacy."

"Way to kill the mood…" IF grumbles, grabbing Blanc's shoulder as she attempts to leave, forcing the CPU of Lowee to sit down. "But… yeah, it's going to take a bit of work. You should really think about whether or not this is the path you want to take, Elliot."

"Is it a bad idea?"

"Well, both ways have their pros and cons. But this one really will change your life. There's no going back. At least with the gala you had a bit of an out, but this? No way to weasel out of it."

"Haven't the press gotten pretty used to your other associates, though?"

"Yes," Lady Blanc says, shaking her head. "But you see, there's just one thing."

"Everyone that the goddesses tend to be really affiliated with closely are uh… women." IF says, scratching the back of her head. "Tekken, Broccoli, 5pb, the list goes on…"

"What about that robot?" Blanc asks.

"Oh, the one Uni's always with? Well, he is a robot, so I guess the press doesn't give it too much attention. But what I'm trying to say is that, it's going to be... different with a guy. A living, breathing, guy. I think we're all very well aware of how the headlines were after the gala. It's going to be just as bad, especially with your true identity revealed, and there's going to be a lot of juicy speculation about your relationship with her." IF then nudges Lady Blanc. "Though this'd be less of a problem if you all would just find a boyfriend."

"Even if we were to have a significant other, this exact situation is why we wouldn't come out in public about it." Lady Blanc says, looking down at the counter. "However, I think this would be a nice change of pace. If Elliot can come out and prove to everyone that it should be perfectly fine and normal for an every day person to be a friend of the goddesses, then I would appreciate that a lot."

"Lady Blanc, if I may be so rude, but… it sounds like you have a motive behind this as well."

"Ah, well… maybe I do." Lady Blanc says, waving her left finger around. "There are plenty of people who I'd like to know better, but because of the way that we tend to be showcased and how their lives are affected, we've both come to a mutual agreement that it's better we keep our meetings in secret."

"I see… I wish you could have picked someone a little braver, then."

Lady Blanc scoffs at this, shaking her head.

"On the contrary. I think you're exactly what we needed. Someone who isn't a hero, a champion, a famous person, or a big shot in the world. A completely, otherwise ordinary—"

"—mostly harmless—" I add on, remembering Kei's evaluation of me, getting a laugh out of IF.

"—normal everyday person. In a way, I have to really thank Noire. She's the one who set all of this in motion. Even if it was by accident." Lady Blanc says, nodding to herself. "But yes, do think a lot about this. We'll get it all sorted out after the weekend, then? That should be enough time."

"That sounds fine to me, Lady Blanc."

"Once you do, we'll start organizing with Noire. We might need to get Neptune involved since you live here and she can get someone to watch over your shop so people don't try any funny business. Assuming IF won't already be over that."

"If I have the okay from her, then no one should bat an eyebrow." IF says, though I notice that she glances at me when I move my head just a bit away. "Elliot?"

"It's nothing, sorry."

I know she can tell I'm lying, but she doesn't pursue it any further. "Right…"

"Ah, IF, may I speak to Elliot alone?"

"Sure? Just don't go confessing to him now, it'll make this thing a lot messier." IF says, getting up from her seat. "And hey Elliot, can I get another cup? Make it a latte and surprise me with the pastry."

"Got it, I'll have it ready for you in just a bit."

IF leaves, waiting outside as she leans up against the window. I turn back over to Lady Blanc, tilting my head in curiosity.

"Lady Blanc, what's this about? And why did IF have to go?"

"To be blunt, what is your relationship with Noire?"

"We… we're friends?" I say in a more questioning tone, not having expected this question.

"You're telling the truth, yes?" Lady Blanc asks, narrowing her eyes at me as if to scan for deception. "Elliot, you need to be honest with me here. If you are dating Noire, that radically changes the approach we need to take regarding this entire scenario."

"Lady Blanc, I can say with one hundred percent certainty, that I am not dating Lady Noire."

"Have you thought about asking her out at all?"

"No."

"Has the thought of being more than friends ever crossed your mind?"

