[User] “Your Highness!” Action/Narration Cries from the servants, many of them red-eyed and with a tremble in their voices.

[Assistant] “Prince Fourier!” Action/Narration

[User] “Your Highness, help our lady!” Action/Narration

[Assistant] Fourier pressed his attack, and Crusch looked more shaken still. His sword rose and fell in an arc; Crusch was completely occupied with defending.

[User] “—I shall entrust this to His Highness.” Action/Narration Meckart murmured.

[Assistant] Ferris looked up at him, and Meckart nodded. Ferris knew immediately what it meant. He joined his hands in front of his chest as if in prayer and waited to see how the battle would turn out.


[User] “A dress! Makeup! And jewelry! Flowers and cooking!”

[Assistant] “—ngh.”

[User] “Crusch! Kneel before meeeee!” / The wooden swords groaned with the force of his blow, splinters flying from the blades. Both weapons were at their limits. But the fight would be decided by which of the participants gave out first. Fourier bellowed as he pushed Crusch back step by step, blow by blow. His lovely face was red.

[Assistant] “…Ah.” / As she found herself pushed up against a wall, Crusch cast her amber eyes on Ferris. They looked at each other, and it seemed to him like she was asking for something, but he didn’t know what.

[User] “Lady…Crusch…” / Fat tears rolled from his round eyes and down his cheeks. The next moment, there was a crack as the wooden sword finally gave way, and part of the broken blade skittered across the ground. The one blade that remained more or less intact was pointed at the chest of the loser.

[Assistant] “…All that, and still I cannot outdo you.” / Fourier spoke with strained breath, still holding what was left of the hilt of his sword. He looked at the ground, his shoulders trembling. He might have been crying. A sigh. Disappointed, but not despairing. But everyone’s shoulders slumped as they realized he had not prevailed.

[User] “No, Your Highness. I’ve lost.” / Crusch shook her head gently. The sword in her hand was broken down the middle as well. She tossed the useless blade to the ground. "You still hold your blade, Your Highness, while I have cast mine aside. The victor should be clear…indeed, has been clear since your battle cry shook my spirit—I have lost this contest.”

[Assistant] “—” / Fourier was absolutely silent.

[User] / Crusch knelt down, ignoring the dirt that got on her, and placed her hands on the ground. The gesture was that of offering a sword—it was one of utmost respect and loyalty. “You have indeed fulfilled your former promise. I, Crusch Karsten, have met Your Highness Fourier Lugunica in combat with the sword and have been bested. I shall put on women’s clothing, then.”

[Assistant] “Er…ahem. Will you, now? I…I see.” / Fourier’s response to Crusch’s solemn words was halting and unsteady. He nodded once, and then his tall frame began to lean backward, until finally he fell spread-eagle on the ground.

[User] “Your Highness?! Oh no! Felix, tend to His Highness!”

[Assistant] / Ferris was rushing over to Fourier long before the astonished Meckart ordered him to do so. He slid his knees under the head of the collapsed young man, supporting the prince’s body weight as he used his healing magic. “Your Highness, Your Highness! Stay with me—! Your Highness!”

[User] “Heh-heh! Did you see it, Ferris? Did you see my…great…victory…?” / Healing magic would cure his wounds, but it wouldn’t restore the strength he had lost.


[User] Fourier had spent every ounce of his endurance, and now the familiar easygoing smile came over his face just before he slipped into a deep sleep.

[Assistant] Ferris was amazed to hear the calm, even rhythm of Fourier’s breathing.

[User] "Ferris."

[Assistant] “Oh, uh, yes, Lady Crusch. Um, Ferri, I mean—What can Ferri say…?”

[User] “I’m sorry for being so selfish.” Crusch smiled gently as she watched Ferris tend to the unconscious prince.

[Assistant] As her words sunk in, the tears started streaming down Ferris’s cheeks again. “I…I’m the one who hasn’t been fair to you…! Lady Crusch, you… You and Prince Fourier are always rescuing me…” He looked up, wiping furiously at his eyes.

[User] “Are we? Then you’ve amply returned the favor. Your presence is a constant salvation for me. And I am only just now realizing that the prince saved me as well. I suppose it goes to show how ill-bred I really am.”

[Assistant] “Ill-bred…? Lady Crusch, no…! You’re wonderful…!”

[User] “All the more reason I must strive to live up to your and His Highness’s estimation of me.”

[Assistant] Ferris continued sniffling, not quite able to speak.

[User] Crusch patted his head lovingly as she stood. Then she went over to Meckart, who watched agape. What she said to him, Ferris didn’t know. He couldn’t hear over Fourier’s snores and his own weeping.


[Assistant] 6 “I did all the work to make this possible—and yet I don’t get to see Crusch in her dress until the party? Most unorthodox!”

[User] “Well, you know. Lady Crusch has a lot to deal with. She has to get ready mentally and physically. Plus, it’s not easy to find the exact perfect dress for Lady Crusch!”

[Assistant] “I know you’ll do everything you can for her, Ferris. Very heartening!” Ferris gave a dark smile.

[User] Across from him, Fourier laughed easily. They were in Ferris’s personal chambers at the Karsten mansion. His Highness had shown up there as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Ferris had personally made tea and was now entertaining the prince.

[Assistant] Perhaps he ought to have been a touch more intimidated—but neither Ferris nor the prince seemed to be holding back. They were old friends, if it was not too audacious to consider oneself as an old friend to royalty.

[User] “The two weeks since that battle have been truly vexing. By the time I woke up, I was already in a dragon carriage on the way home. Being sent away before I even got to speak to Crusch? I have never before been subjected to such a ploy.”

[Assistant] “You simply wouldn’t wake up, Your Highness, you were so tired. And besides, you could hardly stay at our meownsion for ten whole days until the party. I know your station isn’t very demanding, but surely even mew have some duties to attend to?”

[User] “Indeed, I am in great demand! But one thing worries me.


[User] “I recall subduing Crusch with my sword, and then comforting her as she wept, but…”

[Assistant] “…Guess we’ll see where this goes…” Events seemed to have become rather more dramatic in Fourier’s imagination.

[User] Ferris was not going to correct him. After all, it had probably been Ferris’s own weeping that had inspired this flight of fancy.

[Assistant] “Though thrilled to have accomplished my goal, I collapsed from fatigue, and what happened after that, I know not. What became of Crusch? Did she say anything about me?”

[User] “She lay in bed, her pillow soaked with tears of regret over her loss to you. She might have said something about murdering you in your sleep…”

[Assistant] “Ha-ha-ha! An amusing diversion. But I know you’re joking. Crusch would never say such a thing. She would certainly challenge me face-to-face. A simple matter, to see through your little japes… You are joking, aren’t you?”

[User] “If you’re going to act that confident, at least stay confident until you’re finished. It was a joke, though.”

[Assistant] With a small sigh, Ferris winked at Fourier, who wouldn’t stop glancing at him for confirmation. “Relax, Your Highness,” Ferris said. “Lady Crusch knows she was beaten. I think she sees you in a new light, the way you overcame her through sheer determination. Although she hasn’t spoken of you once since then.”

[User] “She’s angry—I knew it! What do you think?! Tell me what you think, Ferris!” He leaned over and shook the cat-boy emphatically.

