"Figures. Of all the people in the capital it had to be you."

"What the hell, Fie!? We haven't seen each other in over a month and this is how you greet me!?"

Unlike Fie Laura gave her friend a warm smile as she watched their client and Rean shake hands, "It's good to see you again, Machias. Still, she's right that this is quite the remarkable coincidence."

"I wouldn't say that." Her former classmate retorted, "There aren't many other people in Heimdallr who would be willing to turn to the Bracer Guild for help in this current climate. As for me, I was highly confident given the limited number of bracers around that any request held a high likelihood of either being you guys or Instructor Sara. I would consider this meeting a carefully planned encounter on my part..."

"Wow. Way to take the joy out of the moment." Fie groused.

"...If anything I'm more surprised about the fact that Elliot is with you."

Indeed the musician had offered to tag along in order to spend more time with them, which in hindsight made a lot of sense considering Elliot had claimed to know who their target was. Thus it was a group of four that arrived at Heimdallr's political academy after delivering Rean's fish to that client before it went bad. It only took a few minutes of introducing themselves to the front desk of the school before Machias arrived to greet them.

"So can you tell us what happened?" Rean asked their former classmate.

"I can, but I think it'd be better if I showed you the scene of the crime itself."

Machias led them to a building that Laura recognized as a dormitory, "I must admit I'm a little surprised. Were you not allowed to live off campus? I would have assumed you'd be living in your family home."

"I considered it, but decided against it. The government's in turmoil so father's rarely at home. While there is some merit in electing to live at home and keep the place tidy, I couldn't help but feel like that would be a little too lonely for my tastes." Conversation halted briefly as they passed the dormitory entrance, with Machias nodding politely to the woman manning the station.

"So you wanted to try and rekindle that Class VII magic by living in another dorm? You know you can just admit you miss Jusis, right?"

The bespectacled youth audibly scoffed at Fie's suggestion, "As if! Going without hearing that arrogant blowhard has made this the best month of my life!"

Fie merely responded by leaning close to the Arseid before whispering, "He really misses Jusis." Laura couldn't help but giggle in response.

Further conversation was put on halt as they arrived at a room that looked more akin to a war zone given the way the door was completely knocked off the hinges, "The request only said you were missing a wallet." She exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't think someone had actually broken into your room like this..."

"Are you alright?" A concerned Elliot asked.

"I'm fine." Machias waved off the concern flippantly, "I wasn't around when the break-in happened. A few of my belongings were strewn about, but outside of my wallet going missing there was nothing taken or broken."

"And nobody saw the break-in occur?" Rean furrowed his brow in confusion at Machias' nod, "So our perpetrator was someone skilled enough to slip in without notice, but impetuous enough to smash in your door. They were clearly targeting you specifically. They wanted your wallet, but were unwilling to harm any of your other possessions..."

It was a paradox, plain and simple. Laura couldn't help but wonder what kind of person would do something like this. In all honesty the first person she considered who was capable of such a bizarre crime was Fie, but beyond the obvious fact that she couldn't have committed the crime as she had been with them in Trista the last couple days, Laura knew for a fact that breaking a door like that unless there was no other option wasn't Fie's style. That girl took a lot of pride in her sneaking capabilities, often to the detriment of everyone else.

But despite having no proof to back her up the blue-haired woman couldn't help but think her thoughts were headed down a correct path. It wasn't Fie, but maybe it was someone similar? There were almost a million people living in Heimdallr and visitors from outside the city meant the actual number of possible suspects would be markedly hire, but as she gazed at the broken door she couldn't help but recall memories from the past year.

Or more specifically, members of a certain individual who really loved bashing doors.

"I wonder..." She muttered to herself.

But was loud enough for the others to hear, "Laura? Do you have something?"

She shook her head in the negative to Rean's question, "I have no proof or anything, just a hunch. Tell me, do all guests need to pass the front desk?"

"They do." The former vice-president confirmed, "The woman down there was there yesterday as well, but when I asked if she'd seen any suspicious individuals pass through she couldn't give me an answer. This place gets plenty of guests, naturally."

"That makes sense, but what if I were able to provide a physical description?"

The others looked surprised, "Y-You really think you know who it is?" A wide-eyed Elliot asked.

Again she shook her head, "Like I said it's only a hunch. I don't want to accuse anyone without actual proof, but..."