"No, it hasn't. She's… pretty far out of my league, after all."

Lady Blanc leans back in her chair, nodding to herself. "I wouldn't say that, but if that's what you think. Regardless, that will make it a bit easier for all of us, then."

"But… why did IF have to leave?"

"That's… well, let's just say I wanted to remove a potential factor from the equation. I didn't know if you would answer differently if IF was present, so I asked her to leave."

"I see…"

"And of course, there's one last question. While we brought up how people will speculate with you and Noire, there remains the fact that once your true identity as the owner of Lapin House is revealed, no doubt people will put the dots together that you seem very friendly with IF. She was spotted with you at the gala as well, and it's not hard to imagine that people will speculate about your relationship with her, should you say you are only friends with Noire and that IF is a very close associate with Neptune. Obviously, IF being here will influence your answer, so I want you to be honest with me. What is your relationship with her, and furthermore, what do you see her as?"

"That's…"

A very difficult question. Obviously, we're friends. That much is certain. Very good friends, I'd say, actually.

But as for what I see her as…? I'd like to honestly say she's a friend, but there's a small kind of pain in me when I think that. My chest tightens just a bit and there's just the smallest hint of… disappointment? Anxiety? It's something I can't quite put a finger on. I constantly worry about her, I try to put her best interests in my mind, and I really just want the best for her. Somewhere in there too, is a faint hope she feels the same for me.

It's… I wonder if it's really… no, it's probably just worry exacerbated by the storm, recently. This kind of thing will probably fade away in the next few days as things return to normal. That's right. That's probably what it is.

"Elliot?"

"Sorry, I… we're friends, Lady Blanc."

"And for the second question?"

"I… I'm not quite sure, but I don't think I'm in a state to answer it correctly."

"Correctly?"

"I'd like to be sure it's what I really feel. The recent storm and how IF went out to go fight monsters in it might be… clouding my mind a bit."

"Ah, that's reasonable. However, as a start, is it similar to what you feel for Noire?"

I shake my head 'no'. "It's very distinct."

"I see. Well, you should probably get that sorted out. I'd like for you to be confident whenever you answer questions relating to those topics. Any sort of hesitation will leave much more room for speculation than the other way around."

"I see…" I say as Lady Blanc gets out of her chair. "Is that all?"

"From me, yes. I'll stay in contact, as I already have your number. Think long and hard about this, got it?"

"I will. Thank you for entertaining my request, Lady Blanc."

"Well, like I said, I have some stake in it too." She says, pausing at the door. "So, do your best."

With that, she leaves the cafe, signalling to IF that she can come in. With that, I place IF's latte on the counter before grabbing one of the remaining apple danishes to pair with it.

"On the house, for tonight."

"Oh, alright." IF says, putting her wallet back. "Thanks."

"Dried off and everything? I can get a towel for you, but I don't know about a change of clothes. I don't think I've got anything your size."

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I dried off at Gregory's place, he was really nice, too. He did ask me about Noire, though. Seems like he thinks you're seeing her but told you, uh, what was it, 'not to double dip'."

I scowl at the remark, hoping that IF didn't get what Gregory was implying. Like I could ever do such a thing. Before IF can ask any questions, I push out a sigh, also getting a raised eyebrow from IF. "Lady Blanc asked me about Lady Noire, is all."

I also figure it's best not to let IF know what Lady Blanc asked, or at least in full. At least, until I sort out this turbulent feeling in my chest or let it subside as we return to normal days.

"I mean, it's only natural to ask if you two are hiding it. Everyone'd understand why you didn't want to come out publicly about it, too, at least, not on your own terms." IF says with a shrug, uncharacteristically playing with her hair.

"You aren't going to ask?"

"Well, I guess I'm…" She trails off, looking towards the door rather than at me. "...just a bit curious, is all."

"I'm not dating Lady Noire, IF."

She nods, still not looking towards me. I don't know why I feel a… sense of relief around her? Since I'm not quite sure what it is, I decide not to bring it up.

"Hey, you still busy this weekend?"

"No, other than you teaching me to ride a motorcycle."