[Assistant] “Eek, don’t pull on me, you’ll stretch my clothes out! I know it’s just the two of us, but—!” Ferris shoved the prince away and hugged himself, his eyes swimming.

[User] A shaken Fourier sat back, and an awkward silence descended on the room.


[Assistant] The door opened, and Crusch peeked in. "I’m called here, and what do I find? Ferris, you must not tease His Highness so cruelly."

[User] “Eeeewhooa!” Fourier let out an unusual cry and spun around.

[Assistant] Ferris, who found this rather gratifying, waved at Crusch. “Right on time, Lady Crusch. We were waiting for you!”

[User] “You told me to come in without announcing myself. Was this your goal? Your Highness, I see Ferris has been most disrespectful to you. But are you so astonished to see my face?”

[Assistant] “No! It has nothing to do with your face! Which is beautiful as always! A picture! You should be more confident; I give you my royal guarantee, you look wonderful!”

[User] “You are too kind, Your Highness. Though I am a touch embarrassed.” Crusch wore a wry smile; Fourier had red cheeks. Despite their sword fight, despite the two weeks of separation, now things went on as if they had never been apart.

[Assistant] “Looks like Ferri’s done it again… My skill as a strategist is almost scary…”

[User] Fourier stood and pointed at his friend, who stood just inside the door. “What are you muttering about over there, Ferris? And you, Crusch!”


[User] “Why do you still wear men’s clothes even now? Where’s your skirt?! Your dress?! What about our promise that you would adorn your hair with precious gems, surround yourself with flowers?”

[Assistant] “Your Highness, Your Highness, that promise is taking on a life of its own!” Ferris protested.

[User] “My apologies, Your Highness. It is very true that the events of two weeks past remain firmly in my heart. But I have spent so long in men’s outfits. I hope you will give me some time to ready myself. And of course, for my birthday celebration tomorrow—I do promise.”

[Assistant] “Hmm… I have your word on that?”

[User] “That depends on whether you believe I’m one to betray my promises to Your Highness.”

[Assistant] Fourier was left with no choice but to back down.

[User] Crusch sat easily next to Ferris, across from Fourier, who was adjusting his position on the sofa. "You’ve very much put your heart into this, haven’t you, Your Highness?” she said.

[Assistant] “I don’t just mean our battle. You’re staying overnight here.”

[User] “I was just terrified I might oversleep if I stayed at the castle, so instead I couldn’t get to sleep at all! Here at the mansion, I’ll have plenty of time no matter how late I sleep. How’s that for a bit of princely wisdom?”

[Assistant] “Seems like overkill. Like planning to meet up with someone and then camping out there the day before.” Ferris said lightly, earning a smirk from Crusch.

[User] “On that note, what do you plan to do for the birthday celebration, Ferris? Going to wear a dress?”

[Assistant] “Oh my, Your Highness, is Lady Crusch not enough for you? Got your eye on Ferri, too? Anyway, sorry. You can look forward to finding out tomorrow.”

[User] “A dress, yes… A dress… Say, Ferris, my father seemed more than happy with the dress you picked out, but I worry it won’t quite be appropriate for me…”

[Assistant] “Lady Crusch, we need you to have the best dress, and the best jewelry, and just all-around look the best you can! And believe me, it’ll be great!”

[User] “Yes! Crusch! I’ll be savoring the anticipation!”

[Assistant] Her amber eyes turned to look out the window, presenting her face in a somehow transient-looking profile.

[User] Ferris naturally followed her gaze, and looked up at the night sky.

[Assistant] The pale, cold half-moon floated against a field of stars. The next day would be Crusch’s birthday. The moonlight shimmered weirdly, as if presaging a great many changes to come.


[User] The night before had been spent talking late into the wee hours with Crusch and Fourier, but he was so excited for today that he barely felt tired. He was completely awake and ready to go, more than he’d been on any other morning. "Perfect for a birthday party!" he said merrily. "Looks like the weather gods are working overtime." Quickly, he took off his pajamas and pulled on his feminine clothes, just as always. The white ribbons in his hair made his outfit complete. He gave himself a once-over in the mirror, then veritably danced out into the hallway, where he found the servants already at their work. "Gooood morning to you!" he chirped.

[Assistant] "Ah, Master Ferris, good morning. You’re up early today."

[User] "Well, it’s a very important day. Need to put my best foot forward, you know? And you’re still all up even earlier."

[Assistant] "It is our job, sir. And you aren’t the only one looking forward to today. We want to make sure everything is perfect." The elderly steward smiled. Ferris had known him for quite a while, and the normally reticent man looked about as happy as Ferris had ever seen him. The other servants around were the same; although they were at work, not one of them looked unhappy. That was just how much the object of today’s festivities was beloved by all.

[User] "But! But I love Lady Crusch just as much as anyone here! I’ll do anything I can to help—just tell me what needs doing!"

[Assistant] "How enthusiastic. I’m sure there are plenty of little chores you could do…" No one was so insensitive as to suggest that Ferris should avoid menial labor just because he was a close personal attendant of Crusch’s. They saw how excited he was and were kind enough to let him help. Ferris resolved to repay them by working as hard as he could. The birthday party was scheduled to start that evening. Guests were expected to arrive in the hours before that, so all the preparations for the party had to be completed before noon. Of course, most of the work had been done in the days prior, but there were some final details to be settled, including the serving order of the food, along with who would do what when.

[User] "I can’t wait to see Lady Crusch’s dress tonight."

[Assistant] "I couldn’t agree more. I had begun to doubt I would live to see her in such an outfit." The long-standing servants and the old steward laughed together, but Ferris found himself feeling self-reproachful. When he and Crusch had made that promise as children, he had never thought about how many people might quietly be hurt by it. They weren’t intentionally being critical of him, of course. They were simply overjoyed to see Crusch, whom they had cared for since she was a little girl, in women’s clothing.


[User] “I’m so sorry, everyone.” It was a very modest form of atonement: Ferris spoke his apology only under his breath and only out of his own feelings of guilt. But it inspired him to redouble his efforts, and when the servants saw him, they knew they couldn’t let themselves be outdone. So they all threw themselves more and more into their own tasks, and the preparations were finished well ahead of schedule. All that remained was to wait for the guests, and nightfall. Or anyway, so it should have been, if nothing had happened.

[Assistant] As Ferris entered the front hall, he heard a voice: “I must speak to Duke Karsten! I have a message of utmost importance!”

[User] As Ferris went to ask what chore he should tackle next, he found a group of servants circled around someone. He went over to get a better look and saw a young man, out of breath and sweating profusely. He appeared to have come running at breakneck speed from his carriage, and every inch of him screamed trouble was afoot. He wasn’t hurt, but was clearly exhausted, heavily burdened both emotionally and physically.

[Assistant] “I must tell him what brings me here…!”

[User] “Tell us, then. What is going on?”

[Assistant] As the young man fell to his knees, he happened to look up at Ferris. The cat-boy gulped when he saw the ghastly appearance of his face. Shuddering and fearful, the young man said, “Demon beasts have appeared on Foutour Plain—massive bunnies!”