"Well there's just one way to find out." With Machias at the helm the group of five returned the way they came until they reached the desk. The student quickly introduced them as bracers before bringing up the purpose of their visit to the receptionist. Of course since he didn't know who they were looking for it wasn't long until he trailed off and sent a meaningful gaze her way.

"Do you by chance recall seeing a blue-haired girl pass through here yesterday? Short, young looking, and probably with a wide smile on her face?" She asked at last.

"You think Millium was the one who did it!?"

"That... would make sense, in hindsight."

While the others pondered over her question the receptionist tilted her head thoughtfully, "I... think so? There were a lot of visitors yesterday, but I vaguely recall a girl by that description. She didn't stop to talk, but I think she was smiling brightly as she passed...?"

"I see. Thank you very much." With that she turned back to her companions, "Seeing the door to your room smashed open like that reminded me of all the times when Millium would summon Airgetlam to do that very thing. Which she did. Quite often, in fact. Naturally I don't want to accuse our friend of something like this without ample proof, but..."

"It definitely sounds like something she'd do." Machias grumbled.

"S-Still..." Elliot seemed worried, "There are a lot of people that would fit the description you gave, right? Do we even know if she's in Heimdallr right now?"

Unfortunately that was a question that none of them possessed the answer to- "I might be able to find out." Laura blinked as she found herself corrected. It seemed that Rean had an idea.

She watched as the swordsman pulled out his ARCUS before dialing in a number. There was a pause as he waited for the line to connect while the rest of them watched curiously. Who could he be calling?

The answer came a second later, "Major Lechter? This is Rean."

"Oh hey, Rean! This is a surprise!" Laura wasn't the only one to scoot a little closer to eavesdrop on the conversation going on, "I take it this isn't a social call?"

"Not exactly. I have a question, actually. Do you know if Millium is in Heimdallr?"

"Millium? Pretty sure she got back from her mission in Bareahard a few days ago – That's classified info, by the way – so as far as I know she's somewhere in the capital. Let me guess, that pipsqueak did something, didn't she?"

Rean hesitated, "That's... what we're trying to find out."

"Gotcha. I'll pry it out of her later." Came the easy response, "Couldn't tell you where she is, but I'd start my search at places that offer desserts. Lately she's taken to walking around Heimdallr on her days off trying out the food joints. You'd think she'd want to use a guidebook or something instead of wandering around aimlessly, but we all know how she likes to think."

"R-Right. Thanks, Major."

Fie let out a groan after the call ended, "This is gonna be a pain."

"What should we do, Rean? Think we should split up and cover more ground?"

"Don't ask me. I'm not the bracer in charge today." He answered Elliot with a smirk.

Many pairs of eyes turned towards her, but Laura waved the boys off with a subtle shake of her head.

"I hate you both so much." Not so subtle that Fie didn't notice. The younger girl pouted adorably, but even still Laura could see the gears in her head turning, "Practically speaking splitting up would be the best idea, but I'm in no rush. If you guys are fine with it we can stick together...?"

"Aww. You used to be such an anti-social girl and now look at you wanting to spend the day with our friends!" Fie teased her all the time so it was alright for the blue-haired girl to retaliate once in a while, right?

"I will end you." Fie certainly didn't seem to think so based on that angry growl, but the blush on her face told a different story.

Machias gave a thoughtful hum, "Normally I'd be taking this time to study, but what the hell? I think a break would do me well after the past day."

"Good." Fie nodded approvingly, "You guys know the area better than us, so we'll be relying on you. Let's check all the food places in this area before moving onto the next."

"Let's move out, Group A!" Elliot cheered as that original group was reformed once again.

"...And then the sword came crashing down and took out the storage shed! The entire field looked like a war-zone, and a piece of debris even managed to knock Patrick out! It was hilarious!"

Laura wished she could skewer the cheeky brat for her words, but sadly her patience won out over her desire to shut her up. That and she couldn't bear to look at any of her friends with the way her face was glowing and her ears were burning.

Why!? Why did Fie think that story was the first thing to share with the others as they walked through the streets!? How could any one person be so cruel!? She'd thought Rean of all people would've come to her aid, but he had been busy trying and failing miserably to suppress a smirk even as he conversed with the food stall owner they were currently standing at.

"Laura piloting a panzer soldat is a scary proposition indeed..." Why was Machias accepting the tale so easily!?

"S-Still..." At least Elliot seemed to notice her plight, "I'm impressed you guys were able to pilot one of them after everything that's happened. I'm not sure I'd want to climb into one myself."