"Ah. Well, we might want to postpone that, for now. It seems we're going to be pretty busy again, so I'd rather us put all of our focus into getting this right. We really won't have a second shot."

"Mhm. I can agree with that logic."

"Sorry, even after it was me who offered…"

"No, no, if anything it's my fault, as I brought up this whole thing." I say, giving a comforting smile to IF. "Let's just make it something we can look forward to, after the whole storm blows over."

"Well, I guess that works too. You could use something to relax after this thing goes worldwide, anyways."

"That's not a bad idea, actually. And hey, don't remind me of that fact, I'm already shaking a little bit."

"Look forward to it, then." IF says, turning back towards me, though it's with a not-so-friendly smile. "So, you found something out today, didn't you?"

"Mghm…"

I can't even muster the words, so I settle for looking at the floor.

"Sorry. You just… reacted when I said something about getting the okay from Nep. Judging by how Compa was here today, I think I can piece together what it is." IF sighs, shaking her head. "Sometimes I wish I didn't pick up on these things."

"Being pretty aware of your surroundings isn't all fun and games, is it?"

I turn my head back towards IF as she slumps in her chair, chin resting on the counter.

"I guess you could say that."

"Is this why you brought up looking into another job before?"

"Well, partially. I've always known there's a risk of me getting injured to the point I can't work in the Guild anymore. But the work environment isn't always the best, either."

"Is there a reason you don't just go?"

"I made a promise to Nep, a long time ago. That I'd always protect Planeptune." She says, sitting up. Despite the exhaustion on her face, there's a sense of a small, ghostly smile of nostalgia that she seems unaware of. Her eyes have a small fire to them, the ember that keeps her burning strong, no matter what adversity she's faced. "And I wanted to do it the right way. Not just, you know, wandering around like a vigilante or something. I wanted to make sure that I was accountable for what I did, especially since, well, before meeting Nep I had done some kind of unsavory things."

"I won't ask."

"Thanks. I didn't want to go back to doing that kind of thing. I wanted to be as clean as I could be, for the girl who helped me turn everything around."

I fold my hands together, feeling a pang of cold regret reverberating through my bones. "...sorry for digging up those memories."

"It's fine, it's fine. If anything, it helps to remember why I'm doing so much."

"Are there other ways to protect Planeptune, though?"

"Well, I could always just ask Nep and work something out. I'm sure Historie—her, uh, her Oracle, think of what Kei is to Noire—would be willing to get me something in that regard. But the Guild helps me keep track of what I'm doing and well, helps me keep myself in line."

There's a pause in the air as I try to think of the words to say to IF. But… I think I get just what she's thinking. After all, it's… quite the same as me.

"I think…" I say, with IF looking up at me, "that you shouldn't think so low of yourself."

"You know that statement doesn't mean much coming from you, right?" IF asks with a knowing, but thankful smile on her face.

"I know, but… I can't stand to see you thinking that way of yourself. I think, if this is how you are now, then you've come a long way. I think you'll be fine, and you have friends like Lady Neptune and Compa that will stop you if you start straying again. But I think you won't need them for that, because you'll know it yourself that you might lose your way. And IF, you… never lose, so there's no need to wo—"

IF sinks her head down, but I can feel something positive coming from her.

"Geez… you really can say some embarrassing things, you know? And you should take your own advice."

I can't help but feel just a bit guilty when IF says that, picking her head up, the slightest bit of red dusting her cheeks. "Well…"

"You can do it, you know. You've come a pretty long way too, being able to ask something like that from Blanc. And the fact you want to face up to it all, despite all the pressure."

"Well, a few months ago this kind of thing would've been unimaginable…" I say, scratching the back of my head. "But… thanks."

"You too." IF says, sitting up with a calm smile on her face.

"And hey, you know, if you ever need a place to go to… I think it might be nice to have someone else working here full time." I say, glancing away as it's too embarrassing to say that straight to her face.

"I'll… think about it, if everything else doesn't pan out. It might be a nice change of pace. I don't plan on a career change anytime soon since I want to keep my promise to Nep, but maybe."