[User] “Giant Rabbits have appeared, have they?” Meckart sighed as he received the news. “What a stroke of bad luck…” About ten people were squeezed into the duke’s office, looking worriedly at each other. All of them were Meckart’s trusted subordinates, people who had arrived at the mansion early in anticipation of Crusch’s birthday celebration. But no one could have known that the happy meeting would turn into an emergency council.

[Assistant] “Bad luck indeed, but the silver lining is that we were all here already. The first moments of a demon beast attack are the most crucial. We will be able to respond as quickly as possible.”

[User] “As ever, I am saved by a retainer who knows how to look on the bright side,” Meckart said. “To begin with, I want to know how things stand. Any damage or injuries? Can you tell me?”

[Assistant] “Y-yes, sir.” The young man was absolutely petrified to be standing before not only the pillars of the ducal house but also Duke Karsten himself. But he wanted to fulfill his duty, and Meckart and the others nodded along as he explained. Centuries before, a witch had created a variety of demonic monsters—and Giant Rabbits were reputed to be among the three most powerful of them. The very name portended destruction. The White Whale. The Black Serpent. The Giant Rabbits. They were sometimes treated like natural disasters, and they were so overwhelmingly destructive that entire nations had dispatched forces to defeat them to no avail.


[User] "The first people to notice the rabbits were a group of trappers in a nearby forest. They were trying to get pelts from an animal that can be found there called the ubzus when the rabbits ambushed them."

[Assistant] "Poetic justice, one might say. What happened to them?"

[User] "The herd ate most of them, including their leader. The only survivor was a young man who had stayed with the dragon carriage. He worked his way back to the nearest village, and that was when we first heard what had happened." Meckart’s face darkened at the young man’s report.

[Assistant] "He went to a village…? And what became of that village?"

[User] "Forgive us for not consulting you, my lord, but we packed all the villagers into the local dragon carriages and evacuated them. Including the young survivor, sir. My father, the village chief, sent me here to inform you."

[Assistant] "I see. A wise decision. I shall remember your father, and you." Then he turned to his advisers. "I believe the first order of business should be to contain the damage the rabbits are causing. Hopefully only the one village at most will be destroyed. Gentlemen, what do you think?"

[User] This young man’s village made an excellent choice. Perhaps the best move would be to expand the scale of the evacuation to other nearby villages and keep the Giant Rabbits under observation. If the rumors about the ways of demon beasts can be relied on, we need not provoke them and deliberately let them know where there is prey to be found."

[Assistant] "That would only work if the rabbits remain satisfied with their current situation, which is an awfully optimistic assumption. What if they destroy the woods and the villages and still aren’t sated? What then? If the herd scatters, we’ll never be able to deal with it."

[User] "What do you propose we do, then?"

[Assistant] "We must take the initiative. I request the Karsten domain muster a unit to exterminate the creatures. We must not cede any part of our lands to some beast, not even the untamed wilderness. Not to mention that if we stay shut up in the heartland while the people are terrorized, it will undermine ducal authority."

[User] "We have nothing to gain by defeating these creatures."

[Assistant] "We have nothing to gain, but we do have something to lose. The people’s trust, and our own pride."

[User] Meckart remained silent.


[User] Meckart's thoughts were as much in conflict as his advisers'.

[Assistant] Ferris raises a hand. "Um, Lord Meckart? Sorry. I know it’s not really my place, but…"

[User] "…Ah, Felix. Yes, thank you. What is it? What do you want to ask?"

[Assistant] "It’s about Lady Crusch’s birthday party. I know we have to cancel it, but the guests will be arriving soon. What should we tell them?"

[User] "That… That’s a good question. Another problem to resolve. Terribly unlucky, all of this." Meckart chewed on his lip, then suddenly looked up. "Speaking of Crusch, where is she? You haven’t spoken to her about this, have you?"

[Assistant] "Don’t worry, sir. I brought the messenger straight here… I suspect Lady Crusch is busy entertaining Prince Fourier right now. At least we can thank His Highness for that."

[User] "I see, that’s good. That gives me all the more esteem for His Highness." A palpable relief shot through the room.

[Assistant] "—Now then, time is short. We don’t have long to spend fretting and arguing." Meckart's momentary smile of relief had become a frown again, and he adjusted his position in his chair.

[User] "First, evacuate all towns and villages near Foutour Plain. Send our own dragon carriages to help, as well as those from any other villages who can spare them. Evacuate all the people and as many of their possessions as is feasible. When the rabbits come through, nothing will be left. You must ensure there is absolutely no looting. Bardok, you’re in charge of the evacuation effort."

[Assistant] "Yes, sir!"

[User] "Further, set up a combat perimeter around the Foutour forest. We can’t have the rabbits destroying an area we haven’t even cultivated yet. However, our objective is not extermination. It is simply damage control. So don’t put too many hot-blooded young soldiers on the front line, hmm?"

[Assistant] "Understood, sir. Who will be in command?"

[User] "The old coward who’s charged with looking after this domain." Meckart said with a shrug. "Ahh, no rest for the weary, is there?"

[Assistant] His advisers smiled at one another.

[User] Meckart turned to Ferris. "I have an order for you, too, Felix."


[User] "Do not let Crusch find out about the rabbits. And make sure her birthday party comes off flawlessly."

[Assistant] "You’re not going to cancel it, sir? !"

[User] "Whatever happens on Foutour Plain, it’s not likely to affect the mansion. And our guests have gone to all the trouble of coming here."

[Assistant] "But! But! Without you here, Lord Meckart, it’ll be awfully hard to hide that something’s going on…"

[User] "I’m not telling you to keep the secret with your life. If you can just keep it quiet for this evening, that will be enough. I assume Crusch will find out by tomorrow. I would appreciate if you would be so kind as to bear her wrath for me this time." Meckart spoke lightly.

[Assistant] He pursed his lips and made his displeasure obvious, glaring at Meckart. "You’d better promise to bear it with me, sir. Otherwise, I’ll be awfully upset."

[User] "Gracious, you’re most intimidating, Felix. But in the event I can’t keep that promise…"

[Assistant] “…then it had better be because you underestimated the demon beasts too much and died fighting one or something.”

[User] "My boy, you do say the most inauspicious things!"

[Assistant] "All right, sir. I, Ferris, will stake my very life on making this party a success. I’ll be praying for your good fortune in battle, Lord Meckart." He offered a curtsy along with his wish for Meckart’s good fortune in battle.

[User] The duke nodded at him, then began to discuss the next steps with his advisers. Ferris slipped quietly out of the office, and hurried to rejoin the deeply disturbed servants. They would have to move quickly now.


[User] As he stood ready to receive visitors in his blue dress, even those who didn’t know him stopped when they saw him, some looking as if they might fall head over heels in love. At the moment, he was gently rebuffing the advances of some well-heeled young man. “To think I overlooked one as beautiful as you… I can only castigate myself for this lapse in judgment!”

[Assistant] "Oh, you’re sweet. But you mustn’t be so lavish. The young woman with you is giving me the most terrible glare…” As the young man walked away, Ferris gave the couple a wink. No trouble. It was all so easy. The least he could do was keep a smile on his face for the night.

