Feeling much better than he had the previous day, Elliot whistled a cheerful tune as he walked down Alto Street. A good night's sleep in his own bed had worked wonders, clearing his mind of lingering doubts. He felt ready to tackle whatever craziness Machias's dad had sent their way.

Assuming the others were, at least. It was puzzling; Rean in particular was habitually an early riser even by Thors standards, yet Elliot hadn't seen any of them. If they weren't careful, they were going to miss Fiona's home-cooked breakfast.

Eh, even for Rean yesterday must've been tiring. Stopping by the old guild house, he knocked on the door.

It opened quickly enough, to reveal a very haggard Machias. "Morning, Elliot," he said, rubbing his eyes.

"What happened to you?" Elliot wondered.

"Eh, it's a long story." Rean stepped out past Machias, looking almost as tired. "Last night was a bit crazy."

A feminine sniff drifted out the open door. "Just look at these geriatrics," Laura said, folding her arms. "And you call yourselves men. We," she added as Fie came out, "have gusto to spare. Don't we, Fie?"

The former jaeger leaned casually against the doorframe. "Yup."

"How can you be so energetic!?" Machias demanded. "Are you even human!?"

Elliot looked from one to another, confused. "Okay, just what happened last night? Laura and Fie are all buddy buddy now, while you two look like wolves chased you halfway back to Trista."

"We'll explain over breakfast," Rean said with a sigh.

Shaking his head, Elliot led the way back to his house. As they feasted on fresh bread and eggs, and drank around three cups of coffee each (Machias managed five), Rean related the events of the previous night, with occasional annoyed interjections from Machias.

By the end, Elliot was shaking his head again, this time in wonder. "Figures you two would have to fight to work things out," he said, smiling wryly. "I'm glad you're finally settling in, Fie."

"Same here," Fie said. "It's like you said last night, in the end I'd have regretted not enrolling a lot more. I'm still not really sure where I want to go, but," she shrugged, unconcerned, "Thors is a good place to start."

"I know what you mean," Elliot said. "So, there shouldn't be any problems if we have another monster hunt today?"

Machias snorted. "I'll be shocked if we don't have another one, but it shouldn't be an issue. Not after Laura and Fie made mincemeat of Rean and me."

Something in the back of Elliot's mind clicked. "One of these days, we really should see if it's possible to link more than two people at once," he said. "Remember when we fought that gargoyle on our first day?"

He almost laughed at his classmates' expressions. Rean was visibly taken aback. Laura suddenly looked thoughtful; it was harder to tell with Fie, but she was definitely sitting up straighter. Machias, for his part, had a definite "Why didn't I think of that!?" look on his face.

"You make an interesting point," Laura said, nodding slowly. "It is true we were all linked through the ARCUS that day. I have no trouble believing there is more to combat linking than we had realized."

"Especially when you consider they're still in the experimental stage," Machias agreed. "I don't think a day's gone by that Alisa hasn't complained about it."

"It's a good idea," Fie put in. "If we can manage linking more than two at a time, it'll give us a lot more flexibility in combat."

Rean stared at nothing for a moment, probably working the details out in his mind. "I'll ask Instructor Sara about it when we finish our field study," he said. "This is something the entire class should discuss in detail before we try anything." He pulled out the envelope that had been left in the guild house mailbox. "For now, we'd better see what Governor Regnitz has in store for us."

It was quite an interesting assortment. Of particular note were another monster hunt, as search for a lost cat, and a request to test some new footwear from the famous boutique Le Sage. If Elliot recalled correctly, they had a branch in Trista as well, though he'd never had reason to go there.

"We should go to Le Sage first," Machias recommended. "Seems to me we can use the rest of our tasks for a proper test, what with all the walking we'll be doing."

Rean nodded. "Right. Let's get moving."

The last time Estelle could remember being in a room quite this luxurious, she'd been staying at the royal palace in Grancel. For all that it was a "mere" hotel, Der Himmel managed to very nearly match the Liberlian royal family's home in terms of sheer opulence.

"Ah, my dear Estelle," the young man in the expensive armchair said, lifting a hand in greeting. "And Joshua, too. Please have a seat, both of you."

The bracers sat on a nearby couch. "So what's going on in that head of yours? Hi, Mueller." Estelle added, belatedly noticing the dark-haired bodyguard.

Mueller Vander smiled. "Good to see you both, even if it means dealing with this idiot."

"Ah, Mueller old friend, you wound me," Prince Olivert said. "As do you, Estelle. What makes you think anything is going on besides my desire to see a couple of dear friends?"

Joshua snorted quietly. "Do you really expect us to buy that after what you and Dad pulled two years ago?" he asked pointedly. "Sara aside, it's not often bracers are asked to speak at an Erebonian military academy."

Olivert put a hand to his chest, over his heart. "Really, dear Joshua, is it so hard to believe?"

"Yes," Estelle said flatly, already losing patience with the other's antics. "And I remind you I have a very large stick."

To his credit, Olivert subsided. For him, anyway. "Very well, to business. Now, as it happens the official reason for my invitation was entirely true. I do indeed want you to see the splendor of Heimdallr's Summer Festival. It simply isn't the whole truth."

Finally, a little progress. "Let me guess, you want our help with something."

"Perceptive as always, my dear Estelle." Olivert sat forward, hands folded beneath his chin. "We have reason to believe there will be a terrorist attack during the Festival tomorrow."

Joshua hissed a little at that. "And you expect the Imperial family to be targeted?"

"Indeed, though I have no fear for my own life." Olivert's smile was just a bit predatory. "You're both well aware that I can handle myself in a fight. In any case, I believe Governor Regnitz intends to ask Class VII to provide auxiliary security."

Ordinarily Estelle would have scoffed at that. Students on guard duty for something this important was crazy on its face. However, she'd observed several of Class VII's training exercises, and while they were still green (something she remembered well of herself), they were skilled enough that she almost felt sorry for any run-of-the-mill terrorist dumb enough to take them on.

"What's our part, then?" Joshua asked.

"Just to be bracers," Olivert said with a look of innocence that fooled no one. "Such an attack will undoubtedly put many civilians in danger; even here on vacation, I doubt you would turn a blind eye to such a thing. In the process, I hope to remind certain elements of the Imperial government that we still need the Bracer Guild."

Those "certain elements" undoubtedly being Giliath Osborne and his precious Intelligence Division. Estelle sighed. She really hated political games. All she wanted was to be the best darned bracer she could be, and enjoy time with her family. Politics gave her a headache.

But this was one of her closest friends asking for a favor, and if it improved the Guild's standing and made Mister Blood and Iron look like an idiot at the same time, she could live with it. "What do you think, Joshua?"

"I think he has a point," the former Enforcer murmured. "We really can't turn a blind eye to civilians in trouble."

Estelle nodded. "Okay, we're in. Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," Olivert confirmed. "Dreichels Plaza, if you would; that's where the largest crowd is likely to be. Be warned, however; the people we're dealing with are from the reports I've seen highly skilled and downright fanatical."

"We can handle fanatics," Estelle assured him, standing. "Anything else?"

Olivert rubbed his chin. "I plan to meet with Class VII over dinner tonight at Saint Astraia Girls' School, where my sister Alfin attends," he said. "Would you care to join us?"

She looked at Joshua, who nodded. "Sure thing. See ya then."

Le Sage's main branch was on Vainqueur Street, not far from where they'd had lunch the previous day. Not one to care overmuch about fashion, Laura was nonetheless floored by the selection. Most girls of her social standing, she suspected, would happily spend hours in such a place.

"So, you'd be the students from Class VII," the owner, a man named Howard, said with a smile. "Don't look so surprised; I designed those uniforms you're wearing right now."

"That so?" Rean said, inclining his head respectfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Indeed," Laura agreed. "They're fantastic uniforms; it's an honor to speak to the person who designed them."

Howard laughed. "Stop, you'll make me blush. 'Sides, it's really the other way around; you really suit those uniforms. You even made your own personal tweaks to them; nice touch." He sobered. "Anyway, I'm guessing you're here because of that request I sent in."

"That's right," Rean confirmed. "Can you give us more details?"

"No problem," Howard said. "We just got some new shoes in, and I'd like you to test them out, see how well they hold up." He set a pair on the counter. "This here is the Strega Corporation's latest design. I gather they're not really popular in the Empire yet."

Machias tilted his head slightly. "I've heard of them. Didn't they just celebrate their fiftieth anniversary?"

"From Leman State, right?" Fie added.

"Yes and yes," Howard said, brightening. "I'm impressed you know so much about it."

Machias shrugged. "I just read about them in a magazine article once."

"And you, young lady," Howard said, looking at Fie, "are wearing Stregas yourself."

Fie waved a hand nonchalantly. "Their stuff is durable enough and easy to move around in. Pretty decent."

"Nice to hear some positive impressions," Howard said. "Anyway, what I have here are girls' Stregas, specifically for girls around 160 to 170 rege tall."

Well. That settled the question of who would be doing the testing. Laura was the tallest girl in their class, almost matching Rean's height, while Fie was diminutive even for her age.

"You're up, Laura," Fie said.

Howard nodded. "That's sorted. Mind putting them on now?"

"Of course," Laura said.

The moment she had them laced, she decided she really had to look into the brand more closely. They were easily the most comfortable shoes she had ever worn, perfect for anything from a casual stroll to an extended training session. No wonder they were so popular.

"You'll also need this," Howard said, handing her a small device. "It's an orbal pedometer; check that to see how many steps you've taken. Two thousand or so should be enough; I like my data as thorough as possible."

An admirable sentiment. "Then we will see you this afternoon," Laura said. "I will of course reimburse you for any damage sustained; we also have a monster hunt on our agenda today."

Howard shrugged. "Eh, as long as I get the data I need, it's fine as long as they're still intact."

"I appreciate your forbearance, sir," Laura said with a bow. "If you'll excuse us."

They'd hardly taken a few steps outside when they almost collided with Estelle and Joshua Bright. From all appearances the bracers were simply taking in the sights, but Laura saw a certain tension in Joshua's posture. Or so she thought; he was much harder to read than the energetic Estelle.

"Hi, guys," Estelle said. "Man, this place is huge. Gotta wonder how Olivier doesn't get lost around here."