"In the end a weapon is just a weapon, no matter the form it takes." Laura replied, both to give Elliot the answer he needed and to calm herself down a little. Didn't stop her from shooting one final glare towards Fie, something which the girl easily ignored, "On a related note, I am curious if the two of you have been keeping up with your combat training. I know your current occupations don't rely on it, but even still..."

The young musician pulled out his orbal staff, "I'm actually still sending reports to Reinford and the Epstein Foundation each month for my orbal staff. I think Alisa is helping me out because I got a notice that they were working on an orbal staff with enhanced musical features that would work specifically for me. I can't wait for it to arrive!"

"For my part I've been trying to branch out with my firearm skills." Machias chimed in, "Can't very well carry a shotgun around everywhere when I'm not on a battlefield, now can I?"

To prove his point the political student opened his jacket to reveal a pair of pistols concealed within, "I've been practicing with these babies at a nearby firing range when I have the opportunity. Would love to expand into rifles and other heavier arms in the future as well."

Fie let out a whistle, "Well damn. A walking arsenal, huh? This might be the first cool thing you've ever done."

While Laura wasn't as verbal in her appreciation, she did smile happily at her two friends. While she had held little doubt in the matter it was good to get confirmation the others were taking their shared promise seriously.

Whatever was to come, Class VII would be ready.

"I think we're on the right track." Rean entered the conversation, seemingly having finished his discussion with the food stall owner, "Someone matching Millium's description was here around three hours ago."

"Our first hit..." Fie glanced around at their surroundings before turning to the two locals, "Where do you think she'd go next?"

"We're in the Leica District now, and we didn't find any sign of her on the main street, so..."

Machias finished where Elliot began, "Vesta Street, perhaps? It's not far from here and there are quite a few shops there."

"Sounds good. Let's go, everyone."

"Hold it." All eyes turned towards Rean, "While I don't mind helping out, why am I the one who has to question all the shop owners?"

"That's easy." Their temporary leader countered, "You're the hired help. You get to do all the work."

"...I'm getting paid?"

"Not in mira, but if you do a good job I'm sure I can come up with a special reward for you."

Machias scoffed, "Will you two cut it out!? Your flirting is disgusting!"

"Oh, please." Fie countered, "It's not nearly as bad as when you and Jusis are together. With you two it's like watching an old married couple bicker constantly."

Laura didn't laugh at Fie's words or Machias' expression. Not at all. She was too polite to do something like that. She just... choked on the air a little, that's all.

As the group made their way to Vesta Street she couldn't help but observe their surroundings, "This is something I've noticed, but is the capital completely back to normal?"

"It is." Elliot confirmed, "I know we were told the Infernal Castle would fade from public perception, but it's been such an eerie thing to experience. Most people have completely forgotten it actually existed and treat it like some old urban legend, while those few that do still remember..."

"Treat is with the casualness that someone would use to talk about the weather." Machias finished for him, "It has been quite disconcerting."

"I guess we were unaffected since we actually went in there and did stuff, right?" Fie asked rhetorically.

Despite herself Laura couldn't help but shiver slightly at the thought. Good or ill, memories were what defined a person and to have some higher power arbitrarily strip them away...

The thought of losing those memories of her training lessons with father, the year spent as a member of Class VII, or those precious few ones she still held of her mother.

That would be a fate worse than death.

"B-But it's not all bad." She wondered if Elliot noticed her dour mood as he cheerfully chimed in, "There was still a little damage from the occupation and a few shortages when Machias and I arrived, but now everything is back the way it was before the war."

"Except for the monster infestations." Fie groused, "Do you guys know how many monsters are living under the city right now? Some idiot could dig down a few arge and cause a massive disaster."

"Instructor Sara told Fiona that she was originally planning on taking care of it, but decided to leave it for some promising junior bracers. I wasn't sure at the time, but I'm getting the feeling she meant you guys."

On one hand she could appreciate that their senior was leaving them plenty of work – work that was both nearby and would provide good combat training – but on the other...

"Damn that miserable drunk!"

Yes. That summed it up quite nicely. Thank you, Fie.

"Ahah... I-I'm sure she means well with-"

"Shut up, Rean. You trying to play nice is normally alright, but right now I'm allowed to be annoyed. And you should be too, 'cause next time you aren't allowed to abandon us to have a fun little fishing trip."

"...But you're the one who told me to do that...?"

