Chapter 26

Beyond the reach

Rod Reiss has been in dilemma ever since Kenny returned and reported the failure of his mission. Now he is facing a disgruntled population and a possible discontent from the Military Organizations. The land is devastated and stripped bare, the populace displaced and more importantly, new idea and way of thinking are taking root in their mind. Everything his ancestor had built was crumbled the moment the Invasion Force appeared, then another entity with superior technology also involved. He thought he can stop the information from getting into this entity, but he had no idea how advanced this entity is. Now he knows. But he still have a chance to turn this disaster into something that beneficial. At least this Orb Union, or its Representative doesn't want to involve themselves with the affair on this world. Though he also wonders how many of Commander Erwin will survive this venture. The best outcome will be a total loss. But he has no way of knowing unless he crosses the Gate to find out. Thus he and Kenny with his squad as escort are here, in front of the Gate. As he has been prepared mentally to witness another world, he crosses with his entourage and emerge in Falmart. A motley group of Imperial Soldiers intercept him, but the situation is handled by a different man whom they guess is a soldier from Orb Union.

"Greeting, I am Lieutenant Takuma, here to await your arrival. Please follow me to the transport and I shall give you updates on the latest development on this continent."

Within 5 minutes, the transport is airborne and flies straight to the Imperial Capital while Lt Takuma brief Rod and his entourage.

"Two days ago, the official surrender of the Empire had taken place. All war reparations were paid in full and the involved parties had departed. The Empire had renounced it status and change into Sadera Kingdom, the ruler has yet to be chosen by the Senate. But most likely Prince Diabo will ascend the throne while his sister, Princess Pina will serve as ambassador. So we are currently head toward the former Imperial Capital so you can negotiate reparation and meet with my Representative. This will take around 40 minutes to reach there. So if you have question, I shall gladly answer to the best of my ability."

Rod Reiss contemplates his thoughts and consider his position carefully before he ask. He knows the Empire can't cheat him or harm him with Orb Union watching, thus his main concern is the force under command of Commander Erwin and the intention of Orb Union. The debacle with the special agent is extremely grave considering Arthrun rank and status.

"So do you know who will be in the meetings?"

"Well, I can't answer exactly as it is beyond my knowledge. But I presume the Prince and Princess will represent the Former Empire with Representative Cagalli as mediator."

"I see, it does make sense. How about my countrymen?"

"According to the report, 4.721 are in our custody as POW."

They are stunned, especially Rod Reiss. He has hoped the casualties will be so great that the other can be got rid of easily.

Lt Takuma doesn't show any emotion when he sees their reaction. As an intelligent officer, he knows the fates of Commander Erwin and his soldiers are "preferably" dead. Faking his concern for a supposedly benevolent king, he ask

"The death toll is high, but please don't be so hard on yourself, it's a soldiers duty to die their country after all. And I am sure they will be glad to know their deaths will be grieved and appreciated by their country."

"Thank you, but it's not a comforting thought when it comes to explaining their deaths to their dearests."

Rod Reiss manages to answer with a straight face, betraying nothing about his disappointment. He has watch Lt Takuma with discerning eyes and feel odd that this young man somehow has a demeanor of being more than he lets on. But he considers it is due to the disparity between education level of his people and the people of Orb Union, and surely they will not use stupid people for their Military. Still, to make sure, he probes the Lt for more information which the Lt has to search on his pad to provide answer. Thus in the end, he concludes the Lt is nothing more than a grunt with low rank in Orb Union Military.

The Lt is pleased when his actions had paid off, his target has relaxed and now it's his turn to acquire any intel from this man. Putting away his pad, he changes his tone to a friendlier and casual one to ask his question, and Rod Reiss replies with a manner of a grandpa answering his curious grandchild.

"From the information obtain by our special agent, your world is overrun with this Titans monstrosity, do you intent to reclaim your world?"

"Yes, nothing will make me happier if we can reclaim our world, but we prefer to do it with our own hand. Rely on other will weaken us."

"I understand that, so do you intend on acquiring things that can help you in your fight? Like magic or better equipment?"

"Our people can't use magic, and acquiring weapon from Orb Union is to depend on it, so we shall not do anything of sort. Our own weapons and equipment are being developed with better result so we can start to reclaim our world in a few generation."

"That's is very admirable, I would have fainted or resign my fate if I have to fight one of those Titan."

"You live in a world without fear for Titans, so you are not accustomed to them, otherwise, you might even yearn to kill one on your own, just like our children."