Elliot raised his eyebrows. "Who's Olivier?"

"Olivier Lenheim," Joshua said, giving Estelle an odd look. "An old friend of ours from Erebonia. He grew up right here in Heimdallr."

"And that's probably why he's—wait a second," Estelle interrupted herself, looking down. "Are those Stregas?"

Laura frowned. The Liberlian was looking unusually intense. "They are," she said. "Le Sage asked that we test a new release for them."

"They asked you to—oh, Aidios, you are so lucky!" Estelle looked almost like she was having spasms. "Le Sage, was it? Come on, Joshua!"

That was . . . odd. "Well, she's certainly energetic."

"Strega is pretty big in Liberl," Fie said. "She must be a fan."

"As good an explanation as any," Rean said, shaking his head. "Come on, let's get moving. Should probably start with the missing cat; I hate to leave someone without their pet for any longer than necessary."

They took a tram to the Ost district, Machias pointing out landmarks all the while. As he spoke, Laura found her mind drifting back to another impromptu tour she'd taken several years earlier. It had been Rean showing her around then, accompanied by a friend of his.

Speaking of whom. "Rean, I seem to recall there was one other person with us when you showed me around Ymir. Does he still live there?"

"You must mean Luke," Rean said. "Yeah, he's still in Ymir. Got a job with the Ministry of Railways a couple of weeks before I left for Thors."

That did fit with what Laura remembered. A cheerful and energetic young man who had something of a fascination with the Empire's railway network.

Further discussion was postponed, however, by their arrival at the client's house. It seemed the cat's owner, a girl Machias knew, had mistakenly left a window open overnight, and their cat Nono had escaped. Something for which the girl blamed herself, despite her parents' words to the contrary.

A moment later, armed with a description of the missing feline, they were scouring the district. On the surface, it seemed like a simple enough task. Soon enough, though, they found that to be overly optimistic; according to Machias, the majority of the stray cats in Heimdallr congregated in the Ost district.

"I have never seen this many cats in one place in my life," Laura said half an hour later.

"Legram is small enough that I doubt you have much of a cat population," Machias said mildly. "Still, you have a point; I grew up here, and it's only just hitting home how many cats wind up in the Ost district." He frowned, glancing at a cat whose markings resembled a cow. "It's odd, though; we haven't seen their leader."

Elliot shot him a strange look. "Since when do cats have leaders? Don't they always do their own thing."

Machias's lip twitched. "I know it sounds crazy, but there's one cat here who more or less keeps all the others in line. It's strange that we haven't seen him."

"Well, we've checked almost everywhere. . . ." Rean trailed off. "Wait a second."

Laura sensed it as well. "Quite an imposing presence."

"Especially for a cat," Rean agreed. "Must be the 'leader' Machias mentioned."

The cat in question soon came into view. A stocky, orange beast the size of a small dog, it gave Laura and her friends a cursory glance before leaping over a nearby gate and disappearing around a corner. I can easily believe such a creature could lead even the most independent of cats.

"That's him!" Machias said. "The leader of all the cats in the Ost district. They call him . . . Mister Tiddles."

His tone was so solemn that at first the sheer ridiculousness of the name failed to register. Then, "Seriously?" Elliot said.

"Not exactly an imposing name," Rean agreed. "What's behind that gate?"

Machias frowned. "An alleyway with a couple of abandoned houses. Come to think of it, that's the only place we haven't checked."

"Is it okay for us to go through?" Elliot asked.

"No one will mind as long as we lock up afterward," Machias said. "Come on, let's go."

The alley was small, no more than a few arge long and three or so wide. At the end "Mister Tiddles" was visible, apparently guarding something. He noticed their approach, naturally, but appeared at first to be reasonably placid.

Until another cat, a kitten, really, wandered into view. A kitten who matched Nono's description exactly. Mister Tiddles immediately tensed, growling at the Thors students.

"It's okay," Fie said, crouching in front of him. The big cat's only response was a hiss and a lightning-quick slash of claws.

"Fie!" Elliot yelped, seeing her finger bleeding.

She shook her head quickly. "It's okay; stay quiet." She looked back at the cats. "We're not going to hurt her," she said softly. "We just want to take her back to her home."

Mister Tiddles seemed to consider that. He looked at Nono and meowed and a surprisingly deep voice. Nono responded with a few cheerful mews, whereupon the larger cat looked back up at Fie, no longer hostile. He even started purring.

"O-kay, even for Fie that's weird," Elliot said.

"What's important is it worked," Machias said with a chuckle. "Come on, Nono, let's get you home."

With the kitten home (Elliot was still giving Fie odd looks), they decided the monster hunt should be their next objective, if only for reasons of public safety. The area of operations for this hunt was the Heimdallr port; Rean, having fought aquatic monsters outside his hometown, shuddered to think what kind of creature might be lurking near the Anor River.

As the railways were essentially the lifeblood of the Empire, the port wasn't as busy as Heimdallr Station. Which wasn't to say it was quiet; there was quite a hustle and bustle among the dockworkers, coupled with the sounds of heavy machinery and ever-present seagulls.

"Being near water always relaxes me," Laura said, sniffing the air appreciatively.

Rean glanced at her. "That's right, you grew up near a lake." He smiled faintly. "I may have spent most of my life in the mountains, but we did have some water."

"I recall the stream outside Ymir," Laura said with a nod. She smiled with just a hint of mischief. "I also recall you nearly fell in."

Rean pinched the bridge of his nose. "That rings a bell, yeah. I was lucky it was after the spring thaw."

That aside, he had to admit Laura had a point. The gently sloshing waters of the Anor had a kind of soothing effect, much like the rains in Trista. I could probably fish here, he thought, then scolded himself. He could go fishing if he had free time later on; right now they had a job to do.

"Esperanza?" Fie said, pointing to the name painted on one of the cargo ships.

"I believe it means 'hope,'" Machias said.

Rean finally caught sight of the portmaster, a man named Danberto. "Excuse me," he said. "We're here about a request you sent to City hall."

A tall, solidly built man in his forties, Danberto looked them up and down. "Didn't expect a response so soon. You'd be the students I was told to expect?"

"That's us," Machias said. "Guess my father is as efficient as ever."

Danberto looked at him with new interest. "You're Governor Regnitz's kid?"

"I am," Machias said with just a hint of weariness.

"Glad to see someone like you around here," Danberto said. "Anyway, you know about all those tunnels under the city? The monster you're after is hiding out not too far from here. None of us have actually seen it, but it's been making a hell of a racket, and we sure don't want it getting out."

Laura had one hand on her sword, clearly excited by the prospect of action. "How might we gain access to this underground waterway?"

"Door's over there," Danberto said, eying her narrowly. ". . .The way you talk, you a noble by any chance?"

"I am," Laura acknowledged, "though I fail to see how that impacts my ability to fulfill your request."

The portmaster grimaced. "I guess not, but I really can't bring myself to ask for help from a noble." He looked like he was about to spit on the ground, but caught himself in time. "Living the high life, looking down on us common folk like we're inferior or something, where do you get off doing stuff like that?"

This, Rean reflected bitterly, was the poisonous influence of the Noble Faction, especially the Four Great Houses. "Before you continue, sir, you should know that I'm a noble as well." He restrained a smile at Danberto's look of surprise. "I'm from a distant part of the Empire—northern Nortia Province—but I'm still upper class."

"Our class is a special one that doesn't recognize distinctions between nobles and commoners," Elliot put in. "We've had a few problems," Machias winced at that, "but overall it's worked pretty well. Laura and Rean have always been supportive of the commoners in Class VII."

"No matter what she does, Laura gives it her all," Fie said. "She works as hard as anyone, and doesn't care if you're a noble or commoner. It's just the kind of person she is."

Machias took a step forward. "I used to think the same as you, but after enrolling at Thors I learned better. Rean and Laura," Rean was amused to notice he did not mention Jusis, "showed me how thickheaded I was." He smiled ruefully. "There are nobles at the academy who you'd never guess were nobles if they weren't in white uniforms."

Visibly taken aback, Danberto shook his head. "Okay, you've got me there. Sorry about the rant; it's just kind of a sore spot around here."

"I don't blame you at all," Laura assured him. "If it eases your mind any, neither my family nor Rean's have any involvement with the Noble Faction; on the contrary, we find their ideology abhorrent."

"That does help," Danberto said. "Okay, here." He dropped a key in Rean's hand. "This'll get you into the tunnels. How about you kids give that monster," he smiled faintly, "a noble thrashing."

Rean chuckled. "You can count on us."

Danberto nodded and moved off to whatever project he was working on. "Thank you for your kind words," Laura said quietly. "Especially you, Fie."

"No charge for telling the truth," Fie said, smiling faintly.

"Doesn't make it any less meaningful, especially after everything we've been through," Rean pointed out. "Anyway, I'm guessing you two would like to try another link for this hunt?"

Laura nodded. "Indeed. After last night," she smiled at Machias's glare, "we should have no trouble accomplishing our task."

"Yup," Fie agreed. "Ready to go."

The tunnel in question was much more dank than the previous day's area of operation. No surprise, given it was right by the river, but it made things more uncomfortable. For Machias and Elliot, at least; Rean was used to harsh conditions, and from the looks of them Laura and Fie were completely unaffected.

Naturally, the monster population was more aquatic. After only ten minutes, Rean had lost count of the number of hostile fish they'd had to slaughter, along with more of the blob monsters. Next time I'm in a place like this, I am so bringing a fishing pole. Or maybe a harpoon.

In stark contrast to their last attempt, Laura and Fie's coordination was nigh-flawless. Fie would dart in, moving in a zigzag pattern that often seemed to make her target dizzy, then strike quickly and leap back, making room for Laura to deliver a punishing strike.

"Wow," Elliot murmured. "I think that's the only combination that can match you and Laura."

"You may be right," Rean conceded. "Honestly, I'm just glad it worked; that's one less stress factor for the class as a whole."

Machias's shotgun barked, perforating a fish monster that had snuck up on Fie. "Tell me about it," he said. "Not that I'm in any position to talk."

By then, they were confident enough to engage in idle conversation as they moved, though never letting their guard down. Rean took the time to marvel at the sheer scale of the tunnels. What he could see of them looked worn, yet somehow undiminished by time. The Dark Ages had clearly had some brilliant architects.