[User] “Excuse me,” someone was saying to the nattily dressed maid beside him, his fellow receptionist. “Might I inquire as to the whereabouts of Duke Karsten? I should like to ask him to say a few words of introduction before we announce the woman of the hour, Miss Crusch.”

[Assistant] “I’m terribly sorry,” the maid replied, “but Lord Meckart is indisposed at the moment… I think he’ll be about shortly, but I must ask you to wait until then.”

[User] “What a shame, and on such an important day. I understand. Please forgive my impertinent request.”


[Assistant] “Well, if mew ask them, they’ll say they’re not upset, though…”

[User] “Master Ferris, be careful. You’re frowning.”

[Assistant] “Oops! I’ll have to be meow careful.” Ferris’s muttering to himself had drawn the maid’s attention.

[User] “Heh-heh… Heh-heh-heh!”

[Assistant] “Master Ferris, I don’t like the look in your eye…”

[User] “Oops! Have to be meow careful.” He stuck out his tongue in embarrassment, having now been called out twice, albeit for different offenses.


[User] Her blessing of wind reading allowed her to interpret the wind—not just the actual breeze but the air in a room or surrounding a person, the aura that communicated their emotions. She was quite good at it, and it made her very difficult to deceive. Although, with Crusch being as upright as she was, she sometimes let herself be misled about minor daily matters. “You can’t treat Lady Crusch like an ordinary person…although I guess that’s part of why I love her so much…”

[Assistant] “Master Ferris, there’s drool dangling from your mouth…”

[User] “Oops! Have to be meow careful.” That was three strikes, and the maid was not looking very pleased. Ferris knew it was silly to be so anxious over a little bit of banter, but it also looked likely to be a long night. Okay. Time to put the smile back on his face and throw himself into receiving guests again…

[Assistant] “Ferris! Ferris, are you here? !” As if in response to his thoughts, just as he was trying to turn himself into a smiling machine, a voice in the distance called his name. There was no doubt who it was—this particular manner of calling for attention could belong to only one person. Even as Ferris registered who the owner of the voice must be, the crowd parted. There, raising his hand and calling in that familiar, carrying voice, was Fourier. He was dressed in lustrous clothing, his golden hair and scarlet eyes both sparkling. As people realized the fourth prince of the nation was standing among them, heads began to bow.

[User] “Hm? Oh, stop that, you’re all much too formal. I am a magnanimous and friendly young man. And I am not the center of attention on this night. Go over to the young lady’s dais and enjoy the party.” Fourier threatened to distract from the point of the evening by provoking the surprise show of reverence. Then again, since he was in fact a prince, the display of respect for him should not have been surprising—but his everyday attitude made it easy to forget that.

[Assistant] “His Highness… Now there’s someone else you can’t handle like an ordinary person…”

[User] “What are you muttering about, Ferris? Um…” Fourier walked through the now-parted crowd, straight up to the maid and the boy. He looked Ferris and his dress up and down, then gave a deep and genuinely appreciative nod.

[Assistant] “As beautiful in a dress as always! Be it a birthday party or a matchmaking meeting, I never get tired of seeing you like this! You have my enthusiastic praise!”

[User] “Ha-ha-ha, thank you very much. You look quite dashing yourself, Your Highness.”

[Assistant] “Don’t I, though? I wracked my brain deciding what to wear tonight. I needed something appropriate for Crusch’s birthday party, something in which I could hold my head up high beside her. What do you think, Ferris?”

[User] “An excellent job, my lord. You practically look a man.”

[Assistant] “Heh-heh!”


[User] "Yes, I think so, too.” He put his hands on his hips, puffed out his chest, and generally looked terribly pleased with himself.

[Assistant] It was very much like him not to notice the jibe in Ferris’s words; this was part of his charm. Fourier’s arrival had diffused some of the building anticipation for the star of the party, and Ferris patted himself on the chest, glad for the breather. “But what have you been doing all this time, Your Highness? I certainly haven’t been able to entertain you. Were you in Lady Crusch’s rooms or something?”

[User] “Ah, if only I could have been. But I could hardly spend all day in the chambers of the most important woman of the evening. Let me be clear, I did not withdraw because of the overpowering stares of the maids who were trying to help the young lady change! Nor did I wander the mansion at loose ends afterward, either!”

[Assistant] “Of course not, Your Highness. I’m glad you were able to find me.”

[User] “Yes, a great relief. Frankly, I was getting rather lonely.”

[Assistant] The honest, almost naïve remark warmed Ferris, and he was surprised to find a genuine smile on his face. It was the first real expression of happiness he had made since the party started. The smiling and greeting had gone on so long, he had begun to think he would never be able to make a real smile again. Not that he disliked smiling, but it was so much easier when he was calm inside. He just wished he could share his burden with somebody there, even if telling the star herself was out of the question… “Oh well. That’s why they trusted me to watch things here—because we can’t.”

[User] Despite his best efforts, he found this little bit of self-pity slipping out, and he used a rueful grin to cover it. When he thought of what Meckart was doing—why the duke couldn’t be there to greet the guests—he knew he could hardly feel sorry for himself. And anyway, this was the job he had been entrusted with. The important task the duke had entrusted to Felix Argyle. "That’s all very well. But is Crusch not to be introduced yet?”

[Assistant] “We’re saving the best for last. Your Highness, you look as excited as a child.”

[User] “Well, what do you want? I am excited! Aren’t you?”

[Assistant] “I accompanied her to the fitting, so I already got to see. Ah! Lady Crusch was so beautiful in her dress, meow! A goddess among us!”

[User] “Grr! That’s not fair, Ferris! In fact, it’s downright cruel! Remember who did all the work so that we could see Crusch in her dress.” Fourier crossed his arms and gave an angry snort.

[Assistant] Ferris desperately held in his laughter. “It was all thanks to you, of course, Your Highness. Lord Meckart knows that, and all the servants, and of course I do, too. We’re all grateful to you. Thank you very much! Heh-heh.”

[User] “Hm, are you, now?


[User] "Well, that’s good. A man must be generous of heart. I forgive you! Is my magnanimity not as vast as the sky? What do you think?”

[Assistant] “Oh, it certainly is. Your magnanimity is like a vast blue sky.”

[User] Ferris stood, lost in these thoughts, he suddenly found a hand in front of his face. "Your Highness?"

[Assistant] The prince looked into Ferris’s subtly darkened face, then gave his usual bright smile. “This is no time to be looking unlike yourself, Ferris. This is all because you’ve been forcing yourself to smile, going this way and that like a puppet on a string. Take my hand—we’re going to dance.”

[User] “…I’m no good at smiling, huh?”

[Assistant] “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. I just thought you looked different from usual. How long have we known each other? Five years already? It’s only natural that I should know my friend’s smile inside and out.”

[User] “Do you consider me a friend, Your Highness?” Ferris replied, raising an eyebrow at the unexpected word.

[Assistant] He gave Ferris a questioning look. “It’s been five years, we don’t hesitate to converse with each other, we even share our little secrets… If this is not friendship, then I have no friends. What have you considered me all this time, Ferris?”

[User] “Well, I… It’s just, I would hate to be presumptuous…”

[Assistant] “Hah! I am giving you permission here and now. There is no presumption. Ferris, you are my friend. Stand proudly beside me and share my joy in all things. Yes? Is it a promise?”