"Alright. I just want to float the offer, is all. Anyways, how was your day?"


It's an awfully silent time, thinking about it, as I lie in bed that night. There's so much on my mind, and part of me regrets asking Lady Blanc to go through with this whole thing, actually. The idea of… what my life is going to be like is actually just a bit terrifying.

But, this is definitely something I can do. I don't want people lying for me anymore and if I'm going to be friends with Lady Noire, this was going to be inevitable. Plus, if this is something I can do to help the goddesses be more able to connect with people, then I'll do it. No, that's not it, exactly. Maybe it's because it was Lady Blanc who said it. And it's not just that she's a goddess, but that she wants to be able to reach out to people as well, without all of this mess following it. As someone who she considers a friend, and well, the feeling is mutual, I want to see that too.

No going back, huh…?

I try to fall asleep for a while, but without any luck, I decide to get up, change into some more fitting clothes than pajamas, and head outside to take a walk.

The air is pretty chilly despite the spring weather that's approaching summer, with puddles still lining the ground from all of the rain earlier. The occasional breeze sends a shiver down my back, but it's nothing too major.

Most people say you shouldn't wander around at night, but Planeptune is about as safe as they come. Usually it really only happens that people stay inside at night when the world's in imminent peril, but the goddesses are always so quick to deal with it so it never really lasts long.

Been a while since I've experienced Planeptune's nightlife, though. Even the parks are pretty active, with some noodle stands with their lamps lighting up the place, old men laughing and drinking the day's troubles away.

"Hey mister!"

I don't have time to process the panic of someone yelling for me before something slams into me from behind, gripping my waist. I somehow manage to keep my footing, but nearly fall over. When I turn around, under the cover of the streetlamps I find…

"It's been a while, yo!" Lady Neptune says, flashing a V-for-victory sign with her right hand. "Isn't it way past your bedtime? Iffy said you usually went to sleep early because you had to wake up for your cafe."

"Ah, I… couldn't sleep." I say, laughing it off as Lady Neptune lets go of me. "What about you, Lady Ne—"

"Nuh-uh, nope!"

"Um…"

"Just Neptune is fine! Besides—" She elbows me in the rib, though with her height she kind of has to elbow up. "—I heard that you do that with Blanny, Rom, and Ram, so I'm totally in your striking range to do that, right?"

Striking… ra—

"I-it's not like that, Lady Neptune!"

This of course, only serves to make her laugh harder, to the point she's clutching her sides.

"But really, Neptune's just fine. It's sooooo stuffy every day hearing that."

"Won't people mind, though…?"

"Hmmm, maybe." Lady Neptune then pats me on the back twice. "But you really have to ignore them sometimes, right? If you care all the time about what everyone's thinking, you'll never be happy. Besides, it's all just business guys here usually, or punks! And they don't care what's on the tabloid newspapers for the most part!"

"You're in the spotlight pretty often, though." I say, following Lady Neptune, or perhaps I should say, being dragged by Lady Neptune and her incredibly soft hands. "I thought you'd care more."

"Well, I did at the start. But you know, I just want everyone to be as happy as me, and if I'm not happy doing things, then it means everyone can't be as happy as they could be, right?"

She's such a carefree spirit, really. I envy it, just a little bit. Or… maybe I'm just a bit too sensitive about what other people think. Maybe it's due to working so long in the cafe. Trying to please customers, trying to make sure Gregory was proud of me, making sure that my friends didn't think I wasn't going anywhere. Seeing someone so carefree like that, doing whatever they wish and letting whoever they want to follow them… it must be a nice kind of life.

"I guess so, La—"

"Wroooong~"

"...N... Neptune." I say, looking down at the ground.

"Hey, hey, you shouldn't look down like that~ Aren't you proud to say your goddess' name?"

"I am, but…"

"Then, keep your head up! It's no good if you look so sad when you think of me."

I look up, finding Lady Neptune smiling happily as I do so. "Come on, let's go get something to eat. I'm really hungry, anyways."