The local bat population seemed to agree. Rean at first drew his sword, then relaxed; they were ordinary bats who had found an unusual home, no threat to their group at all. He did wonder, though, how they found food in such an inhospitable place.

A few twists and turns later, and their target was in sight. Definitely a fish of some kind, heavily armored, more teeth than it had any right to have. Rean's hands tightened on his sword, recognizing it as a sharkodile, one of the most dangerous aquatic monsters in the Empire. Thank Aidios we have Laura along.

"All right," Rean said, drawing his sword. "Ready?"

The others likewise drew their weapons. "At your command, Rean," Laura said.

Since when am I in command? "Let's go!"

A silver blur streaked past him: Fie, gun-swords blazing. She appeared to be aiming for the sharkodile's eyes, though how well that would work was questionable, since even the eyelids were armored. Then again, the intent may have been a simple distraction; Laura was there a moment later, her heavy blade crashing into the monster's neck.

Not a beheading strike, but it clearly hurt. On the heels of a shotgun blast from Machias, Rean dashed in crouched low, a textbook move from the Eight Leaves' second form. Dodging the sharkodile's snapping jaws, he drove his blade deep into the wound Laura had inflicted.

And immediately sidestepped, sensing Fie's approach. This time the former jaeger went for the throat, only pulling the trigger after her gun-swords sank halfway to the hilt. Once more Laura followed up, a vicious chop that finally removed the sharkodile's head.

In the sudden stillness, the girls high-fived.

Rean couldn't help chuckling. "To think less than twenty-four hours ago you two still couldn't get along."

"You make a good team, though," Elliot said. "I don't think anyone stands a chance with you two coordinating your attacks like that."

Laura shook her head. "That monster had the advantage in terms of raw strength. Without numbers on our side, I doubt we would have emerged victorious."

"Yep. Still room for improvement," Fie agreed.

"The thought of you getting any stronger is more than a little terrifying," Machias muttered. "Still, seeing this has me thinking I should be strengthening my resolve, too."

Laura nodded approvingly. "That can only be for the best."

"For now, though, we need to head back and report," Rean said. "And I don't know about you guys, but I'm just a bit tired of underground tunnels."

To no one's surprise, retracing their steps took them to the same kind of hidden door they'd found the previous day. As convoluted as the place was, it wasn't even surprising that they found themselves in the Ost district, not too far from Machias's home.

"It's like something out of a spy novel," Fie commented.

"Tell me about it," Machias said. "Maybe it's a sign. . . ."

A deep bell tone almost made Rean jump out of his skin. Trying to picture Heimdallr's layout in his mind, he was pretty sure the sound was coming from the Sankt District. Which meant it was probably a church bell.

"That's Heimdallr Cathedral's bell," Elliot said. "It's way over in the Sankt District, but you can hear it pretty clearly from here."

Machias gave a slow nod. "Anyway, it's about time we found something to eat. How about we order to go from one of the local shops? And. . . ." He hesitated. "We don't have much, but I can at least treat you to coffee at my place."

Turning him down would have been, to put it mildly, rude, so Group A stopped by one of the pubs for fish and chips, then followed Machias to his home. Knowing Machias to be a connoisseur, Rean could almost taste the coffee already. It was bound to be better than at any shop.

The Regnitz house was simple, as expected of such proud commoners, save for a cabinet that seemed to be devoted entirely to an elaborate coffee preparation setup. Machias busied himself at it for a few minutes, then set a tray on the sitting room table.

"So this is the capital's famous fish and chips," Laura said. "I was expecting it to be delicious, but it still exceeded my expectations."

Elliot swallowed, then sipped his coffee. "That pub's pretty well known for their fish and chips," he said. "I can see why."

Machias shrugged. "It tastes good, but at the end of the day it's still greasy comfort food. Make sure to eat up while it's still hot; cold fish and chips are disgusting."

"Probably still better than wartime rations," Fie said dryly.

Rean covered a smile with his cup. "What food isn't?" He took a sip. "Pretty high class coffee, though. It has a nice, rich fragrance to it." He looked at Machias. "Do you buy the beans and grind them at home?"

Machias smiled. "Yeah, it's one of the few luxuries we have. It looks like Dad stocked up fairly recently; once in a while he's able to take a break and come here to just relax."

"He does seem like a respectable man," Laura said. "You'd hardly guess this was the home of an important government official."

"Like I've said, my father and I are commoners through and through," Machias said with a shrug. "He may be the Imperial governor, but we saw no reason to change our lifestyle. Besides, it's not as though we don't have some attachment to this house."

Elliot leaned back in his chair. "It's a nice place to be. Really cozy and relaxing."

Rean had to agree. Aside from being only a fraction of the size, it reminded him of the Schwarzer manse. The people who lived there had put their hearts into it, making it theirs in a way many nobles and commoners alike never did. Everything about it felt deeply personal.

"There's a photo," Fie said suddenly, looking at a sideboard.

Three people were in the picture, two recognizable as Governor Regnitz and a much younger Machias, the third a woman who looked to be in her late teens to early twenties, though it could be hard to tell from a photo. Definitely family; Rean could see a faint but noticeable resemblance.

"Aw, look at cute little Machias!" Elliot gushed.

Laura smiled. "He looks like he had a sweet disposition."

"Before he grew up to be a grumpy nag," Fie added with a smirk.

"Will you quit nitpicking people's family photos?" Machias said irritably.

Rean held up a placating hand. "The governor looks the same as ever, maybe a bit less craggy. Is the woman your older sister or something?"

"Close enough," Machias said. "She was a cousin on my father's side; she lived close by, so she often came to visit. It was just my father and me, so having her over was a big help." He closed his eyes.

Laura glanced at him in concern. "The way you speak of her suggests you no longer see her. Did she move away?"

For a long moment, Machias said nothing. ". . .She died, around six years ago."

It was as if a light had snapped on in Rean's mind. "And it has something to do with why you hate the nobility."

"That's right," Machias said, sighing. "I hadn't really planned on telling anyone, but after all we've been through I probably should." His eyes closed again. "Sis was nine years my senior. Beautiful, kind, to me the ideal woman in every way. Now, as I said earlier, we're a family of commoners through and through. My father still proved to be a very capable government official, to the point that he was promoted high enough, even over some nobles, to start making a name for himself."

Machias opened his eyes, gazing at something only he could see. "Honesty and integrity are a core part of his work ethic, so of course he made plenty of enemies, but after a number of successes, he had a reputation both inside and outside the government." He shook his head. "My mother died when I was very young. Sis happened to live around here, and she helped us in more ways than I can count. Since she was his niece, my father always made a fuss over her; she was like a real sister to me, even though she didn't live in the same house."

"I can imagine," Fie said, chuckling softly.

"Naturally, she had many admirers among the men of the city," Machias said. "But she was always level-headed and sensible, so I never thought I had anything to worry about. Until he came, that is."

Rean tensed, sensing where this was going. "He?"

"One of my father's subordinates," Machias said, a touch of bitterness coloring his voice. "A very high-born one, the heir to a count. He didn't really show any of the arrogance one usually associates with the nobility, though. He came across as an honest and loyal man when I met him."

He sipped his now lukewarm coffee. "My dad introduced them one day, and eventually they fell in love and began a relationship, despite the difference in social class." A brief grimace crossed his face. "I was frustrated beyond words, but even I had to admit they made a good couple, and Sis was so happy that I had no choice but to accept it. After a while, with Dad acting as a go-between, they were officially engaged."

"I sense a rather significant 'but' here," Laura said quietly.

Machias nodded, clenching a fist. "His family couldn't have been more blatant in their attempts to undermine the relationship. From what I heard later, one of the Four Great Houses, House Cayenne, proposed an arranged marriage on short notice, and the count's family were in an uproar at the idea of him choosing a mere commoner as a wife. There were limits to what they could do, given my father's position, but they made Sis's life a living hell." His voice broke. "In the end, it got to be too much, and she took her own life."

"Bastards," Fie hissed.

"It was only afterward that we learned what really happened," Machias said. "At the end, the count betrayed her love, saying she could have been his mistress or something to that effect. After that, my father threw himself even more into his work; it was like seeing a machine kick into high gear."

Sounds like Alisa's mother, except Governor Regnitz didn't neglect Machias. "And that's why you came to hate the nobility."

Machias nodded bleakly. "I just needed someone, anyone, to focus my anger on. At first it was the count, then his family, then the family of the duke who tried to intervene. In the end, I hated it all, the people, the culture, the very idea of social class." His teeth clenched. "I wanted the strength to win against them, to show how right I was, how wrong they were." He shook his head. "But I was wrong, wrong to blame the nobility as a whole. You two, you showed me not all nobles are the scum of the Earth, and since then I've seen most of the nobles at Thors are decent people."

"There's a noble girl in the Wind Orchestra," Elliot offered. "She's really nice."

Another nod. "The point is, people are individuals regardless of social class. Rean, Laura, you both live up to what nobles are supposed to be." He smiled lopsidedly. "Like during our practical exam last month; pure dignity even in the face of Hyarms' antics." A brief shrug. "I have no idea how my father feels about all this, but it's what I've come to believe."

"You have my thanks," Laura said.

"Likewise," Rean added. "I'm glad you were ready to tell us about it."

Elliot had an odd, almost mischievous look on his face. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to be a bit more honest with yourself. If you're willing to admit all this, maybe you can be friends with Jusis, too."

It was very, very hard indeed not to burst out laughing at Machias's expression. "Are you kidding me!? I might accept that not all nobles are bad, but that arrogant, self-centered fool can go choke on a pom!" He folded his arms. "Always mocking me for spending so much time studying, or telling me to get out more, or. . . ." He trailed off, seemingly having run out of fuel.

"I don't think he does it on purpose," Elliot said. "Well, not usually. It's not like he means any harm."
"That's the worst part of it!" Machias said. "He does it without thinking!"

General laughter answered him. "Well, I'd say that was a good coffee break," Rean said.

In retrospect, it felt good to have gotten that particular bit of history off his chest. Rean in particular had a right to know just why Machias had been so hostile to the aristocracy, given the unpleasantness following their first field studies. And, he supposed, he would have to tell Jusis at some point, if only to clear the air.