[User] He looked at the ground, suddenly finding himself on the verge of tears. He took several deep breaths. Only after he had calmed the wave of emotion did he look up. There was a teasing smile on his face. "Then, Your Highness, perhaps I could ask you for one song before our beloved Lady Crusch arrives?”

[Assistant] “Seeing as how I already asked you—yes, of course. You can dance the woman’s part, can’t you? I certainly don’t know how.”

[User] “Relax. Actually, the woman’s part is the only part I know.”

[Assistant] “Well and good, then—because I only know the man’s part!” Fourier puffed out his chest.

[User] Ferris really couldn’t resist a burst of laughter.


[User] Then he looked at the maid beside him.

[Assistant] She gave him a forceful wink as if to say, Let me handle the guests.

[User] He nodded, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

[Assistant] “Let us dance, then! Follow me!”


[User] “Of course, my lord.” Fourier was full of enthusiasm, yet when he held out his hand, the gesture was gentle. He escorted Ferris to the dance floor, looking tall and brave.

[Assistant] At the sight of him, Ferris put a hand to his chest, his heart just a little bit lighter.

[User] “By the way, Your Highness, you’re wrong about how long we’ve known each other. It hasn’t been five years. It’s been six.”

[Assistant] “Hmm? Is that right? Hmm. Well, it matters not. In light of how long we will know each other, it is but a small thing. Don’t you think so?”

[User] “Gosh… Well, if Your Highness says so.” At the middle of the dance floor, they faced each other and joined hands. Ferris suppressed a smile, but the edges of it tugged at his lips. Fourier saw it and smiled, too, and then the music began. They started dancing, tracing the steps in the dazzling orange light of the sinking sun. Night was falling, and they waited anxiously for the person they were all here to celebrate. The birthday party was just beginning.

[Assistant] “Your Highness, I never knew you were so well built. I can feel my pulse racing.”

[User] “Can’t you, though? It’s because I am such a fine young man. But, um, stop blushing and snuggling up to me like that. It gives me a very strange feeling!”

[Assistant] “Aww… Weren’t you telling the truth when you said we were friends, Your Highness?”

[User] “Of course I was! B-but I’m concerned that if things go any further we’re not going to be just friends anymore! Stop teasing me! Who do you take me for? !” They had finished their dance and left the floor to thunderous applause. They were walking through a corridor of the mansion, heading for Crusch’s rooms, Ferris teasing Fourier along the way. He had nearly forgotten his assignment, caught up in the dance as he was, but he was supposed to be making sure that the party went smoothly. He was surprised by how much he felt he had been able to contribute to that goal. The next objective was to make sure Crusch was properly dressed. She would soon need to be ready to be presented to the party.

[Assistant] “As a man, Your Highness, you can’t come in the room. You’ll see her dress when everyone else does. Come on, shoo!”

[User] “What? And to think, you were treating me so very kindly up until this moment. Anyway, I had no intention of trying to force my way into Crusch’s rooms. I only thought she might be nervous and wanted to be here to comfort her.”

[Assistant] It sounded like an excuse, but Ferris gave in to the nobility of it and permitted the prince to accompany him. Anyway, it was certainly true that Crusch might be a bit anxious about appearing in front of a crowd in a dress.


[User] With this in mind, the two of them arrived at Crusch’s rooms. Ferris knocked on the door. "Lady Cruuuusch! It’s Ferris. Can I come in?"

[Assistant] "—Ferris. I’ve been waiting for you. Enter."

[User] He and Fourier entered the room—and then went completely stiff.

[Assistant] "I see you have His Highness with you. That is unexpected." Crusch was not in a dress, but in the military uniform they were so used to. No problem. She just needed to take off the men’s clothing and change into her dress. The issue was what was at her feet. A butler was sitting there, bound and gagged.

[User] "L-Lady Crusch?! What’s going on here? !"

[Assistant] "I understand your surprise, but stay calm. Maloney is unharmed. I only tied him up because I couldn’t have him getting in my way. I’m sure the next maid to come by will set him loose."

[User] "You tied him up. Why did you tie him up?"

[Assistant] "You know I’m bad at beating around the bush, so let me be direct. Where has my father gone?"

[User] "—" As Crusch’s amber eyes bored into him, Ferris’s throat constricted with terror.

[Assistant] Her reaction only made Crusch more certain. She put a hand on the window of her room. They were only on the first floor; she could climb out easily. And she was obviously about to.

[User] "W-wait, milady! Where are you going? And how will you know to go there?"

[Assistant] "My destination is Foutour Plain. My father is headed there because of a disaster… Demon beasts. He left the mansion with Bardok and some other confidantes, intending to arrive there tonight. Am I wrong?"

[User] Terror piled together for Ferris; he could only tremble. He couldn’t imagine anyone had let the secret slip to Crusch.

[Assistant] "I knew it would be impossible to get everything from one person. So I went one by one, piecing together the fragments of what each person knew. And you just gave me my proof, Ferris."

[User] "Oops…"

[Assistant] "I will stand by my father’s side. Perhaps I will not be any help. Perhaps they will mock me, saying I hadn’t needed to come. But I must go. When our most loyal retainers gather to the lion crest, shall I be lolling about in a gown, waiting to hear what becomes of them? I shall not stand for it."

[User] Of course she would say that. They had known that was how she would react the moment she heard of it, and that was why everyone in the household had worked so hard to keep it from her.

[Assistant] But the young woman’s singular genius and exceptional sharpness had undone all their efforts.

[User] "Wait a moment, Crusch!


[User] “Who said you could do such a thing?” Fourier called out from beside Ferris, who had been cowed into silence.

[Assistant] “Your Highness…” she said, her tone more subdued than before. “Please, forgive me. I must do this in order to be who I am. I swear I will make up for being so rude to all my guests. But I am a member of the ducal family. You must let me go.”

[User] “Don’t try to rush the discussion. It isn’t a question of going or not going at the moment. First and foremost—I don’t have the slightest idea what’s going on! Isn’t Meckart in bed with a fever? That’s what I heard. Although, looking at Ferris, I don’t suppose it’s true.” He glanced at the cat-boy, whose shoulders were trembling, out of the corner of his eye. “Well, regardless.” He shook his head. “I don’t know exactly what Ferris and Meckart are planning, but it is you I have trouble forgiving, Crusch. What has led you so astray?”

[Assistant] “Astray, Your Highness…?”

[User] “If you truly have pride in the blood of the servant of the Lion King that flows through you, it is your duty not to make a waste of today’s festivities. It isn’t yours to decide which is more important, the battlefield or the birthday party. Nor is it you who will ultimately determine your reputation—I won’t let you forget your vow to see this through.”

[Assistant] “—” Crusch’s face tensed slightly at Fourier’s stern words.

[User] Ferris, looking on, didn’t fully understand whatever it was that most seemed to strike home with her. A most important thing seemed to have been communicated privately between Fourier and Crusch alone.