I follow her lead, where we browse some of the stalls that are open. "There's a lot of options here, huh?"

"Yeah, but there's one really good place—there it is!"

I find myself dragged by Lady Neptune towards one of the stalls that's standalone, set up nearby a fountain that's still going. Judging from the signs that are up, it's a crepe stall.

"I thought you were a fan of pudding, L… Neptune."

"Huhu, I am, but when it's a late night stroll through the park with someone else, it's gotta be a crepe, right? Besides…" She waves her arms, getting the attention of the older man tending to the stall. "Hey, hey!"

"Oh, Nepchi, it's been a while since you've graced my stall with your presence." He says with a small bow.

"Nepchi…?"

"You know how old folks are, they like to have nicknames for everyone!" Lady Neptune says with a big smile. "Can I get a banana pudding crepe aaaaand… ah, a coffee crepe with the vanilla creme for my friend here! And don't even think about pulling out your wallet!"

I can only smile a bit nervously, having been caught in the act, and slowly shift my wallet back deeper into my pockets. Lady Neptune hands the man several bills with an exuberant "Keep the change!" as she waltzes back over to me.

"I didn't know they made pudding crepes."

"Everything's better with pudding~"

"I'll have to try to mix it with more of my recipes, then."

"Hmmm, I don't think you do, though. It would ruin the kind of appeal, yep? Your place has a very Lastation-y vibe to it."

"You're not the first person to say that." I say, chuckling.

"But, don't change it just for me! It's… well, it feels like lying, doesn't it?"

I look down at the fountain, seeing my reflection and Lady Neptune's in the water. "A little bit, yeah."

Lady Neptune sits down on the fountain and kicks her feet into the air, looking at me. "And you don't like lying, do you?"

"L—Neptune?"

She flashes another big smile at me. "Blanny told me about what you wanted to do earlier."

"Am I wrong to…?"

"Hmm… that kind of thing is hard to say." She says with a shrug. "But, I think if it makes you happier, then you'll be fine."

"And if it doesn't?" I ask, my heart skipping just half a beat.

"Huhu, well, I'll hire you as my personal pudding chef~" Lady Neptune says with a grin on her face that makes me unable to tell whether or not she's serious or just joking about all of this. "Oh, our crepes are done!"

With that, she pushes off and runs back to the stall, getting the two crepes and holding one out to me, still in its holder. I graciously take it, where Lady Neptune then holds hers up into the air.

"Cheeeers!" She yells, knocking her crepe against mine.

"C-cheeers?" I say with a questioning tone, slightly confused by the choice of words.

"Awww, Elly, you gotta say it with more confidence next time."

"Next time…? And Elly?"

"Everyone has sleepless nights sometimes, so maybe we'll run into each other again." Lady Neptune says as I start following her along the path. Her free hand swings around as if to an inaudible melody, her feet dancing to an unknown song. "Aaaand, it's a good nickname for you. It's what I called you before, too, back when we all met! Or was it later? Well, it's a nice name for you, anyways!"

"I see… thank you."

Truth be told it's actually incredibly nerve wracking being here, but… I still feel at ease. It's like all the time around Lady Blanc, Lady Rom, and Lady Ram has made me get used to being around the goddesses.

"I'm just a bit surprised you're fine being around me, though."

"Awww, don't give me that! Of course I'd like to be around a guy who can make really good pudding! Plus, Iffy likes you, so I don't really have an issue with you. If she's fine with you, it means you're a good guy!" She says, slightly slapping me on my back. "No need to be sorry for who or what you are, Elly."

"Is that why you don't mind? I mean, if the news…"

"Boooooo, news, schmooze." She says, pouting. "I just want everyone to be happy, right? I think it'll make people less happy if I can't be friendly with them, so who cares what the news will say?"

Lady Neptune is really… one of a kind, huh? It's both a really simple way of thinking, but it still feels really thought out. Wanting people to be happy, so she lives by example, and is a beacon of joy to everyone around her.

"Should I take that as approval, then…"

"Then…~"

"...then, Neptune?" I finish, having been caught in my attempt to avoid having to directly say her name.