He's arrogant, obnoxious, and all-around annoying, but that kind of behavior is everything he hates about his peers.

A familiar ringing broke into his thoughts; an ARCUS, though not his.

"Rean Schwarzer speaking," Rean said. A long pause. "I guess so. . . . Okay, we'll be there ASAP."

"I'm guessing that was my father," Machias said, resigned. "Does he have something special for us?"

Rean's lip twisted. "A jeweler in the Garnier District was burglarized just a short time ago, and the culprit left a message specifically for us."

Something about that sounded awfully familiar. Machias frowned, thinking back. It reminded him of some news reports he'd read. Bizarre, at times downright improbable thefts, oddly specific calling cards, he couldn't help an involuntary shiver.

"Well, that's weird," Fie commented.

"It sounds familiar somehow, though," Elliot said, frowning ever so slightly.

Machias grimaced. "Same here; it's giving me a strong sense of deja vu. It would have been nice if my father had given us a few more details."

"It's already past noon," Rean said with a shrug. "Let's head to the Garnier district and see just what went down."

A short tram ride later, and they stood at the entrance to San Corries Jewelers. Machias had heard of the place, though his firmly working-class background meant he'd never had reason to go there. For that matter, he doubted he'd have shown his face even if he'd had the money; it was far too high-class for his taste.

Rean stepped up to a woman near a central display case. "Excuse me, are you in charge here?"

"We were sent by the local government to investigate a reported burglary," Elliot said.

The woman nodded. "That's right, I'm the owner; my name is Cordelia. You're the students from Thors Military Academy?"

"Class VII, Group A, at your service," Machias said, bowing slightly.

Cordelia practically wilted with relief. "Oh, thank goodness! We may still have a chance to recover the Crimson Tiara."

"That being the article stolen?" Laura pressed.

"Exactly!" Cordelia said with a nod. "It's embedded with priceless carnelian gemstones, captivating the hearts of all who gaze upon it."

A bit overly melodramatic in Machias's opinion. He appreciated fine craftsmanship as much as anyone, but "captivating hearts" sounded just a bit over the top. Then again, if the culprit was who he was starting to think it was, it certainly fit the situation.

"It's the centerpiece of our display and a national treasure," Cordelia went on, "valued at almost a hundred million mira."

Machias almost took a step back at that. He had trouble even conceiving of that much money, more than he was likely to see in his lifetime. It was doubtful even Alisa could take something like that calmly, and she was heir to the largest industrial corporation on the continent.

"Pretty pricey," was Fie's only comment.

"It was displayed in that big showcase, right?" Elliot asked. "The one in the center of the room?"

Machias frowned. "I'd heard the store was fitted with the best security system money could buy, so they could display it safely."

"The problem was me, not the security system." Cordelia sighed. "I was careless, and Phantom Thief B took full advantage of it."

Elliot's jaw dropped. "The Phantom Thief B?"

"I thought this sounded familiar," Machias said. "I've heard all kinds of rumors about him, but it's still hard to believe this was his doing. Or that he left a message for us of all people."

Fie tilted her head. "You guys have heard of him?"

"He has quite a reputation here in the capital," Elliot said.

"Calls himself a 'liberator of beauty,' or something like that," Machias added, rolling his eyes. "Made quite a name for himself with a string of thefts a few years ago. He's even gained a substantial fan following for his daring and graceful methods." Which reminded him of something, but he wasn't quite sure what.

Rean was apparently having similar thoughts. "Okay, now I remember where I've heard of him. Didn't he manage to steal a tank from the Imperial Army?"

"Yep, that's one of his most famous exploits," Elliot confirmed.

Laura rubbed her chin. "I recall hearing that story myself. It was certainly an impressive feat."

"Just how do you steal a tank?" Fie wondered, then shrugged. "So do we know how the tiara was stolen?"

Machias grimaced. "Phantom Thief B is well known for sending a calling card to his intended victim before he strikes. Did he send one this time?"

A look of self-reproach crossed Cordelia's face. "Yes, and also a message: 'Your prized tiara has already been replaced with an imitation.' Naturally we opened the case to look, knowing his reputation, but that was exactly what Phantom Thief B was waiting for. The lights went out, and the tiara was gone by the time we got them back."

"So you didn't get a look at the culprit's face," Laura said.

Cordelia shook her head. "We saw nothing."

"Not really a surprise," Rean said. "Anyway, considering how valuable the tiara is, why did you call for us?"

She held out a card with a stylized B on the front. "Please look at this."

"To the owner of this fine establishment, know that I have the Crimson Tiara securely in my possession. Should you fulfill my conditions, I promise that it shall be returned to you unharmed. If not, I make no guarantees. First, you must not report this incident to the Railway Military Police. Second, you must deliver the other card here to the members of Thors Military Academy's Class VII, Group A. Third, the aforementioned Group A must overcome the trial written on said card." -Phantom Thief B.

Machias stifled a groan. "It really is addressed to us."

"I find the thief's apparent reveling in his crime . . . unpleasant," Laura said. Which coming from her essentially meant, "I am going to beat him within a rege of his life."

"He does seem to be giving us a chance to get it back," Elliot pointed out.

Rean sighed in evident resignation. "Do you have this other card?"

"Of course. Please, take this."

"Salutations, ladies and gentlemen of Thors Military Academy's Class VII, Group A. Should you wish to recover the treasure you seek, accept and overcome the trials I have set before you. All of the keys lie within the Vermilion Capital. The first key is: At the feet of the conqueror with the heart of a lion."

This time Machias did groan. "Just great, a riddle."

"Well, I'm pretty sure "Vermilion Capital' just means the city itself," Elliot said. "Now, 'feet of the conqueror with the heart of a lion,' your guess is as good as mine."

Fie made a sound that might have been a snort. "A treasure hunt, and this is the first clue."

"So, do you think you can help us out?" Cordelia asked nervously.

"We'd be happy to," Rean said, pocketing the card.

Machias fingered his shotgun. "And I'm all for wiping the smug satisfaction off his face."

This was probably the most bizarre task they'd yet taken on, even more so than escorting that nut job Anton back to Bareahard. Granted the first clue was easy enough to figure out, but it was almost too easy, as if Phantom Thief B was toying with them. Why he would do that to begin with was a mystery, though Rean was starting to have his suspicions.

"So where are we going?" Elliot wondered when they reached Dreichels Plaza.

Rean didn't break stride. "Phantom Thief B's first clue was a little too obvious. 'The conqueror with the heart of the lion' can only mean Emperor Dreichels."

"Agreed," Laura said. "It's hard to hear such a line and not immediately think of Dreichels the Lionheart."

Elliot nodded slowly, catching on. "And that statue of him is just about the most famous monument in the city."

"Look at his feet, I guess that would mean the pedestal," Fie suggested.

It took only a cursory search. A white card with the telltale stylized B was wedged in just a few rege below the statue's feet. Rean couldn't help a grimace; Phantom Thief B had barely even tried to hide it.

"The second key is in the northeastern seat of the prismatic palace."

"Another scavenger hunt," Fie said, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Machias growled something deep in his throat. "That's Phantom Thief B through and through."

"And we have no choice but to play along," Rean said, glaring at the card.

"Though the clue is rather more opaque this time," Laura said. "Perhaps the first was merely a test."

Elliot was silent, staring at nothing. Rean opened his mouth, then stopped himself; their resident musician was clearly turning things over in his mind. Knowing from experience what a sharp brain lurked behind that innocent exterior, the others let him be.

"What about the Crystal Garden?" he said at last.

Machias looked like he wanted to hit himself. "I can't believe I didn't think of that. He's talking about the glass-walled building in Mater Park. Big, elegant, and plenty of benches inside."

It was a shame they still didn't have time to properly appreciate the park. Rean personally preferred more rural surroundings, but he couldn't deny Mater Park was a real treasure, with the Crystal Garden as its crown jewel, so to speak. Even if a certain lunatic of a thief had marred it.

They found the card taped to a leg on the bench in the northeast corner. "Figures," Machias half-muttered.

"What's it say?" Elliot asked.

Rean opened the envelop. "At the round table where once rested the gauntlets that supported the east of the city."

"Ah! It seems fate has ordained that we should meet again."

Rean almost jumped. "I know that voice. . . ."

A tall man somewhere in his late twenties, immaculate silver-blue hair, a white outfit suited for a night at the opera. It brought back less than pleasant memories of Bareahard.

"Who were you again?" Fie said, eying the newcomer suspiciously.

"Baron Bleublanc," Rean said, his own eyes narrowing.

Machias tensed. "We met him in Bareahard, if memory serves."

Baron Bleublanc sketched a brief bow. "Tres bien! I am most pleased you haven't forgotten me. Though if my eyes do not deceive me, you have two new faces among you, no?" He glanced from Laura to Elliot.

Elliot, for his part, seemed unnerved by the whole thing. "It's, ah, nice to meet you."

"I've heard about you from my classmates," Laura said, offering a polite smile. "It was . . . interesting."

Rean, despite his growing suspicion, kept his cool. "Has your search for beauty brought you here?"

"You could indeed say that," Bleublanc acknowledged. "However, to meet not only in Bareahard but in the picturesque elegance of the Vermilion Capital as well, truly, it seems we are bound together by a destiny most inseparable, wouldn't you agree?"

Okay, just what is with this guy?

"He's a bit on the unique side, isn't he?" Elliot said in a low voice.

Rean grunted softly. "Unique, yeah, let's go with that." He frowned. "I couldn't sense him coming at all, though."

"Please, the intensity of your stares is positively withering," Bleublanc said with a laugh. "Or is it my overwhelming beauty that has clutched your hearts so tightly that you cannot help but gaze in wonder?"

Rean almost rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'd bet all the mira I have on me that's absolutely not the case."

Bleublanc merely laughed again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have much yet to attend to. I wish you the best of luck in your studies."

Watching him saunter off, Rean felt something click in the back of his mind. Bleublanc's appearance, he suddenly suspected, was far from coincidental. The faux baron (Rean shared Jusis's view on that subject) had met them for a reason. And that reason was most likely. . . .