[Assistant] “Forget…? No, it is as Your Highness says. But I… I must…”

[User] “Lady Crusch…” Ferris knew all too well the pain, the wave of emotion that swelled in Crusch’s heart and threatened to swallow her. Her pride as a member of the ducal household now warred with the layers of her identity that she had built up. Both were indispensable parts of her; without either one of them, Crusch could not be Crusch.

[Assistant] “Your Highness, are you telling me to stay here, put a fake smile on my face, and…?”

[User] “—? No, I’m saying no such thing. I think you’re still misunderstanding something.”

[Assistant] "What?" Fourier’s perplexed expression evoked sounds of surprise from both Crusch and Ferris. Fourier’s eyes sparkled at the unusual reaction of both attendant and mistress, and then he gave one of his toothy smiles. “Listen. What I am trying to say is not that you must protect your position as a member of the duke’s family. It is that you must protect who and what you are as Crusch Karsten, the duke’s daughter.”

[User] “What do you mean by that, Your Highness?”

[Assistant] “You wish to support your father, and you must go through with this birthday celebration. Both duties are equally demanded of Crusch Karsten, the duke’s daughter."


[User] “—? !” Fourier spoke with all the confidence of someone who was saying something very simple.

[Assistant] The young woman listening to him looked troubled by this paradoxical opinion. "Of course it would be ideal to do both," Crusch said. "But realistically…with my strength, I couldn’t…”

[User] “Wrong again. You have me. You have Ferris. You aren’t alone.”

[Assistant] "Your Highness…”

[User] “Who hasn’t been at a party where things didn’t quite go according to schedule? What with all the celebrating and the drink… If the star of the show is a little late, the master of ceremonies will find some way to buy her time. Perhaps I could do a sword dance,” Fourier said, striking a pose as if dancing with an invisible blade.

[Assistant] Crusch, who until that moment had been standing dumbfounded, blinked. Then a soft smile came over her face. "Your Highness’s concern for me is a greater gift than any other. Let my person and my heart be given utterly in loyalty to you. Thank you very, very much.”

[User] “Oh, stop, stop! I feel most awkward when you speak to me that way. You and I are friends. We mustn’t let the little things worry us. More importantly—Ferris!”

[Assistant] “Er—yes, sir!” He straightened up as the prince abruptly called his name.

[User] Fourier gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Crusch is going to do something foolish. And you are going to protect her. You are her knight, after all.”

[Assistant] “I’m…Lady Crusch’s knight?”

[User] “A true knight must always be at his mistress’s side and constantly act to keep her safe. I can think of no other knight for Crusch but you.”

[Assistant] A thousand emotions overflowed within Ferris at those words. "But I can barely hold a sword… Some knight I’d be.”

[User] “It is His Highness’s will. As for the sword, let me wield it. I want you to be by my side, doing what only you can do. That is the only thing I ask of my knight.” Crusch’s declaration sent a single hot tear rolling down Ferris’s cheek. It felt as though it would sear him, and he quickly wiped it away.

[Assistant] Then he turned to Fourier. "Felix Argyle, acknowledging orders, Your Highness.


[User] “I will protect Lady Crusch, without fail.” He made the most elaborate bow possible.

[Assistant] Fourier nodded at him, then suddenly handed something to Crusch. He had specifically brought the object with him when he had heard that they were heading for Crusch’s rooms. “What is this, Your Highness?”

[User] “You said my consideration is gift enough for you—but it isn’t for me. Therefore, I have prepared a gift for you as well. I think it will suit you better than anything else.”

[Assistant] Crusch’s eyes went wide as she unwrapped it. She held a sword in her hands—one that was obviously masterwork quality.

[User] “This is the best of all the blades in the royal armory. I asked Bordeaux to verify as much, so I’m sure it’s true. It is my gift to you.”

[Assistant] “Your Highness…I thought you were against my wielding the sword.”

[User] “What else could I do? All my life I have seen you with the sword in your hand. That is the you that I like best. I’m sure you’ll be stunning in your dress…but in my mind, you will always be the girl who grips the sword.” Fourier had begun to flush red from speaking his mind so directly. “If you won’t give up the blade, then I hope I can at least choose the one you hold. Otherwise, you might never replace that dagger. And I might never get you back from the Lion King.”

[Assistant] “My Lion King has always been… No,” Crusch said, cutting herself off. She shook her head. Then she held the sword aloft and said, “I am grateful for this happiness. I promise I will do deeds with it worthy of your precious consideration for me.”

[User] “Good! …Well, I admit that wasn’t exactly how I expected you to accept it, but just the same!” Fourier had, in his own way, done his utmost to communicate his feelings, but thanks to Crusch’s obliviousness, they had gone straight over her head.

[Assistant] Ferris felt bad about that, but his respect for Fourier grew even more.

[User] “Well, let us go, Ferris. We shall help my father and return immediately to the party!”

[Assistant] “Yikes, sounds like a lot of work! And here Ferri’s already been so busy all night…”

[User] Crusch was already out the window.

[Assistant] Ferris hitched up his dress and followed her. He stepped out onto the grass where the night air enveloped him, and heaved a sigh, wondering what they were getting themselves into. But the desperate feeling of isolation he had felt while trying to deceive his mistress was no more.


[User] "Hmm…" As he spoke, he knelt down so he was eye to eye with the butler, whom they had simply left there.

[Assistant] First he took the gag out of the grateful man’s mouth. "I need you to explain a few things to me. Then you and I will have to figure out how to get through these rather dire straits. As Crusch’s representatives, we have a grave responsibility!" And then he laughed merrily, as if this were just another perfectly normal night.


[User] The attendees of the party at the Karsten mansion were slowly growing disgruntled. It was only natural. The celebration had started hours ago, it was already well into the night, and the mood was quite expectant. Now they were all waiting for the main event, the introduction of Crusch, the duke’s daughter. And yet the crucial person utterly failed to appear. What was more, Meckart Karsten, the host of the party, was also nowhere to be seen, claiming illness. How could the invitees not feel a little put out?

[Assistant] “Inviting us to a party where neither the host nor the celebrant shows up—are they mocking us?” Although no one spoke too loudly, many made such remarks under their breath.

[User] Despite the extreme difficulty of their position, the butlers and servants did their utmost to fulfill their duties for the sake of their master and mistress. This was loyalty of the highest order.

[Assistant] "Erk… Even with me at the helm, it could be difficult to draw things out much longer…" Fourier alone among the guests knew what was really going on. He used his position and a few well-placed rumors to soothe the rising discontent of the guests, but it was getting more difficult. He could divert them with amateur sword dances and decent lyurilay performances only so many times. This left him with only one choice, a secret art passed down in the royal line. Fourier would set aside his pride as a member of the royal family and perform the trick—but just as he was about to do so, a commotion ran through the hall. It appeared to originate with the guests near the door. Suddenly the vast portal opened, and someone entered. Her long green hair danced, and she looked startling and refreshing in her military uniform.

[User] “It’s Lady Crusch Karsten,” someone said, proclaiming the beauty’s name.

[Assistant] Crusch turned her amber eyes to the source of the voice. The person who had spoken stiffened, but she placed a hand over her chest and gave a single, elegant bow. "Esteemed guests. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming all this way. And for the inconveniences we have imposed on you, let me apologize in place of the master of this house, Meckart."