Soon enough they arrived at their next destination and continued their search for Millium. Elliot was kind enough to volunteer to question the local merchants, much to Rean's relief and Fie's dismay. That left the rest of them to sit on a pair of benches and wait, "So what are we going to do when we find Millium?"

Laura answered Machias' question with one of her own,"I assume we will want to question her to ensure she is the one responsible for breaking into your room before acting?"

"Wouldn't it be funny if you were wrong with your accusation and we've been chasing around a friend for nothing. Talk about a betrayal- Ouch!"

Rean – who had poked Fie in the side – rolled his eyes, "Quit trying to make her feel guilty. I'm sure any of us would've come to the same conclusion eventually. Or are you trying to say you don't think the evidence points towards Millium?"

"Nah, you're right. I just thought it'd be funny if- H-Hey! Quit it!"

Laura glanced down at her own finger after it had finished poking the annoying gremlin in her other side. Mimicking Rean had proven to be quite effective at shutting her up indeed.

All conversation was put on pause as Elliot ran up to them, breathing hard in the process,"G-Guys! I think I've found Millium!" He got out before pants.

"What!? Where is she?" Machias asked as he jumped to his feet.

"I talked to a street vendor just outside of Towa's family store that said she'd just been shopping there and that after finishing up there she'd gone into the local bakery. That was only a few minutes ago and supposedly she hasn't come out yet!"

"Nice work, Elliot." Fie praised the boy before standing up, "Hmm... A stakeout might work, but despite being herself Millium's pretty alert when she wants to be. I don't want to spook her and have her fly off on Lammy, so let's just stroll in there and act like we're hanging out and us meeting her is a big coincidence."

Their bespectacled classmate nodded his head, "Understood. Act casual and see how she acts. Even if she's an Ironblood, at the end of the day Millium is Millium. I doubt she'll be able to hide the truth from us for long."

With a mission plan in place the five of them approached the Lafite Bakery. Despite herself Laura couldn't help but appreciate the smell of fresh bread that heralded their approach. Even thought she'd eaten recently it was enough to make her stomach growl in anticipation.

If their plan was to act casual to not spook Millium then her purchasing a light snack would fit the bill, correct?

Fortunately for them Elliot's reconnaissance had proven correct as all eyes were drawn to the familiar blue hair of their youngest former classmate. Millium didn't even notice the entrance of the group as she was too entranced by the slice of creme-filled bread that was on the table in front of her.

"M-Millium!?" Credit where credit was due. Despite being an aggravating menace the majority of the time Fie was really good at acting surprised when the situation called for it.

"It's Fie!" Their classmate yelled with glee, much to the detriment of the other occupants of the bakery, "...And Rean and Laura! Elliot! ...A-And Machias... W-What are you guys all doing here?"

If they hadn't already been suspicious of the girl beforehand her reaction to seeing Machias all but confirmed it, much to her internal relief. Although Fie's earlier words had been in jest there was no denying she would've felt terrible had her accusation been proven false.

"Hello, Millium. I suspect we're here for the same reason you are." Rean responded with a genuine smile and a wave, "I thought we were about to be attacked by a wild beast a minute ago, but it was actually just Laura's stomach."

He heard that!? And why did he just go and announce it to the entire world like that!? Did he not know just how embarrassing that was for her!?

She had a feeling he didn't given the innocent look on his face.

Doing her best to ignore her red cheeks, the annoying snickering coming from Fie and Millium, and the sympathetic looks from Elliot and Machias, the Arseid approached the counter. Since she was already in this deep she might as well embrace it for all it was worth, "Rean, I think I'll have what Millium's having."

"H-Huh? Well, alright. I can do that."

"...And don't forget to see what the others want. We should definitely reward them for their help today."

"I... I suppose so?"

"And we can't forget Millium. Go ahead and order something else. It'll be Rean's treat."

It was only now the swordsman seemed to understand the error of his previous words. Too late for him, however.

"Ahaha! Rean's in trouble~" The White Rabbit sang out happily, "But I'll take pity on you. I got plenty of mira of my own today."

"Plenty of mira, huh?" Machias asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oopsies." Millium – who had been steadily relaxing since they entered the bakery – now realized her slip, but it was too late as Machias, Fie, and Elliot had closed the gap between them and the trapped girl.

Laura would have joined them, but the building was small enough that they had it handled. Plus, she was still waiting for Rean to pay for her meal.