"We should resume our search," Laura said. She frowned, an odd glint in her eyes. "The gauntlets . . . it must mean the Bracer Guild."

"Their symbol is a gauntlet, or bracer," Machias agreed. "It makes sense."

The implications were more than a little disturbing, though. It meant Phantom Thief B had been in their lodgings without any of them realizing it. Granted such was to be expected of someone who could make off with an orbal tank, but it made them uneasy nonetheless.

"On the back of the white burden of the steel bird perched at the water's edge," Rean read. "What in Aidios's name is this nutcase up to, anyway?"

The question was, of course, largely rhetorical. "We can ask when we see him, assuming he deigns to show himself," Machias said. "'The water's edge' pretty much has to be Heimdallr Port. Not sure what the 'metal bird' is supposed to be . . . oh, of course!" He struck one hand on the table. "A crane. The next calling card is probably stuck to a shipping container."

Muttering some choice curses he'd heard Master Ka-fai invoke while drunk, Rean led the way to the port. After a hurried consultation with Danberto, they had one of the crates lifted, revealing the telltale Phantom Thief calling card. The man was nothing if not audacious.

"How the devil did he manage that?" Danberto said incredulously. "He would've had to move the container, and that," he waved at their "metal bird," "would have meant using the crane. None of us saw anything out of the ordinary."

"He might've disguised himself as one of the dock workers," Elliot said. "He's supposed to be really good at that kind of thing."

"It's not something a normal person could've pulled off, that's for sure," Machias agreed.

Shaking his head, Rean looked at the card. "The final key is also near the water's edge. The crimson crown you seek sleeps within a black ark, nestled in the steel car that marches with the minutes."

Like the first, this clue was a little too obvious. "Black ark" suggested a case of some kind, while "steel care" was most likely a tram car. The driver was all too willing to let them search; simply bringing up Phantom Thief B made him quickly step aside.

In the very rear was a simple black suitcase. "This must be the black arc," Machias said.

"Our Phantom Thief has taken no pains to hide it," Laura said. "Perhaps he tires of the chase."

"But isn't it strange the driver didn't notice anything?" Elliot pointed out.

"Maybe he left it here not too long ago," Fie said.

They were both right and wrong, of that Rean was now certain. Taking a deep breath, he crouched and flipped unlatched the case. Inside was the famed Crimson Tiara, nestled in purple velvet. Not normally one to care about jewelry, Rean was nonetheless impressed by the craftsmanship.

"It has such a fiery glow to it," Laura murmured.

"Definitely the Crimson Tiara we've been running around looking for all afternoon," Elliot said.

Fie whistled softly. "And it's worth a hundred million mira."

"Makes me almost afraid to handle it," Machias said nervously.

"We'll have to be careful taking it back," Rean said, closing the case. First, however, there was a loose end to tie up.

The tram driver was visibly shocked by the news. "It really was in there, huh?" he said. "Now I'm wondering if the last passenger was really Phantom Thief B in disguise. I don't remember anyone unusual, though."

"So you have no idea who he could have been," Machias said, sounding a bit disgruntled.

"He is truly a master of his craft to have managed such a feat," Laura said.

Elliot scratched the back of his neck. "Hey, we got the tiara back. That counts for something, right?"

Through it all, Rean merely looked at the tram driver. The man's dark purple uniform was impeccable, everything in its place. And yet there was something subtly off, something Rean's trained instincts had latched onto. This man, he was now certain, was not who he seemed.

"Is there something wrong?" the driver asked, sounding honestly perplexed.

Rean wasn't buying it. "I think it's time we dropped the charade," he said calmly. "Don't you agree, Baron Bleublanc? Or should I say . . . Phantom Thief B?"

His classmates looked at him like he was crazy. The driver, by contrast, burst into a gale of truly delighted laughter. Light swirled around him, and when it faded Baron Bleublanc stood before them, now with a silver mask covering the upper half of his face.

"This!" the Phantom Thief said. "This savory taste is why the unripe fruit is the most deletable of all!"

Elliot's jaw dropped. "Aren't you the baron we met earlier? But that mask. . . ."

"The mask of Phantom Thief B!" Machias snapped.

Bleublanc bowed theatrically. "All me to introduce myself once again. I am the Phantom Thief Bleublanc, also known simply as Phantom Thief B. Baron Bleublanc is but one of many roles I have assumed over the course of my pursuits. Incidentally, might I inquire as to when you first discovered my true identity?"

Rean smiled thinly. "It didn't take much discovering, not after you went out of your way to greet us in the Crystal Garden. I'd almost say you wanted to be caught. Your disguise was nothing short of perfect, but you still left enough clues to see through it."

"Excellent deductive reasoning," Bleublanc said approvingly. "Simply splendid."

"But why would you do all this?" Elliot pressed. "What's the point?"

Bleublanc waved a hand airily. "Does that interest you? Must there always be a motive?"

"Nah." Rean laid a hand on his sword. "Now that we know your identity, there's nothing more to discuss."

"Theft is a crime," Fie said flatly.

Laura stepped up next to Rean. "Indeed, a crime we will ensure does not go unpunished."

Unconcerned, Bleublanc merely smiled. "Ah, what spirited youths you are." Another swirl of light, and he was suddenly standing atop on archway four arge above them.

"What the!?" Machias yelped.

"How did he do that!?" Elliot echoed, his jaw practically hitting the street.

Bleublanc chuckled. "Just a little trick I like to keep hidden up my sleeve." He smiled. "Regardless, you have provided me with plenty of entertainment and more than enough sport for one day. I'll be watching your future achievements with keen interest." He bowed one last time. "Ladies and gentlemen, until we meet again, I bid you adieu!" He vanished in a flash.

"Quite a little trick," Laura said, irked.

"We'd better search the area, just in case," Rean said, suddenly weary.

The search, to no one's real surprise, proved fruitless; Bleublanc had effectively vanished without a trace. After about half an hour of scouring the port, Rean called a halt. It just wasn't worth it, and they still had to return the tiara. Not to mention file their reports after dinner.

Cordelia thanked them profusely, and made clear she did not at all blame them for being unable to catch the thief. As far as she was concerned, simply having the tiara back was success enough, especially given Phantom Thief B's slippery reputation.

"Well, that was exhausting," Laura commented when they were outside. "This Phantom Thief B is an even more unpleasant fellow than I had expected."

"And his smug face was watching us the whole time," Fie said in disgust.

Machias shook his head. "I knew there was something off about him ever since Bareahard, but even I didn't expect him to be this much of a troublemaker."

A troublemaker, but a highly skilled one. One of the very few people he'd met that he simply could not sense coming, and a master of disguise on top of it. Looked at from a certain angle, it wasn't really surprising that Phantom Thief B had garnered such a following.

"Something wrong, Rean?" Elliot asked.

He shook himself. "I was just thinking, he must be incredibly skilled. He disguised himself so well as to be virtually unrecognizable, not to mention everything else he pulled off. If we were talking martial arts, he'd definitely be at the master level."

"I can't disagree," Laura conceded.

"But why would someone like that mess with us?" Elliot wondered. "It's not like we're celebrities or anything, even if we have some people with important connections."

Machias frowned behind his glasses. "He asked specifically for Group A, too. Can't imagine why."

Rean only shook his head, then jumped at the sound of his ARCUS ringing. Suppressing a sigh, he flipped the device open, wondering just what fresh insanity was coming their way. "Schwarzer."

"Hello, hello!" an all too familiar voice said. "I assume you've all been keeping yourselves busy."

The sigh could no longer be suppressed. "I know it's you, Instructor Sara," he said, not bothering to conceal his exasperation.

"Got it in one," the instructor said cheerfully. "Don't tell me . . . is it your smoldering love for your tragically beautiful homeroom teacher?"

She is seriously creeping me out. "I have . . . many feelings about you," he said, keeping his voice level, "but love would be stretching it. That aside, you don't normally call us when we're out on a field study. Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no problems," Sara assured him. "There's just somewhere I'd like Group A to go. When you've finished up whatever field study tasks you have, I'd like you to head to the Sankt District."

Rean frowned slightly. "That would be where Heimdallr Cathedral and the embassies are, right?" And Saint Astraia, if he recalled correctly.

"That's right. I want all of you to assemble outside Saint Astraia Girls' School at 5 o'clock," Sara said. "Group B will be there too."

Okay, that he wasn't expecting. "Come again?"

"Oh, don't worry, I've already informed the governor," Sara said in an almost singsong tone. "Go ahead and enjoy yourselves."

"Hold on!" Too late, the line had already gone dead.

Machias rolled his eyes. "So, is our dear instructor being her usual irresponsible self?"

"You could say that," Rean said, pinching the bridge of his nose. He gave them a quick rundown of Sara's message. "I have no idea what she's thinking."

"Isn't that the academy your sister attends?" Machias asked.

Laura frowned. "I have a few acquaintances there myself, but I can't fathom why Instructor Sara would be sending us."

"I'm kinda curious," Fie admitted. "Never seen a place like that."

Rean stifled a groan. "I'm sure she has her reasons, probably weird ones. Come on, we'd better get moving."

As far as he could recall, Rean had only been to the Sankt District once, and that before Elise had enrolled at Saint Astraia. It was probably the quietest place in Heimdallr, all the hustle and bustle kept at a respectful distance. And most of the males, judging by the looks they were getting from some Saint Astraia students at the tram station.

"Same uniform as Rean's sister," Fie remarked.

"Saint Astraia's around here, huh?" Elliot said, watching the departing tram. "I hear it's a combined middle and high school exclusively for young ladies of the nobility."

Machias grunted, for once not flying into a rage at the notion. "This is one are of the capital the masses have no reason to visit." His lip twitched. "Though I can certainly support the school's commitment to fostering chastity and eschewing materialism."

Fie looked at him over her shoulder, smirking just a little. "You sure know a lot about a fancy girls' school."

It was very hard indeed not to laugh at Machias's reaction. "N-No I don't!" he stammered. "This is all just common knowledge!"

True enough, but Rean wasn't sure he wanted to se what was coming next. "Aaaaaanyway, we should head for the front gate."

Machias coughed. "Those were the instructor's orders, yes. For whatever bizarre reason."