[User] The hint of surprise that ran through the room might have been due to the powerful resolve that was almost tangible in her gorgeous voice.


[User] “If I could beg your further indulgence,” Crusch went on, her forthright attitude silenced even those who had been muttering before, as they listened closely to her clear, resonant voice. “I would ask that you be patient just a short while longer. I wish to make my official greeting to you all in clothing more suited to the occasion.” She stood straight and raised her head, taking in all those in the hall, her gaze as sharp as any blade, left the guests no choice but to accede in silence.

[Assistant] “My thanks—Ferris, come.”

[User] “Yes, ma’am.” A figure in a blue dress had appeared behind Crusch.


[Assistant] Crusch advanced, dressed in her military clothes; all those she passed found themselves unconsciously straightening up. The jeweled sword at her waist seemed to express her very being. The maids began following her as she went, and then they, Crusch, and her knight exited the party hall. No sooner had they done so than the hint of anxiousness vanished from the air, and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. All the guests looked at one another.

[User] “I’d heard rumors about Lady Crusch, but…”

[Assistant] “They said she was mad for the sword, that she was a noblewoman who could outdo any man… So that’s what they meant, ha-ha.” Small and trembling voices tried to make light of Crusch.


[User] Crusch returned after changing her clothes.

[Assistant] “She’s beautiful…” No one knew who had spoken, not even the person who had whispered the words, so enraptured was everyone by the sight as Crusch entered the moonlit hall wearing a black dress. She had tied up her long green hair, and precious stones glittered here and there against her white skin. In her military outfit, she had seemed as sharp as her sword, but in an instant she had come to shine as bright as a gem in her dress.


[User] It seemed rude even to breathe in the presence of such a polished jewel. The sound of her high-heeled shoes echoed as she walked, and the first place she went was to Fourier. "Your Highness Fourier, my apologies for all the trouble I’ve caused you."

[Assistant] His arms crossed, the fourth prince drank in the sight of Crusch in her dress, then he nodded in satisfaction. "I knew my judgment was correct. Crusch, you are truly stunning."

[User] "Your Highness is too kind."

[Assistant] "I promise, it is no flattery. If I could, I would love to keep you all to myself right now. But I mustn’t—best you show yourself to all those who have been waiting so anxiously for you." With a hint of red in his cheeks, Fourier nodded at Crusch.

[User] Crusch nodded back and then turned, the hem of her dress flowing behind her. With every eye in the hall on her, she made a refined curtsy. "Please be so kind as to forgive my rudeness earlier. And for the extra moment of time you granted me, I am most grateful. I offer you all my profound thanks."

[User] "Thank you, each of you, for coming here today for me. I am seventeen now, too old to be seeking the indulgence of my father or any of you. Both today and in my life to this moment, I have been supported by a great many people in a great many things. So today, I would like to make a vow." She looked straight ahead, her voice unabashed, carrying to everyone in the room. "From this day I, Crusch Karsten, shall live as a noble, in a way that shall gratify the expectations of both my family name and all of you here today. You all are my witnesses. Watch me in the future, see if I break this promise or not."

[User] "Forgive me once more for bothering you all with this. Please, enjoy chatting with one another. I extend to you again my profound gratitude for joining me here today."


[User] Crusch made her way back to Fourier and extended her hand. “Your Highness, may I have this dance?”

[Assistant] “Um…” Fourier, every bit as taken with Crusch as everyone else around them, took a moment to respond. But soon his usual expression had returned, his eyes sparkling. “Yes, certainly. But of course. As it was I who made you a woman, it is only fair that I should have the first dance.”

[Assistant] He meant his words to be lighthearted, but they quickly produced misunderstanding and shock among those who heard them.

[User] Crusch only smiled gently and didn’t try to rectify the misapprehensions as she and Fourier headed for the dance floor, hand in hand. “Incidentally, I’ll ask you what I asked Ferris—can you dance the woman’s part? I’m afraid you can’t expect me to do so.”

[Assistant] “No worries, Your Highness. I know both the male and female parts. I would certainly be happy to let Your Highness dance the woman’s steps, if you’d prefer…?”

[User] “That might be interesting in its own way, but I don’t think it would look right for you to be supporting me in your dress.”

[Assistant] Fourier offered a wry smile.

[User] “In that case,” Crusch replied, “I shall be the woman.” Then she signaled the orchestra with a look, and they began to play. A man and a woman dance under the moonlight, the party just as it should be. —The guests will remember the steps the pair takes as their measured, elegant movements draw the tumultuous day to a gentle close.


[Assistant] “Still, I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out for a while there!” Ferris said. It was the day after the party, and the main players had all gathered together.

[User] Crusch was seated next to Ferris, and he clung to her arm as she patted him on the head. “I must have made you very anxious, Ferris,” she said. “I’m sorry for that. Without you, who would have treated my father’s battlefield wounds? You’ve done very well as my knight.”

[Assistant] “Aww, you don’t have to thank me. Just keep petting me…”

[User] “Look at you two,” Fourier grumbled. “One night away together and I can’t pry you apart.”

[Assistant] Ferris pursed his lips. “How long do you plan to stay here, anyway, Your Highness? The party’s over. You don’t have any reason to stick around. What about your job?”

[User] “Try to chase me out, will you? Grr, when did my friends get like this?”

[Assistant] “Maybe exactly because you said I was your friend, Your Highness. Meowch!”

[User] “Ferris, that will be enough. Don’t disrespect His Highness,” Crusch said with a firm tug on one of his ears. She nodded at Fourier.

[Assistant] He crossed his arms at all this, but soon raised an eyebrow in Crusch’s direction.


[User] "There’s something I want to say to you, too! First of all, why are you back in that outfit? What happened to your women’s clothes? This isn’t what you agreed."

[Assistant] Back to her all-too-familiar military uniform. It in no way reduced her beauty, but those who had seen her the night before could not help longing for her to wear a dress again.

[User] "Your Highness, my promise to my father was that I would dress appropriately when we were in public and when it was otherwise necessary. He has allowed me to dress this way at home, and so I shall."

[Assistant] "Yes, and I’d like to talk to Meckart, too. I heard everything from your butler, Maloney, after you left, and I thought I would die of fright. Giant Rabbits! Were you able to drive them off in the end?"

[User] "We sure were! Lady Crusch charged right in and gave those bunnies what they had coming! When Ferri got there, Lord Meckart was out of action with a battle wound, so I don’t know what would have happened without her…"

[Assistant] "You overstate the matter, Ferris. Even without me, Bardok and the others would have taken care of things. If there is anything to be proud of, it’s that my blade was of some small use, as was your healing." Crusch attempted to brush off his praise, but Ferris was still very proud of what she had done.

[User] In reality, Meckart had discovered his own powerlessness the hard way. All the demon and non-demon beasts that normally lived on Foutour Plain had lost their homes to the Giant Rabbits and were running rampant. That was when he had received his wound. They had later made contact with Crusch, and her support and careful judgment had been crucial in pulling victory from the jaws of defeat.

[Assistant] Above all, everyone who had been part of that battle would speak of Crusch’s sword technique—the skill that would later be called “One Blow, One Hundred Felled.” By the time the party had ended the night before, Ferris had already begun to hear the appellation “the Valkyrie of the Karsten Lands” applied to her. He thought it was a very appropriate nickname.