"But do you know how these Titans come to be? They can't just sprout from the ground."

"Regrettably no, we have been under siege for so long until now. So I think the priority will be find out their nest or whatever conjure them up."

"Yeah, and please forgive me if I am wrong or my words are inappropriate, this conflict with the Empire did contribute to the wipe out of the Titans on your island, didn't it?"

"Yes, but I would not say completely wipe out though. Although it is true that my people now focus on rebuild and regrow the crops in hope to survive the coming winter."

"Then you can ask the Former Empire to compensate in good and food. They have plenty of those."

"That's why I intend to do, Lt. Wealth has no meaning in our world."

"And would you consider a trade treaty of some sort? This can help you acquire food if your harvest is low and maybe new material for new weapons to fight."

"I shall take it as a consideration. After all, it's hard to trade if you are the only one."

"Yes, so do ask for some monetary compensation too, so you can use to trade later on."

Their chat continue on to various topic which Rod Reiss seem interest to know yet refuse to acquire. From civil tech to military tech, and he seem to focus on how the government work in Orb Union. The Lt take this as a hint of subtle hostility. Then he asks about various species of demi-human in Falmart, he especially interested in the terrain, various settlements throughout the continent and the Gods along with the Apostles. The Lt answer him with detail in some areas while giving half answer in others. He has no idea why the questions for all these when he isn't interest in forming trade relation with "outsider". And Lt Takuma conclude that this man is either planning to defend against another possible invasion or want to retaliate in some way. Their conversation is interrupt when the pilot inform them they has arrive and will be landing in 2 minutes at the Palace court yard.

They are greeted by Secretary Aristotle and guided to the conference room with Princess Pina, Prince Diabo, Meryn, Arthrun and Cagalli already waiting. After an awkward exchange of greeting, they take their seats and start the negotiation. Princess Pina and Prince Diabo at the head of the table start first.

"We thank you for taking the trip to meet us and resolve the conflict between our nations. Although we had no idea what will you demand for compensation, we had assessed the reports from our invasion force that your nations had suffered devastation so a large amount of material and supplies had been prepared along with a large sum of money to pay."

"Our father The Emperor, the entire government official and military commander involves with the invasion had been forced to resign as punishment. An official apology will be issued and announced by my sister as well on behalf of the Empire. We wish you will find it sufficient."

"That's very good preparation. But I think you can keep your money for now and increase the amount of material and supplies as winter is coming and my people have no use for money."

"As you wish, I shall see to it that your request is fulfill ASAP. Would you like to inspect the amount offer now?"

"Yes, and I think the first priority is building materials to rebuilt our settlements and storehouse before food supplies arrive."

"Of course, I shall make the convoy for materials to move right away as soon as you have inspected them."

"My man Kenny here will inspect it, after all. We prefer to have you deliver multiple times than receive all in one go."

"I understand."

Princess Pina turn to the hard looking man and motion him to follow her. Kenny and one of his squat follow the Princess out of the conference room.

Prince Diabo motions for Secretary Aristotle and he procures a letter and two parchments. The Prince explain

"This is the letter of apology and the parchments are official peace treaty. Please read them to see if the terms are agreeable."

Rod Reiss takes the letter and the parchments, he read them carefully and once in a while, stop to think. Then he tucks the letter into his vest while giving back the parchments.

"All the terms are agreeable, but I want to add some clause to it. But I want to ask some question first if that's ok with you."

"Yes, of course. It's my duty to answer any question relate to the peace treaty."

"Who will be guarding the Gate to my world from this world? Your new Sadera Kingdom or Orb Union?"

Prince Diabo hasn't expected this question and looks at Cagalli. Rod Reiss also turns to look at her. Cagalli with an indifferent expression and stern voice, answer it.

"At first I was sympathy with your nation and planned to guard it as to be able to help your people in case of emergency and support. But since you had orchestrated a hostile act against us with unclear motive in the form of assassination of Admiral Arthrun, whom was a special Agent to represent Orb Union, I decides to leave the Gate in the hand of Sadera Kingdom."

The answer as well as the expression of Cagalli startle Prince Diabo. He didn't know anything about the assassination attempt and at first quite stress as it mean the Sadera Kingdom will become a battlefield if hostility between Orb Union and Paradis Islander begin. Then he calms down as he remembered the Paradis Islander will not be stupid enough to initiate conflict openly as they had been severely weakened by the Empire.