"I'm a little nervous," Elliot said, fidgeting.

Fie lifted a silver eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"To men, this academy must seem wreathed in the impenetrable aura of feminine nobility," Laura said with a chuckle.

Saint Astraia, from what Rean could see of it, was both older and decidedly more ornate than Thors. The school's emblem was emblazoned in the ground outside the main gate. A unicorn, fittingly enough, a stark contrast to Thors' horned lion.

"I've been wondering," Fie said. "Did you not want to come here, Laura?"

The older girl shrugged. "My father did recommend it, but it offers no classes in the martial arts. That alone was reason to look elsewhere."

"I can understand that," Rean said with a smile. "Don't assume the girls here are helpless, though; she's no master, but my sister has some training in the family sword style."

"From what I recall of your father, that doesn't surprise me at all," Laura said.

Elliot offered a somewhat crooked grin. "Man, I can just imagine the uproar Laura would cause at a genteel girls' school."

Machias chuckled in agreement. "I can picture the chaos now."

Evidently not getting the joke (if joke it was), Laura tilted her head in puzzlement. "I have a number of acquaintances here, and from what I've heard it's a wonderful school. Indeed, even Princess Alfin is a Saint Astraia student."

"Who's that?"

The question was so mundane as to be comical. ". . .You've seriously never heard of her?" Machias said. "I know you're not from Erebonia, but still. . . ."

Rean waved a hand. "To be fair, there are probably a lot of Erebonians who don't know her. She's not as high profile as her brothers."

"She's the daughter of the reigning Emperor, His Majesty Emperor Eugent," Elliot explained. "She's supposed to be sweet as an angel and popular with everyone."

"And the same age as Fie, if memory serves," Laura said. "I met her once before, as it happens; she truly is as charming as the rumors suggest."

"I'm not surprised," Machias said. "I've seen her picture in magazines plenty of times, but I've never had the chance to actually meet her."

Neither had Rean, which he suddenly realized was rather odd, given House Schwarzer's ties to the Imperial family. Hmm, if she's the same age as Fie, that means she and Elise would be in the same year. "She has a twin brother, Crown Prince Cedric."

Fie nodded slowly. "I think I've seen a picture of him in a magazine before. Dark blond hair like Jusis's brother, right?"

"You're probably thinking of Prince Olivert, Prince Cedric and Princess Alfin's older brother," Elliot said. "He's gotten pretty famous, too."

Fie tilted her head. "How come he's not the crown prince?"

"I've heard it's because his mother was a commoner," Machias said, a sour note in his voice. "Seems a stupid reason to deny him the right of succession, but I guess that's how nobles do things."

"His name's been coming up a lot over the last year or two," Rean said. "He made a big splash coming back from Liberl two years ago. He was riding a big airship, can't remember the name."

Laura's face lit with interest. "You must be referring to his return aboard Arseille after the crisis in Liberl was put to rest."

"I remember seeing that," Elliot said. "Made a really big impact. I've never seen such an elegant airship."

Machias nodded. "My father went in his capacity as Imperial governor to welcome him home. Now that you mention it, that would be when his name started coming up a lot more. He'd kept a low profile before then."

Looking up at the gate, Rean wondered why in Aidios's name Instructor Sara had sent them there. As Laura had pointed out, it wasn't a military school, for all that at least some of the girls must have received basic sword training. It certainly wasn't to give Rean another chance to see his sister; that would hardly require calling in the entire class.

"Oh, you're already here?"

Group B had arrived while Rean was musing. They looked as puzzled as he felt, not to mention more than a little weary. Except Gaius, at least, whose energy reserves at times seemed inexhaustible. Maybe it was all the exercise he'd gotten in the highlands.

Rean shook the thought away. "All done for the day, then?"

"Naturally," Jusis said, giving Machias a faintly smug look. "We only took as long as we did due to our relative unfamiliarity with the city. In that your group has, shall we say, an unfair advantage."

Machias snorted. "Take it up with Instructor Sara," he said. "What makes sense to her is its own subset of reality."

"Point taken," Jusis conceded.

Fie made a sound that might have been a chuckle. "Looks like getting them to kiss and make up is going to take a while yet."

Rean was so busy shuddering at that image that he almost missed Laura's reply. "Well, they say when someone is able to get under your skin like that, it means you really care what they think."

Alisa and Emma's mouths fell open in comical near-unison. "Wait," Alisa said.

"You two are finally getting along?" Emma finished.

Rean laughed. "Figures the girls would be the first to figure it out."

"Of course," Laura said, coughing lightly. "I apologize for any worry I have caused you."

"We're fine now," Fie added.

Alisa was practically grinning from ear to ear. "Really? That's great!"

"It sure is," Emma agreed. "Maybe after the field study is over we can get together in spend the night talking in one of our rooms."

"It does sound appealing, though I must confess the idea of a Class VII pajama party makes me a little nervous," Laura said.

Rean personally thought the idea so mundane as to be utterly bizarre for the environment, but he supposed it made sense. At the least it meant everyone in Class VII was getting along now, Jusis and Machias's bickering (which they seemed to have come to enjoy) notwithstanding.

A deep bong drew their attention. "Must be Heimdallr Cathedral's bell," Jusis said.

"It has a solemn, stately sound, wouldn't you say?" Gaius commented.

Machias smiled wryly. "Sounds different from how I usually hear it in the Ost District. Which makes sense, given that we're a lot closer right now."

"It probably means it's about the time we were told to meet here," Rean said. "I still don't get why."

"Rean?"

He spun around. "Elise? What are you—sorry, dumb question. This is your school, of course you'd be here."

"Um, yes." Elise was clearly every bit as confused. "I see all your classmates are here, too."

Alisa smiled. "It's only been a week since we saw you. Have you been doing all right?"

"Oh, yes, I've completely recovered," Elise said, then frowned. "Wait, are you the nine guests I was told to expect at five o'clock sharp?"

It was a good question. "Well, there are nine of us in Class VII—wait, what!?"

"Were you the one who wanted us to come here?" Emma asked, more than a little startled herself.
Elise made an exasperated sound. "Actually, I believe that would be a friend of mine. She's always such a mischief maker."

"Elise?"

"But I'm forgetting my manners." Elise swiftly recovered her poise. "Welcome to Saint Astraia Girl's School. I hope you enjoy your visit."

Just crossing the courtyard was almost as surreal as exploring the old schoolhouse. There were a few students milling about, and nearly all of them stared at Class VII as if they'd come from another dimension or something. Rean honestly couldn't blame them; aside from the teachers, males were naturally a rare sight at a girls' school.

"I don't think I've seen that uniform before. Are they from another high school somewhere in the city?"

"That's the uniform of Thors Military Academy! My brother studied there when he was younger."

"Isn't that the academy Emperor Dreichels founded? I heard they allow commoners to enroll, too."

Which was as it should be. Rean saw no reason to dismantle the class system, as it had served the Empire well for its entire history, but denying commoners the ability to study at an elite school was a waste. Not that the Saint Astraia administration were likely to see it that way.

"Oh, my, isn't that Lady Laura?"

"She always looks so gallant. Wait, could she be transferring here!?"

Yeah, not happening. Laura's even more fixated on the sword than I am; she'd be completely out of place here.

"Isn't that blond boy Jusis, Duke Albarea's son? He's so regal."

"Do you think that boy's a foreigner? He's so tall."

"Aw, that redhead is so cute."

"That silver-haired girl looks like she needs a hug."

Rean fought to stifle his incipient laughter. As far as he could tell, there were exactly three people who could hug Fie Claussell without eliciting a violent response: himself, Laura, and Elliot. Anyone else, he was sure, would be in for a world of hurt.

"The blond girl seems so cultured. What family do you think she's from?"

"The girl with glasses has such an amazing figure. If I had curves like that, I'd be the bell of Heimdallr."

Machias groaned softly. "I can feel their stares boring holes in my head."

"Pay them no mind," Jusis advised.

"We're certainly the stars of the show today," Elliot said, offering a somewhat shaky grin.

"Especially Laura," Alisa agreed.

For her part, Laura seemed a bit uneasy. "I can't say that being admired doesn't feel nice, but. . . ."

Elise smiled reassuringly. "Please, don't be too hard on them. We seldom have the opportunity to meet people from outside the school."

Rean suddenly noticed two of them staring rather fixedly at him. "Do you think the boy in front is a commoner?"

"I don't know, but he looks so handsome. . . ."

Rean looked back at Machias. "You have a point, this is kind of uncomfortable." He glanced at his sister. "Are they all in the same year as you, Elise?"

"I don't know, and I don't care!"

Taken aback, he smothered a frown. Did I touch a nerve there?

Elise brought them to a separate building at the far end of the courtyard. Logical enough; it wasn't like they could meet in one of the classrooms or something. It still didn't explain why they'd been called to Saint Astraia in the first place.

"What's in here?" Gaius wondered.

"An indoor garden?" Emma guessed.

Elise inclined her head. "This is the academy's rose garden. The person who called you here is waiting inside."

"Who did call us here, anyway?" Alisa asked, starting to sound exasperated.

"If we're meeting in the Saint Astraia rose garden, they must have considerable social standing," Jusis said.

Elise opened the double doors. "Your Highness, I've brought the guests."

"Thank you. Please show them in," a higher voice said.

Rean's eyes widened. Given that Saint Astraia was girls only, there was only one person on the grounds who could possibly be addressed as "Your Highness." Which didn't make a lick of sense; why would a princess of the Empire want to meet with a ragtag group like Class VII?

"N-No way," Elliot gasped.

Rean found his voice. "Elise, is that. . . ."

Her sigh had a definite long-suffering tone to it, though Rean was reasonably sure it wasn't directed at him. "You don't need to ask when you already know. Now, please follow me."

The rose garden was lit with softly glowing orbal lamps, just enough to see without being hard on the eyes. In the center were three small tables that appeared to have been arranged on short notice; a tea set was visible on one. And standing in front was a girl of fifteen clad in Saint Astraia uniform. If Elise's form of address hadn't been enough of a clue, the girl's long blond hair clinched it.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen of Class VII," she said, offering a brief curtsey. "My name is Alfin. Alfin Reise Arnor. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

In his months at Thors, Rean had grown accustomed to rubbing elbows with people of just about every station. In addition to his friendship with Jusis and Laura, he got on well with most of the nobility at Thors, even though ninety percent of them outranked him.

