Later that day, most of their friends gathered together in a virtual space for a special party.
Of course, the usual members had all arrived in advance, with Haruyuki and Kuroyukihime showing up last, but…
"Sorry. There's still two more people to show up."
"Who are they?"
As if in response to that question, two new avatars had arrived in a blink. One was the turtle-pig they'd seen a few weeks ago – the avatar of Graphite Edge/Kirigaya Yuuji himself. And the other was an avatar so splendid you'd hardly believe it was that of a real person. She exuded an overwhelming pressure across the whole VR space that made her seem like an untouchable angel.
The majestic avatar with golden hair flowing at her back slowly approached the gathered crowd, making them even more nervous than ever, to which she giggled and responded:
"Don't worry. I just came here at Sayuki-chan's behest. I have no reason to harm any of you."
"Easy for you to say such things.", Niko retorted from the side. "I still can't forgive that time when you–"
"Yes yes, that's enough. I know much you want to get back at her, but she's just an invited guest. Besides, she's no longer the White King anymore, so let's just treat her well for now.", Kuroyukihime intervened, trying to ease the tension before it got worse.
"Indeed. Though I do feel like something more pressing might come up in the future. I do wonder if you all can stand up against that."
"Urk…"
Niko stood there speechless, unable to give a proper answer, while the golden avatar simply moved past her to her seat.
And so, the party began in a VR space made of the night sky and countless stars. Though it could have easily been conducted at Haruyuki's house in the real, several of the members have been quite busy lately, including Kuroyukihime herself. Though it was no surprise, considering she was in her last semester of junior high school and needed to prepare for her high school enrolment.
Though she herself decided to enroll in a high school in Suginami to stay by Haruyuki's side, finding the right school turned out to be no less difficult. She could easily enter the high school that was managed by the same company who ran Umesato and Matsunogi, but they needed to have a proper recommendation from parents. Given that Kuroyukihime was estranged from her family, she couldn't simply ask a favor from them.
As Haruyuki thought all this, he turned over to the golden avatar – her sister, Kuroba Enju – who leaned towards him and whispered – no, it was more like she sent him her direct thoughts without speaking:
"Don't worry, Okaa-sama told you she'll handle everything, yes? You just need to keep her happy in the meantime."
"Y-Yes… Whoa!"
Haruyuki was instantly raised up by Enju and plopped on her lap…
"Oi! Let him go!"
…which made Kuroyukihime scowl from nearby as she attempted to grab him. She eventually conceded with a childish pout on her face, which earned a hearty laugh from everyone around them.
Seeing the party in high spirits, Haruyuki could not help but breathe a sigh of relief, remembering all the struggles it took to get to this point – including an unexpected visit to the White Legion.
Meanwhile, Kuroyukihime exchanged a conversation in secret to the turtle-pig beside her:
"Yuu… Graph."
"Yes!"
"You still have Grande's mail address, right?"
"Of course!"
"Then go ahead and tell him… we begin that operation in two weeks' time."