Rod Reiss has a mixed feeling, this mean Orb Union has no direct access to his world, thus limit their influence on his people if their code of conduct is upheld. On the other hand, it make it harder for his own agents to do anything as the distance is too great, it was the reason for the failure of the assassination.

For Cagalli, she hates the idea of an absolute ruler whom disregard his people for unknown reason. She wishes to help them to have a better life and nothing more. But their king ordered a hit on Arthrun with the reason being "a dangerous influence on the people". According to the report, he did limit his contact to only a few, but rumor as always, spread. And people begin to think outside the allowed mindset. She set up this meeting to clarify things and reach an understanding.

For now, Rod Reiss has to accept the status quo with the disadvantage on his side, he ask another question which address to the Prince but aim at Orb Union.

"I wish to have a ban on accessing my world for whatever reason by any party. We don't want our life to be disturbed. Can you fulfill and enforce the ban Prince Diabo?"

"I … I can …. "

Prince Diabo stutters as he is afraid the answer will displease either one of them, but when he looks at Cagalli and receive a nod, he firmly states his answer.

"Yes! Yes, I can do that."

Rod Reiss chuckles at the response. Not surprising consider Orb Union is the true power here beside the gods.

"Great, and now to the more important question, what will you do if someone intentionally cross into my world?"

A flustered Prince finds himself unable to clearly answer without looking at Cagalli. And she decides to take over as the question aim at her.

"The intruder will be apprehended and punish per regulation, if we fail to catch him or her from this side, you can do whatever you deem fit."

"Thank you, assurance from you is worth more than anything."

"And the same will apply to your people should they cross into Sadera Kingdom."

Rod Reiss smug disappear as he realized the mistake he made in his moment of arrogant. But the damage is done so he has no choice but to proceed.

"Now, how will the Sadera Kingdom deliver the compensation to my world?"

"We have convoy of carts and draught animals for transportation. The first batch will reach your world in around 1 month. It's the best we can do after our recent loss."

Rod Reiss is irritated because this mean a much longer time for interaction between the two worlds and the chance of defection is quite high, and he is certain that his Military Police might not be enough to dissuade any potential defector. Then Princess Pina and Kenny return from their inspection. Rod Reiss look to Kenny and with a nod indicating everything is fine.

"I believe that's it for our negotiation."

"Then we shall leave you and the Representative to negotiate and see to your convoy departure."

Princess Pina and Prince Diabo along with any non-involved party bows and walks out of the conference room with some haste.

"Is this wise to leave them unsupervised?"

"This is between them, we are not getting involve in their dispute. After all, if our world become a battlefield for them to fight, it will doom our world. So just be courteous and let them negotiate in private."

"We have another problem too, the losses we suffered had crippled our military. The navy was wiped out, the Legionnaires were decimated, The Praetorian sustained heavy loss and the Immortal are applying to get out by the hundreds every day. Only my Rose Knights Order is intact and not suffer from scorns from the populace."

"We have to retain the Immortal, I don't relish the idea of elite warrior roam around unchecked."

"Yeah, I plan to have the Immortal disbanded, then send them to reinforce our garrisons."

"No, integrate them into your Knight Order, we need to keep them close to prevent desertion."

"You wish to reform the military then?"

"Yes, we need to overhaul everything. So let's start now when the sting of defeat still fresh and our arrogance suppressed."

"Ok, and one more thing, Father wishes to dine with us privately tonight."

Prince Diabo stops and looks at his sister with incredulous eyes. Unlike Princess Pina, he had been on edge constantly, threats from his older brother and scheme from his father make him uncomfortable around them. And now that he is most certainly elected as the new king to replace his father, he fears for his life.

Princess Pina understands her brother reservation about their father. But she loves her family equally and can't stand the thought of her father, now an old man with nothing left except his miserable life has to spend his time in lonely solitude while the rest of the family ignore his existence. Although her father was disgraced, she still love him and she wishes to follow the Countess display of affection toward her father. This dinner might be the chance for reconciliation between her brother and her father.

"It will be fine. After all, we are all that he has left."

"You don't know our father, he will never stand for anyone to surpass him. And he will do anything to make sure he remains the greatest."

"HE lost everything, His life is all he has left. Would you stand by and see him die of old age without the love of his children as well?"

"He had never had any fatherly love for me or our elder brother. Only you."

"Our brother is lost to us, only you remain to continue our bloodline."

"…."