None of that had prepared him for having afternoon tea with a member of the Imperial family, nor for the way she acted as if it was perfectly natural. And perhaps it should have been; as Laura had pointed out months before, House Schwarzer had close ties to the royals, though he himself had never had occasion to meet any of them.

Elise had, and was clearly very much of two minds about it. "Come on, Elise, I'm sorry," the princess said, picking up on her sour mood. "I was only trying to tease you a little."

"Don't you have something you want to discuss with everyone?" Elise replied in a stiffly polite tone, clearly not mollified in the slightest. "Please, go right ahead."

Alfin sighed theatrically. "That aside, it's been some time since I saw Jusis and Laura. I'm glad to see you're both well."

"Likewise, Your Highness," Jusis said, smiling just a little.

"You've become even more fetching since we last met," Laura said.

The princess positively beamed. "Aw, thank you. I really was hoping you'd enroll at Saint Astraia, but it seems you've chosen to attend Thors after all."

Laura's shoulders twitched in what might have been a shrug. "I've committed myself to following the way of the sword, and Thors gives me a place to hone my skills. I'm sorry I couldn't live up to your expectations."

Another theatrical sigh. "First I lost Angelica to Thors, then you. Perhaps I should transfer there myself next year."

Rean was initially too busy shuddering at the first image to process the rest. If there was any girl in the Empire less suited than Laura to a place like Saint Astraia, he reflected, it was Angelica Rogner. Even leaving aside her . . . unusual tastes, her general personality would have caused an uproar.

Alfin's second remark registered just as Elise's head whipped around. "Your Highness!"

"Made you look!" Alfin said with an impish grin.

"She seems lively," Fie said in a low voice.

"Certainly more easygoing than I would have expected," Gaius agreed.

Alisa nodded. "I've heard a lot about her, but nothing prepared me for meeting her in person."

"So this is what it's like to be in the presence of royalty," Machias breathed. "It's kind of overwhelming."

"I can see why people always compare her to an angel, though," Elliot said.

Elise had calmed, at least, to the point of chatting amiably with the princess. She was lucky, Rean mused, to have befriended a member of the Imperial family. For all her skill with a blade, Saint Astraia was the best place for her, just as Thors was the best place for Rean.

"I'm particularly happy to finally be able to meet you, Rean Schwarzer," Alfin said suddenly. "Elise has told me so much about you."

Rean had absolutely no idea how to take that. On the surface it was innocuous enough, but something in Alfin's blue eyes made him deeply uneasy. It reminded him somehow of Vivi, which could be all kinds of bad. "Um, I'm honored that you'd say so," he managed. "Elise always mentions in her letters what a great friend she has. As her brother, I wanted to thank you for that."

Alfin smiled. "So refreshing, you're every bit the person Elise says you are. Perhaps even more so." She tilted her head slightly, and Rean's unease worsened accordingly. "Actually, I have a teensy-weensy favor to ask. Do you think I could join Elise in thinking of you as my dear brother as well."

Rean couldn't decide what was worse: the way his blood ran cold, Elise's scandalized expression, or the fact that Jusis was very visibly struggling not to burst out laughing. "W-What!?"

"Your Highness!?" Elise echoed.

"You see, Elise has spoken of you so often that I've already come to think of you as family in my heart," Alfin said. "And now that I've had the opportunity to meet you, I fear I can't suppress these feelings any longer. I already have two brothers, of course, so it shouldn't take long to adjust."

Rean's heart was practically in his throat. "I . . . I couldn't possibly. . . ."

Elise, bless her heart, came to his rescue. "That's enough, Your Highness," she said in a dangerous singsong tone.

"Aw, don't be stingy." Alfin contrived to look hurt. "Surely it wouldn't hurt to share him with me just a little." She waved one hand in a dismissive gesture. "That aside, the reason I called you here was not to talk with me, much as I looked forward to it. There is someone else who would like to meet with you."

Alisa frowned. "It's not like we're famous or anything."

"Who do you mean?" Machias asked.

The answer came not in words, but a soft strumming. Some kind of stringed instrument, even Rean's relatively untrained ear could tell that much. For that matter, it sounded like a tune he'd experimented with in his few idle hours back in Ymir. Not too out of place at Saint Astraia, but at the same time. . . .

"A guitar?" Elliot said, then shook his head. "No, a lute."

Alfin smiled. "Ah, it seems he's arrived."
"I apologize for keeping you waiting," a melodious male voice said. Its owner looked to be in his twenties, his long blond hair neatly tied back. He wore a long white coat, and held a lute like he'd been born to it.

But there was more to him than that. His bearing was whimsical, but Rean could tell his skills went far beyond music. This, he sensed, was not a man to trifle with.

"It's good to see you again," Elise said.

"And you, young lady," the newcomer replied. "I trust everyone here has been making themselves comfortable?"

As far as was possible, what with Princess Alfin suddenly acting like Vivi's long lost cousin. The tea was good, the general atmosphere was cozy, and Alfin was pleasant company when she wasn't acting the troll.

"Who's this guy?" Fie wondered, blunt as usual.

"I think I've seen him somewhere before. . . ." Emma said slowly.

The blond man bowed. "I serve as a music instructor in the hallowed halls of this fine academic institution. In truth, though, I am every on the hunt for that elusive mayfly we call love . . . though that might raise eyebrows at a girls' school."

Gee, you think?

"But whose pulse would not quicken, wandering into this untainted cloister of dew-eyed maidens? Ah, the romance!"

Rean had a sudden suspicion about the man's identity; glancing at Laura and Jusis, he saw they had reached the same conclusion. And they were also as creeped out as he was, which unfortunately wasn't surprising, given the music instructor's reputation.

"Ahem!" Alfin had produced a paper fan, and proceeded to smack the blond man in the back of the head. "That's quite enough of that. Why, if you go on like this our guests might start edging toward the exit."

"Ah, I can always count on you to never miss a beat, my dear sister," he said, confirming Rean's suspicion.

Machias's jaw practically hit the floor. "W-Wait, so this is. . . ."

The man smiled. "'Tis I, Olivert Reise Arnor. Also known by some unscrupulous individuals as the Debaucherous Prince." His violet eyes twinkled. "I also serves as Thors Military Academy's ornamental chairman of the board. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, ladies and gentlemen of Class VII."

Dinner, as befit a function hosted by a prominent if iconoclastic member of the Imperial family, was quite sumptuous. Even then, however, there were surprises; Estelle and Joshua Bright had also been invited. It seemed Prince Olivert was the "Olivier Lenheim" Estelle had mentioned earlier that day.

"Indeed, it's an alias I often use when I wish to maintain a low profile," Olivert said. "Such it was when I first crossed paths with these young bracers. The look on Estelle's face when she learned my true identity was quite memorable."

"Yeah, sure," Estelle grumbled. "You had a little too much fun there."

Rean chuckled. "That aside, I was surprise to learn you were the chairman of the board of directors, Your Highness. Of course I knew the chairman was a member of the Imperial family, but still. . . ."

Olivert laughed. "I'm not at all surprised. After all, who would expect the infamous prodigal son to chair a committee at an academy as prestigious as Thors? Think of the scandal!"

"You are a scandal," Estelle sniped.

Alfin lifted an eyebrow. "Surprisingly forthright, coming from you."

"Touche."

Alisa sat forward. "Is it really true, though? I mean, that you were the one responsible for establishing Class VII, Your Highness?"

"I was indeed," Olivert said. "You see, it's always been a tradition that a member of the Imperial family serve as chairman of the board. At first, I wore the title in name only, but I had a change of heart after my little vacation in Liberl two years ago."

Elliot's eyes widened. "You were in Liberl back then?"

"That would put your visit during the incident, correct?" Emma added.

Estelle snorted. "'Incident' is the understatement of the decade, and he was up to his neck in it. Seriously, the things he pulled, especially near the end."

"It all worked out, did it not?" Olivert said, to which Estelle rolled her eyes. "At any rate, it's as she says. Everything I've done since has been inspired by my experiences during the crisis in Liberl. Thus, fruitless though they may be, I've set a number of plans into motion. One of which is to bring the winds of change to Thors Military Academy, a breath of fresh air, if you will."

Laura tilted her head. "I presume you're referring to our class?"

"Then the one who decided to mix nobles and commoners. . . ." Machias's voice, Rean noted, lacked the outrage he would have expressed months earlier.

Olivert nodded. "Yes, the idea was mine, though the candidates had to have a high compatibility with the ARCUS units as well."

Joshua finally spoke. "Let me get this straight. You came up with this brand-new concept class?" At Olivert's nod, the bracer sighed and looked at Rean. "You have our deepest sympathies."

"Come now, Joshua, you should be proud," Olivert said. "You and Estelle, along with your father and Schera, helped plant the seeds of reform in a nation that has, shall we say, tense relations with your own."

Recalling how close they had come to war two years past, Rean could see Olivert's point. "I think I'm starting to understand the reasoning behind Class VII, and why we're being sent all over Erebonia on these field studies."

"To show us firsthand and give us cause to consider the conflict between the two factions," Jusis chimed in. "That is the purpose behind our field studies, is it not, Your Highness?"

"One of the reasons, yes," Olivert acknowledged. "However, my foremost intention was to show you that during your lives, you will experience many obstacles and conflicts." His expression was actually somber. "Not just between factions, but between the capital and the provinces, tradition and technology; even," he nodded at Estelle and Joshua, "between nations. In these turbulent times, I thought this would provide the hands-on education today's promising youths need."

Rean frowned. He strongly suspected there was more to it than that, though he couldn't guess just how. Or maybe he was just being paranoid, the political situation being what it was.

"We need up-and-comers who can think and act independently to face tomorrow's challenges head on," Olivert continued.

Okay, scratch paranoia. "That makes sense," Rean said.

"Quite a plan," Alisa said. "I don't think anyone who only knows you by reputation would expect it."

Estelle made an exasperated sound. "Trust me, Alisa, anybody who thinks Olivier's just some wandering dandy is completely clueless."