"Huh. Makes sense. I guess being an Ironblood pays pretty good, huh? Do you get paid by the mission or something?" Laura and the others looked at Fie weirdly. Why was she offering Millium a lifeline like this?

"Y-Yeah!" Millium grasped Fie's opening for all it was worth, "I just got back from a wild mission yesterday! Got a nice bonus for it!"

Oh! Now Laura understood! "Well that's odd. We just spoke with Major Arundel and he said you haven't had a mission in a few days..."

"O-Oh. I didn't know you talked with Lechter..." Millium's eyes darted left. Elliot was blocking the path. "I-I meant that..." Millium's eyes darted right. Machias was there. "U-Um..." Millium's eyes looked ahead. Fie waved back.

What came next was entirely expected, "S-Save me, Lammy!"

The Arseid glared at the combat shell as it appeared, "If you and Airgetlam know what is good for you you will remain right where you are."

Airgetlam seemed to freeze in midair for a long moment before giving some forlorn-sounding beeps and vanishing back whence it came. "Lammy!? You traitor!"

"You managed to intimidate Airgetlam!?" A wide-eyed Elliot could only stare at her.

"That's nothing!" Fie praised, "You should've seen her with Valimar! Laura may suck with machines, but they're just as terrified of her as we are when she's using one!"

Laura's eye twitched. Did she need to say it like that? And the only reason she had to go after those machines in the first place was because they were aiding certain individuals that refused to cooperate!

Machias held his hand out prompting a now sulking Millium to reach into her coat and pull out a wallet, which she handed over silently. The wronged party took the chance to glance through his possession, "Well, at least everything except my mira is still here..."

"So why did you steal Machias' wallet?" Rean asked.

Said girl laughed nervously, "Well... I was in Bareahard a few days ago, right? And when I was there I got to chatting with Jusis. I remember him complaining that 'nobody was around to make Regnitz's life miserable.' So I thought I'd do him a favor! I was gonna give it back once I was done trying out a few more desserts, I promise!"

"Of course this was because of Albarea. I'll make sure he pays for this!" Machias groused. For her part Laura had a suspicion the noble had made that comment entirely in jest, but Millium was just the sort of person who'd take it seriously despite knowing the chaos it'd create.

"W-Well... I guess this means we've completed our mission?" Despite being correct Rean sounded awfully unsure of himself.

Something which contrasted vastly with Fie who seemed to take everything in stride, "Yep. Good job, us. I'll call Sara and let her know."

She and the others watched as the silver-haired girl pulled out her ARCUS before contacting their instructor. Since she was still in the city it shouldn't be difficult to make the connection- "T-Thissss isss Sara...!" Those slurred words were followed by what sounded to be a hiccup.

Most the current and former students stared at the orbment with varying degrees of resigned acceptance to the state of their teacher. The two exceptions were Millium who seemed to find humor in the situation, and Fie who silently mouthed 'called it' before clearing her throat, "Why am I not surprised to find out you've been drinking your ass off while we've been completing all the missions."

"Aww, don't be like that Fie! You guys have given me my first free day in almost a month! Let me cut back just this once, alright."

Despite herself Laura couldn't help but feel some sympathy towards their inebriated instructor. With the Bracer Guild in such dire straights she and Toval must've been under a lot of pressure. Of course that didn't excuse her getting drunk in the middle of the day, but...

If their efforts were enough to lighten the burden on their senior's shoulders just a little then she would accept that.

"I see. Thank you for the report. I shall make sure compensation is paid out with haste."

Jusis Albarea stared down at the now silent phone in his hands. Damn that Millium. Of course that girl would take a single off-hand comment seriously and create a lot of havoc. That's just what she did.

Paying for the damages Millium inflicted upon Regnitz were a trivial matter to one such as himself, but with things as busy as they were he wasn't pleased with the distraction. His biggest regret over the entire matter was the work she made for his friends. He'd have to ensure the Bracer Guild was amply compensated and perhaps find some other way to repay Rean and the others for their efforts.

The young nobleman sat back in his chair. After a brief moment of contemplation he opened his eyes and scanned his office. Once he confirmed that the room was completely devoid of life...

"Heh..." He allowed himself a moment of levity, "If only I could've been there to see Regnitz's face..."

Scratch his previous thought. That was his actual biggest regret about the whole scenario. Next time he'd need to make sure Millium knew to record the chaos.

Or better yet – make sure he was already present before unleashing the chaotic girl upon his rival.