"Just give it a chance, maybe after losing everything, he understand the value of family"

"Very well, I can't refuse you anything little sister."

In the conference room, a tense atmosphere make Kenny and his squad feel suffocating. But Neither Rod Reiss or Cagalli back down from their staring contest. It's Arthrun that breaks ice.

"If you are ready to discuss the attempt on my life, please begin your explanation."

Rod Reiss isn't prepared to deal with his "would be victim", but he has known him somewhat from his stay in Mistra. Maybe he will be better off if he start with him.

"It was fear, The Empire is weaker than Orb Union, yet they still decimate us. What chance do we have against you?"

Before Arthrun can answer, Cagalli seize her chance to question him

"Why would you think Orb Union will attack and conquer your world when Arthrun himself give you assurance we would not do so?"

"We have nothing bus his words. And his words mean nothing if you decide otherwise. So I figured if he is killed before returning to you, we would be somewhat safe."

"And you didn't think we would invade even if we don't have the information he had gathered?"

"We planned to destroy the Gate as soon as the Imperials were gone and he was killed."

"So you would sacrifice Commander Erwin and his soldiers to destroy the Gate. I must say it was not a bad idea."

"We lost 11.000 death in the attack, if we didn't make sacrifice, more would have died. It's a desperate plan to cut off the access to our world from the Empire."

"Sensible, but why would you want Arthrun killed? You could have destroy the Gate like you had planned after he crossed, or imprisoned him to make use of his knowledge to improve your military technology. From his reports, your military technology is not advanced enough to eradicate the Titans on your island, let alone reclaim your world."

"I had no idea who or what he is exactly in Orb Union, if I had known he is a high ranking member of your Military and possess knowledge to improve ours, I would had tried to persuade him."

"Very well, then I offer you our assistance in your world reclamation. How about it?"

"Thank you, but I prefer to have my people enjoy peace for a while before any military action against the Titans commence."

"Then we shall help with recon first. After all, can't go into battle blindly."

"Once again, I thank you for your generous offer. But I don't want my people to be disturb by outsiders, we wish to live in peace."

"You talk about reclaim your world, yet your action so far indicate otherwise. I find it puzzling."

"I want my people to be ready for it, our number is just a little more than 100.000. Barely enough to populate the current island."

"Then I can offer your people a better living conditions, healthcare …ect…. So that your number will increase faster."

Rod Reiss doesn't like being push into corners like this every time he takes a turn. But the person in front of him persistently push him to accept her help.

Cagalli has no idea why someone in his position and situation keep on refusing assistance, whether military or technology, he always rejects her offer. Fear for losing influence? Fear of being dominated? Or just plain conplancement?

"Perhaps he wishes to think about our offer carefully before accepting. Let's leave the topic for another time then."

Arthrun words breaks the endless circle and offer a way out for both. And they take it.

"Then let's us leave it at that. Remember my offer is always open so you can accept it anytime you see fit. Now, to the next topic, we have 4.721 of your people and as agreed with Commander Erwin, they will be released."

"I thank you on my people behalf. Their families will rejoice when they are back."

"How will they be treated when they are back to your world?"

A question that Rod Reiss has not anticipated. As there is no war in his world, the concept of POWs and their treatments during and after a war eluded him.

"What do you mean? They will be back to their family, be compensated with something and return to their duty or resign and choose another profession."

"My world has a clear treaty about POWs and one of the clause dictated we have to make sure they are well treated during their imprisonment and after they had been released back to their country. If there are risks threaten them when they are repatriated, we shall grant them asylum and/or accept them as immigrant."

"Your world ideology is strange, but rest assure they will not be mistreated or anything, after all, we owe them and they are important labor force for our recovery."

"Then I shall release them after another 4 days. Just need to make sure they don't carry any disease when they get back."

"Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I presume our misunderstanding is concluded in good faith?"

"Yes, it is. All the terms and conditions are in here, if you see no problem signing it, then we are officially at peace."

Rod Reiss take a quick look at the treaty and spot the thing he fear right away.

"All the terms and conditions are fine except this particular clause To ensure the fair treatment of former POWs by their country, inspection will take place. This is clearly an infringement on our sovereignty."

"The inspection will happen randomly and with an officer from you in tow, so it will not affect your sovereignty in any way. And plainly, your action hasn't inspired any confidence for me to believe you either."

"So instead of blatantly cross over and invade, you use subtleties methods to take over. Is that it?"