"Hmmm… I don't know~ You should do it because you want to, not because I want you to."

I barely manage to push back the urge to sigh. I suppose I have been seeking validation quite a bit, considering how… everything, really. I wonder if it all comes back to that. Every day, so much is there about how the goddesses are at the top of it all, how only the most amazing out of everyone can really be with them. Heroes, champions, executives, the like. But here I am, just an ordinary everyday person… maybe I've just been wanting someone to say "It's okay for you to be in their ranks".

Is that perhaps… the lesson they've all been trying to teach me? Lady Blanc in particular, forcing me to try to see her as an equal. Being put in charge of her little twin sisters. Working together as equals. Lady Noire trying to get me to call her by her name. Originally not telling me who she was so I could be more open when we played Four Goddesses Online, maybe. If that's what they've been trying to tell me, then…

"Hehehe."

"Hu—mpgh?!"

I look up, finding Lady Neptune sticking her crepe into my mouth to shock me, the whipped cream getting all over my face, but then pulling out with a laugh. She's really just as teasing as when she's Lady Purple Heart, isn't she?

"You had a smile on your face and just kept looking on ahead, but don't forget about me!" She says before taking a bite out of her crepe. "Did you figure something out?"

"Y-yes, I think I did."

"Then, can I ask for twenty pudding cups as payment for helping?"

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Lady Neptune, whenever you feel like it, please stop by my… er, hold on. Neptune, whenever you feel like it, please stop by my store and I'll get you as much pudding as you'd like."

"Uhuhu, that's a pretty big promise. I hope you're ready to take responsibility for saying such a thing."

"I am prepared to accept responsibility, Neptune." I say in a dead serious voice, holding my free hand over my heart like a pledge.

At this, Lady Neptune breaks out into laughter again, using her free hand to clutch her sides again. "That was a very manly delivery, Elly."

"I'm… thankful?"

"Oh, and—aaaaahn!"

"Eh?"

With another giggle, Lady Neptune runs away after having taken a bite out of my crepe. "Now we're even! Also mhm, not as sweet as mine, but I can see why people like coffee flavored sweets!"

Geez…

"Oh, then… may I go further into your debt?"

"Hm?"

"There's… it's about IF. I'm concerned for her."

I expect some teasing in return, but after that second sentence, Lady Neptune doesn't laugh. Instead, she simply walks over to a nearby bench and pats next to her, signalling me to sit down next to her. They are really good friends, huh?

"Thank you for listening to me."

"Mhm, if you're concerned for her, then I should listen. I like to laze around and have fun, but if it deals with my friends, I have to give it my all!"

"I'm happy you trust me this much with IF, then."

"Huhu, well… you two are pretty good friends, so of course! What's up?"

With that, I explain what I found out from Compa and confirmed with IF earlier today, which might have been what was on my mind and keeping me awake. Lady Neptune looks just a bit upset at this, but at the end she only nods.

"Okay, I'll go and have a talk with her. Leave everything to me, Elly."

"I'm trusting you, Neptune."

"Ooooh, good job. But… Iffy's a friend too, so it's my job to look out for her."

"Our job."

"Our job." Lady Neptune echoes, the smile returning to her face. "Oho, she really reeled in quite the catch though, didn't she?"

"Er, IF and I—"

"Ufufu, I didn't say who she was, did I?"

Gah, how could I have fallen for such an obvious trap…!

"There you are!"

Before Lady Neptune can say another word, we're interrupted by another voice. It belongs to what can only be described as a blonde woman riding a floating book. She's dressed in a purple dress that comes down to just halfway down her thighs which are covered by white leggings, which match the purple sleeves she has on along with her purple hair ribbon that goes along with her cap. Behind her are a set of pink wings glowing blue, matching her dark blue eyes that are brimming with frustration.

"Awww, Histy caught us."

The woman, who despite floating on her book, only comes up to below my shoulders, claps her hands together and offers a small bow towards me. "Please forgive the intrusion. I am Historie, and would like to apologize for any inconvenience that Neptune has caused you."