There was a long pause while the gathered students digested what Olivert had said. All of a sudden, a number of murky issues regarding Class VII were a lot clearer. Especially the similarity to bracer activities, and why they were tossed off the deep end to more or less sink or swim every month.

"I'm not really sure we can live up to those kinds of expectations," Elliot said nervously.

If Laura felt similar unease, she showed no sign. "Your explanation has, at the very least, cleared up many of the doubts I've had up to this point."

"Class VII does seem to be an ideal environment to expand one's outlook on life," Gaius agreed. "I can't help but be grateful."

Emma nodded. "Our field studies have certainly helped."

"Yup," Fie said simply.

Olivert smiled broadly. "Marvelous. Hearing this makes me even more certain that establishing Class VII was the right thing to do." His smile turned a bit lopsided. "Especially since, though the idea was mine, I've no say in how the class is run day to day. Even so, I hoped to be able to meet you at least once, if only to tell you all this." He nodded at his sister. "That was when Alfin stepped in and offered to set up this little meeting."

"Well, I could hardly refuse such a request from my brother." Alfin's gaze sought Rean's. "Especially since it gave me the opportunity to finally meet Elise's brother, as I've long wanted to."

Here we go again, Rean thought, seeing Elise's blush. "Thank you for taking the time to tell us this, Your Highness," he said, partly to spare his sister further embarrassment. "Now that I know, I want to live up to the promise you see in Class VII. That said, am I right in saying your progressive ideal isn't the only reason for our class's existence?"

Olivert raised his eyebrows. "Oh?"

Jusis sat forward a little, picking up on Rean's train of thought. "The board has its chairman, of course, but also three other directors besides. My older brother Rufus, Imperial Governor Carl Regnitz, and Irina Reinford of the Reinford Group."

"Now that you mention it," Machias said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"They do seem to have some pretty specific expectations for us," Fie said.

Olivert chuckled ruefully. "Exactly. As I mentioned, I no longer have any say in how Class VII is run; that authority lies with the directors. As you're keenly aware," he glanced from Jusis to Machias, "Rufus and Governor Regnitz sit on opposite sides of the factional divide, though I personally have had no issues dealing with either. As for Chairman Irina, while she's mostly involved in Class VII's technology, like the ARCUS, her intentions are a mystery to me."

A muscle in Alisa's face twitched, but she said nothing. Rean had a good idea what she was thinking; whatever Irina Reinford might be up to, it would be to benefit the Reinford Group, with all other considerations being secondary assuming she thought about them at all.

"It's those three who decide where you go on your field studies," Olivert said.

"Is that so?" Rean said.

Laura pursed her lips. "When you put it that way, it seems there's some bargaining going on behind the scenes."

Olivert sighed. "It was one of their conditions for allowing Class VII to be established. I must admit, I hesitated to allow it, but in the end I decided to place my hopes in you. We believed then, and still do, that one day you all will be a great light that will push back the darkness in this country."

Well. High expectations didn't begin to cover it. As if carrying on the legacy of Dreichels the Lionheart wasn't enough pressure, now they learned a member of the Imperial family hoped they would be a major force for change? It was frightening to consider, and yet . . . Rean somehow felt up to the challenge. If nothing else, it would give his life real purpose.

"But that's just me," Olivert said, grinning now. "Don't feel too pressured by it. You're students, first and foremost. Reach out and grab that fragrant rose of school life! Join a club! Eat cheap food with your friends at midnight! Fall in love! We live but once—make your youth count!"

This guy should write poetry.

"You know, it sounds weird, but hearing you say that takes a load off my mind," Rean said.

Alisa's eyes seemed to spark. "You said 'we believe' Class VII will be a great light. Is there someone else involved with Thors who shares your vision for Class VII, Your Highness?"

"There is indeed—Principal Vandyck." Olivert's eyes twinkled in memory. "I once attended Thors myself and studied under him. He gave my proposal to establish Class VII his full backing."

Which explained the principal's odd fixation on Class VII. Granted they were an experiment, thus requiring some extra attention, but they were still only nine students out of something like two hundred all told. Perhaps most importantly, it explained why they had been tasked with exploring the bizarre and dangerous underlevels of the old schoolhouse, despite being only first years.

"He's been very considerate of us since we arrived at the academy," Emma said.

"Quite so. He's assembled an excellent team to give you the first-rate training."

Jusis raised an eyebrow. "An excellent team," he repeated.

"Would you be referring to Instructor Sara?" Laura asked.

"She's certainly one of them," Olivert said. "Coaxing her away from her former line of work certainly played a large part in giving Class VII a great foundation." His lip twitched. "She is, after all, one of the strongest people in Erebonia, and her experience makes her a natural field leader."

Alisa blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Instructor Sara, one of the strongest people in the Empire?" Elliot said, echoing Rean's surprise. "I mean, she's certainly tough, but I didn't know she was that tough."

Machias's eyes narrowed, though in suspicion rather than disbelief; like Rean, he knew from painful experience just how dangerous their homeroom teacher could be. "Just what kind of 'experience' are you referring to?"

Alfin had an oddly dreamy look on her face. "I've heard rumors of her daring exploits myself. She was known as the 'Purple Lightning'! Isn't that exciting?"

Rean and Laura traded shocked looks. "Wait, 'Purple Lightning'!?" Laura gasped.

"I knew it!" Rean said. "That explains a lot."

Gaius glanced between them. "If you two have heard it, it must be a household name among martial artists."

Rean nodded. "That's right, though I've only heard it in passing myself."

"That young ace of the Erebonian Bracer Guild, and one of the Empire's most famous bracers," Olivert said. "She has a history full of brave feats and dangerous deeds. The youngest in the Empire to reach A-rank; Estelle here holds that distinction in Liberl. Back then Sara was known as the Purple Lightning; now you simply know her as your homeroom teacher."

The last piece of the puzzle fell into place, just like that. Sara had always been evasive about her background; even blind drunk, she refused to say a word about it. Being a former bracer explained her unusual yet brutally effective combat skills, her repeated clashing with Instructor Neithardt (bracers and regular military being natural enemies, or so it seemed), and her thinly-veiled distaste for Giliath Osborne and anyone connected to him.

Alfin cleared her throat. "Ah, I almost forgot. Rean, I have a small favor to ask of you."

Why does that fill me with dread? "Of me?"

"Y-Your Highness?" Elise stammered.

Olivert looked intrigued. "Oh, you're going to ask him?"

"Of course." The princess smiled. "You see, tomorrow I'll be attending a garden party sponsored by the local government for the start of the festival. Or rather, Machias's father invited me to attend."

"I seem to recall hearing that myself," Machias acknowledged.

"That's the one at the Crystal Garden at Mater Park, right?" Elliot asked.

Alfin nodded. "Indeed. Anyway, let's not waltz around the matter. I was rather hoping you would join me as my dance partner, Rean."

Rean's blood instantly turned to ice water. There were quite a few possible responses to that, most of which he dared not voice. At base, he simply wasn't interested; he'd known the princess for all of two hours, he found her more than a little unnerving, and there were all kinds of political implications he wasn't sure he wanted to deal with. Unfortunately, those same political implications made turning her down potentially dangerous in and of itself.

"Do you think Her Highness knows the saying, 'A dance today, a wedding tomorrow'!?" Alisa murmured.

You're really not helping, Alisa!

"I'm sure that's fully in the realm of tabloid speculation," Machias said, just as quietly.

Tabloids were bad enough, but what had Rean truly worried was the look on Laura's face. Not many people would have seen it, he was sure, but he'd gotten to know here quite well over the last few months, and he knew the signs: she was not happy.

"There's no denying many will interpret it that way," Jusis said.

Rean finally found his voice. "H-Hold on a minute!" he protested. "I mean, it's certainly an honor, but it would be, ah, too much of an honor for someone like me."

Alfin, to Rean's dismay, was undeterred. "Oh, not at all. Your father may be a mere baron," the way she said "mere" at least made clear she had no use for such distinctions, "but House Schwarzer has long had close ties to the Imperial family. I apologize if this comes across as rude, but inviting you would likely create less opposition than if I were to invite Jusis."

"Well, I can't deny that," Jusis said, a slight trace of grimness in his eyes. Which quickly vanished. "You need not apologize; I find your choice rather fascinating, actually."

Rean shot him a dirty look. "Really not helping, Jusis. Anyway," he turned back to Alfin, "I really don't think I'm the man you want. Sometimes I can barely keep from tripping over my own feet." That much was at least true; technically he could dance, but training under Master Ka-fai had left little time to keep in practice.

"Is that so?" Alfin appeared skeptical. "Elise told me she once asked you to help her practice the finer points of ballroom dancing. In fact, she said you're an excellent dancer; you step lightly and very gracefully. Is that not so, Rean?"

It was difficult to think of a proper comeback, especially with Elise glaring daggers at the world at large. "Um . . . I. . . ."

Alfin finally seemed to relent. "I understand," she said. "It was rude of me to trouble you with a petition like this on such short notice. And besides, I don't suppose you'd have much interest in dancing with a little girl like me."

"N-No, that's not what I mean, Your Highness!" Rean protested, not entirely truthfully.

"That's my sister, all right," Olivert said with a low whistle. "She really knows how to twist the knife."

Alfin's head slowly came up. "Ah, now I see. How could it not have crossed my mind?" She smiled devilishly. "Perhaps the truth is you already have your heart set on someone else? Or is there someone you're already courting?"

Someone shoot me. Please.

"Well, well," Olivert said, leaning forward. "I'm positively dying to know which maiden has conquered the battlefield of your heart!"

Rean wasn't sure how to reply without risking the wrath of either the Imperial family or his own female classmates. Luckily, Estelle chose that moment to intervene. "Olivier," she said, a dangerous look in her eyes, "I remind you I have a very large stick."

She is officially my favorite Liberlian.

"Very well, I'll relent this time," Alfin said. "However, next year I'll be sixteen, just like your sister. That's when I'll be making my debut into high society, so I would be happy if you give my invitation some thought."

Rean's only thought was he needed to get engaged within the next year, or he was doomed.

Author's Note: This one took longer than anticipated, but having a hurricane blow through can wreck one's schedule, even if I only caught the fringe. With that in mind, next chapter should be a little sooner. ~D.S.