"No, I have my hand full with my world and now this continent as well, I rather not having another world to mind. And the fact remain, you had given me legitimate reason to cross over and take over, yet I didn't. This at least more trustworthy than assassination attempt."

Rod Reiss has nothing to counter her reasoning or her military power. Thus a treaty is the best he can have. But he is determined to get a little bit more for what it worth.

"Fine, then add another clause, stating you and Orb Union have no intention of undermine or sabotage or any kind of design for my world or people."

"It will be done."

The clause is added and they both read the newly printed treaty. Satisfied, they signed and shake hands.

"The transport is at your service so you can leave at any time or stay here as long as you like. I have to attend another meeting in another city so I have to excuse myself now."

"I wish you have a safe journey and pleasant meeting."

"Thank you, thought I don't think the meeting will be pleasant, I am meeting a goddess of this world."

Cagalli and Arthrun walk out, leaving the rest to gawk at the revelation. Rod Reiss is concerned as he feels Cagalli will stop at nothing for her ideal, and he has no idea how much she had learnt about its secret.

All the POWs watches the meeting with their full attention on the "advisor". His reasoning is sound and not entirely unrealistic. But they still have a feeling that something is amiss. Why reject help from someone with more advance technology at all? And why didn't he just destroy the Gate as he planned, everybody is expendable if it is to safe guard their home. Still, at least they get to go home. While their time as POWs is more pleasant than being solders back home, they have a strong attachment to their world. And they bring more than themselves back home as they learn a lot of things from their captors.

Giselle waits outside of Bellnahgo as the transport land. To her surprise, Arthrun and Rory is with the Representative. She grins and come forth to greet them.

"Welcome to Bellnahgo, shrine city of my Mistress Representative of Orb Union. And Arthtun, thank you once again for the assistance back then. And my dear Rory Mercuty, have you finally decide to submit to my Mistress?"

Cagalli and Arthrun turn to look at Rory with a confused look. Rory sigh but answer with a stern voice.

"No, I simply come here to say I refuse in person so she can give up."

"My Mistress will never give up."

"She will because I have the support of Orb Union. I was offered a job to serve as enforcer for the treaty signed. So I accepted. My employer in return will provide transport, food and snack and new outfits. I am also protected too. So I am sure your Mistress will find it more beneficial to give up."

Giselle is fuming in anger. Partly due to the audacity of Orb Union to defy her Mistress, partly due to she wasn't offer the job. Keeping her calm as she can't do anything except wait for her Mistress order, she begrudgingly gesture them to follow her to the Temple. The Guards, Priests and worshipers line up and bow as they pass. They arrive at the temple entrance, Rory is uncomfortable, but soon compose herself and they descend and reach the deepest part which contain the main hall with statue of Hardy. Giselle kneel and pray. Hardy manifest herself. She looks left and right, then suddenly float down to face Cagalli.

"I think I will need a vessel for our conversation to be more pleasant."

Dozens of priest and priestess rush forward to volunteer. But Hardee ignore them and stare at Cagalli.

"I want to take over your body, but then it will appear as if I am talking to myself so that won't do."

Then she turns her gaze to Arthrun.

"You are a man, and quite a specimen. Maybe dear Rory will be more acceptable."

"NO, YOU CAN'T …."

Only Rory manage to protest before Hardy swoop in and disappear in Arthrun's body. To the horror of Cagalli and Rory and the amusement of Giselle, Arhrun is down on his knees with his face in his hands.

"This body is beyond describe, so deep and vast. And ….."

That's all Hardy can utter before being violently forced back out of Arthrun body. Giselle, the priests and priestesses are shocked at the sacrilege and ready to attack while Cagalli and Rory are also shocked and step back. Arthrun opens his eyes and the irises are glowing. Hardy is enraged and cause the temple to quake. Giselle immediately on her knee

"My lady, please stay your anger and let your servant handle him."

Hardy glares at her Apostle while Giselle trembling and waiting for her command.

"Fine, make it slow and painful. If you show mercy because he helped you before, I shall have your soul suffer for eternity."

"Yes, My Mistress."