"Ehhhh?! How come you assume I'm the one inconveniencing him?"

Historie, a name I recognize from earlier as the Oracle of Planeptune, sighs. "Can you name a situation where you have been the one being inconvenienced when I discovered you?"

"Ehhhhh…" Lady Neptune says, tapping her fingers together despite still holding onto the remainders of her crepe.

"Um, Lady Histoire—"

"My, you are very polite. Ah, I did not mean to interrupt."

"Oooh, you're already on Histy's good side~ Huhu, I'll have to watch out!" Lady Neptune says with a very smug look on her face as she hugs her Oracle from behind.

"Neptune, stop fooling around. Also, please refer to me as Histoire. There is no title associated with my name." She says, folding her hands together in her lap.

"Then, Miss Histoire, Lady Neptune was not bothering me. We just happened to run into each other, is all."

"Run into…" She squints, looking at me before her eyes light up. "Ah, I see. You are Elliot, owner of Lapin House, of course. I recognize your face, now."

"Yes, ma'am."

She smiles, nodding. "I see. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. However, if it is not urgent business, I would like to collect Neptune from you. She has been slacking off on her work as of late."

"But it's so booooring."

"None of that." Miss Histoire says with a clap of her hands. "However, if it is something urgent, I will wait."

"Oh, um, no. We just finished talking, is all."

"Elly, this is where you're supposed to back me up and say it's super urgent!" Lady Neptune says, pouting.

"Ah… well, I'm a bad liar, is all…" I say, trying to give an apologetic smile to Lady Neptune.

"That is nothing to be ashamed of. Now then Neptune, come on. There are still one hundred forms that require your signature. And Mister Elliot, thank you for watching over her while she slipped away. Come on, Neptune."

"Aww… well, we'll finish another time, okay Elly?" Lady Neptune says, waving as she's dragged along by her sleeve. "And thanks, for Iffy!"

"No, Neptune," I say, feeling just a bit proud I didn't have to pause this time. "Thank you. And please stop by the shop sometime!"

"Okaaaaaaaay!"

Her voice slowly fades away as she's dragged away into the distance. Thank you, Lady Neptune. You've given me everything I need now. And a rather… tasty crepe. I should learn how to make these, as a thank you to Lady Neptune. Now I just have to hope that everything's okay with IF. And sort out just what this feeling in my chest is...


You can blame DOOM ETERNAL for why this is out late, I literally have no other excuses/reasons so let's just move onto the author notes before I rip and tear my screen in two.

Not much to say in this, other than Blanc and IF starting to lay the groundwork. It has been amusing to look back and see how Blanc wasn't as directly involved compared to Noire, but instead taking a more offhanded approach to Elliot. Some minor ship teasing, and then since I didn't really know what more I could do before next chapter's content and I didn't want a super short chapter, I added some scenes with Neptune. Felt like a good kind of pacebreaker, where we also get Neptune's input on the situation.

I went more for her character as showcased in VII, or her genuine character where deep down she really just wants everyone to be as happy as her, so it's here where she tells Elliot that he should live unapologetically and to do things because he wants to, not out of obligation to anyone. A bit of five second foreshadowing, you could say, haha.

Next chapter will take a bit of time to jump back to Noire, as I haven't forgotten about her and of course, coming out about the gala does directly tie back to her. Fun fact, in my original outline-plan thing, the Blanc arc didn't even go here, and in fact we're not even anywhere close to where we were in the original. But, after having started the Blanc arc along with the denouement of the Noire arc, I ended up redesigning things to be more natural and follow the events that felt like they made more sense. I like the current outline more overall because it feels less "segmented", in a way; events in the past influence what's happening in the story now, even past the point they seem to be relevant (much like the gala). The old outline didn't have this as much, but the new one does, which has made it easy to actually plan something for Vert.

Either way, let me know what you think. Writing Neptune is actually kind of hard but almost always a treat because she feels so free-spirited, haha. See you all then, and stay safe out there while Corona-chan makes the rounds!