Giselle stands up, gripping her scythe tightly. As she recalls her experience fighting Commander Andrew and the answers she got from mingling with the soldiers, she is excited and warried at the same time. Arthrun and Commander Andrew have never clash so there is no clear answer who is stronger. But the majority agree that Arthrun will win most of the encounter on foot and definitely win in a MS. No matter, she has an immortal body and all she need to do is score one solid hit. Giselle lower her body and charge forward. Arthrun reaches for his sidearm when Giselle throws her scythe at his legs. He jump up to avoid the swirling scythe and realize he is vulnerable in midair. Giselle grins as her tactic work perfectly only to have Arthrun throw something at her path. Realizing it is the same thing that hurt her eyes, she uses her wings to cover her front and keep on charging. An explosion shake the temple ground and surprise Hardy while ther priests and priestesses are stunned. Cagalli has push Rory on the ground to avoid the blast while Giselle is blown off. Her wings are tattered, her leg shredded to pieces and numerous cut beginning to bleed out. Arthrun comes, with another grenade on his left hand and the sidearm pointing at Giselle head on his right.

"Yield or I shall turn you to ash."

Giselle looks with horror in her eyes and make out the red color and orange flame drawing. She looks to her Mistress. But it is Rory who intervene and declare the cessation of hostility for her patron god Emroy has decreed it. Hardy is enrage but also see this as a way out without losing face, thus she accepts it. Hardy choose a priestess to possess and the meeting start after the priests and priestesses are gone.

"The reason I invite you here is due to the mass destruction weapon that you shew to the entire continent. Is that kind of weapon actually exist or just a fabricated lie to scare the people?"

"It's exist and had been deployed in our wars."

"Then why do your world still exist?

"We have different measure to limit the scare of destruction. And our shielding technology help in some regard."

"Do you have any intention to employ such weapon here?"

"If the situation demand it."

"Do you believe such weapon can help you win against us gods?"

"I believe such weapon can help me negotiate with the gods. That's why we are here."

"Confident, aren't you? Then I shall let you know that I am the one open the gates. And I can shut them just as easily."

"And I say it will be a little problem that will be addressed in a few days."

Hardy, Giselle and Rory look at Cagalli and Arhrun for hint of deception and found none.

"If you don't believe me, I can show you."

A hollow screen pops up and Cagalli give a nod to Arthrun whom in turn press a button on his wrist.

The hollow screen show several metal ship flying around. Then one of the launch something down to the world below. The scene soon reveals the world is their current world and the target is the Alnus base. The drop pod align itself to the empty spot in the base and blue flames are seen helping the pod to slow down and land. The pod open up revealing its cargo. Then the screen turn off.

"We have ship that help travel in the vast empty space. From one star to another. So if you close the Gate, we can simply get on those ship. Then depend on how troubled we were, we may or may not deploy our weapon and destroy this whole planet."

Hardy is defeated, her trump card is the Gate yet these people have mean to travel beyond the reach of the gods. But she is not going to admit it.

"So you can travel between the stars. But I can split up the ground and swallow your base at Alnus right now before you can organize an evacuation."

"Our base facilities are mostly mobile. Which mean most of our personnel will survive."

Seeing Hardy is in a tight spot, Arthrun decides to offer a way out to resolve the tension.

"But it will not come to that, will it? After all we can understand one another and a line will be drawn between us."

Grabbing at the chance to salvage what she can, Hardy agree.

"Yes, we can come to an easy agreement since we have learnt about each other capability."

"Of course, that's what we are doing now, aren't we?"

The laugh and Giselle and Rory can finally relax.

"So what is Orb Union intention?"

"We will help develop this world, then trade with them."

"How about us?

"The Gods will agree not to interfere and simply enjoy yourselves with numerous things we bring to this world during the course of development. And more after the people here can develop their own."

"So you won't cast the gods aside?"

"Religion is important. But the gods should limit interference to the mortal development. Once in a while, guidance will be welcome. But overall, leave them be."

"So the children can take care of themselves huh?"

"Yes."

"But what if the turn out to be rotten and destroy the world?"

"That's when your guidance is needed."

Hardy thinks for a moment and decide to accept the term. Cagalli give her a piece of good news

"Our world have freedom of religion as long as the religion is benevolence so maybe years later, you and your fellow gods might have worshiper from our world as well."

The thought delights Hardy. Then bid each other farewell and Hardy return to the realm of gods.

Cagalli, Arthrun, Rory and Giselle return to the surface.

"I'm sorry for attacking you."

"No, I have to thank you for saving me. Your mistress may have taken my soul if you haven't intervened."

"Thank for your understanding."

"Now things are finished, let's go back to the Saderan Capital. I have business with the Prince and Princess."

Giselle, without further instruction from her Mistress decides to come with them as well. The transport lifts off and fly toward the Capital where Princess Pina and Prince Diabo are having dinner with their father.