[User] "All the same, it remains that I defied orders. My father shouted at me until his throat was raw. And I’m once again forbidden my sword and my land dragon."

[Assistant] "Even though Lord Meckart broke his promise, too… Well, that’s a dad for you!"

[User] "There are a few things I myself would like to say to him once he’s recovered,"

[Assistant] "Until then, I will get a little taste of my father’s work." Meckart had decided to vacate the mansion for a few days while his wounds healed. During that time, it fell to Crusch to administer the ducal domain. Her eyes suggested she rather looked forward to it.

[User] "I like the expression on your face."

[Assistant] Crusch’s eyes went wide with surprise, then she smiled.


[User] "Yes, perhaps it is a good look. Last night I had some experiences that would normally be difficult to gain in a number of ways. I suppose Father wouldn’t be happy to hear me say this, but I feel as though yesterday’s offense finally allowed me to become myself." Her face was as clear as a fine day as she described her feelings. Her smile was perfect, and Fourier was utterly captivated.

[Assistant] The prince worked his mouth, trying to speak.

[User] Ferris got a mischievous gleam in his eye and gave Crusch’s arm an especially tight squeeze. "And! And, you said wearing a dress wasn’t so bad, didn’t you?!"

[Assistant] "I was somewhat anxious before I put it on, but when I tried it, I found it could have been worse. From now on… Well, I suppose I could use such a thing to sleep in."

[User] "I think that’s perfect! Ferri is happy to dance with you in your usual clothes, but if we could both be in dresses, that would be ameowzing!"

[Assistant] "That’s something that bothered me! Should a woman in a dress really know both parts? Or…wait, do I have that backward? Should a man in a dress know… Hm? What…? What am I even asking?!" Fourier had managed to confuse himself with his own outburst.

[User] Crusch and Ferris looked at him and sighed in unison.

[Assistant] "There’s a good deal to be done yet before we can say all’s well that ends well, but the better part of this affair has been settled. And that will do for now!" He laughed once more.

[User] "I love how Your Highness is always looking on the bright side. Ferri might fall for you yet!"

[Assistant] "Ha-ha-ha! That is one of my good points. Um, but don’t cuddle up too close. Stop that! Don’t confuse me! Stop making those adorable faces at me!" As Ferris snuggled up to the prince, Fourier struggled to muster his self-control.

[User] Crusch watched them both fondly, then let out a small breath. "I really am blessed beyond measure—I wonder if I’ll ever be able to repay this happiness." She murmured, sounding profoundly moved, as if she feared that she had been given too much.


[Assistant] Someone suddenly spoke up from in front of Ferris. "It won’t serve you to look quite so bored, my friend."

[User] "Hmm?"

[Assistant] The speaker sat down across from him, studying Ferris through squinted, almond-shaped eyes. "Julius Juukulius…right?"

[User] "I’m honored that you know me. And I’ve heard of you, too, Felix Argyle. Your…unorthodox promotion has fueled many a rumor."

[Assistant] "Huh…?" The hint of a smile floated on the young Julius’s face. He was looking at the cat ears on Ferris’s head.

[User] Julius furrowed his brow, coughed, and then gave him a polite nod. "My apologies. I didn’t mean to stare."


[User] I’d heard the talk, but I couldn’t quite believe it without seeing it for myself.

[Assistant] "Maybe I’ll forgive mew if mew tell me what kind of talk you’ve heard. Let me guess. A monster with bulging muscles and fur all over? It’d be very disappointing if people were spreading rumors like that about cute lil’ Ferri!"

[User] "The captain told me they were a reflection of the demi-human blood of your ancestors. And they are fine ears. I can see why you might try to take a bite out of anyone over them."

[Assistant] “…Are you trying to pick a fight with Ferri?” It was a rare person who spoke of Ferris’s ears with anything other than open disdain.

[User] Julius had evidently even heard the details of Ferris’s background from his commander. Perhaps this was his baptism into the ways of the privileged class—Ferris had left his status as the heir to a noble family too early to learn them. Unlike Ferris, Julius was a knight who was obviously accomplished in swordsmanship. If this went on and things really did come to blows, the cat-boy had no hope of winning.

[Assistant] “But don’t think you’ll get off without a scratch! Ferri is cute, but not that cute!”

[User] "I hate to interrupt you when you’re doing such a fine job of working yourself up, but I think we may have a misunderstanding on our hands. Perhaps we could talk about it?" At that moment, someone pulled out the chair immediately beside him.

[Assistant] “Meowhat?” Julius didn’t pick up the gauntlet, and his reaction was so unexpected that Ferris could only blink in surprise.

[User] "Didn’t I tell you, Julius? Let me start the conversation, I said. You’re too prone to miscommunications, I said. Especially with people you’ve just met."

[Assistant] "And I appreciate your concern. But I don’t believe my judgment was wrong. I don’t think we could have avoided a certain amount of confusion no matter who spoke first. Look at him now."

[User] The young man who had spoken so easily to Julius turned his gaze to Ferris. He had blue eyes, and hair so red it might have been a burning flame.

[Assistant] Ferris unconsciously stiffened. "Might you be…Reinhard van Astrea?" His appearance was too distinctive for it to be anyone else.

[User] "Ah, I see I needn’t introduce myself. That is indeed my name. To elaborate, I, like you, am a member of the royal guard. As is Julius there." The red-haired young man gave an affable smile.

[Assistant] "Since you are new, it’s natural to have some reservations about what you hear from your fellow knights. But we have our captain’s word to go on. I’m willing to accept his evaluation as is."

[User] "Um, I’m afraid I’m not sure what mew mean." Reinhard and Julius appeared to be friends, and there was an unfettered intimacy to their conversation. Even so, Julius seemed to be holding something back. Not that Ferris, totally left out, cared in the least.


[User] More important to him was the question of why these two were paying any attention to him at all. Especially the Sword Saint, Reinhard. From what he had heard of Reinhard’s personality, Ferris wanted to believe he was not the type to drive out a newcomer. "What do you want with Ferri that would make you go out of your way to come here? You’re not here to…to bully me, are you?”

[Assistant] "Oh, hardly. Could we wear the white of the royal guard while taking part in such nefarious activities? We’re just carrying out our captain’s orders."

[User] "You mean Captain Marcus?” Julius’s roundabout words made Ferris think of the captain, a man with a face like a boulder. What could the two of them have come to do to him on that man’s orders?

[Assistant] “Well, to be brief, we want to be sure that what you were afraid of doesn’t happen to you. Julius and I are about your age, and we thought you might be able to turn to us for advice, since we’ve been in the royal guard for quite a while.”

[User] “Oh, I see.” Ferris said, resting his chin on his hands. The captain had charged the two knights with looking after him. The boy had a volatile mixture of factors in his background: his cat ears, his less-than-stellar ability with the sword, and the fact that he had entered the guard through his connections. No doubt it had weighed on the captain to be entrusted with such a knight.


[User] "Judging by your reaction, it looks like you understand the position you’re in."

[Assistant] "If it were happening to someone else it would all seem like a joke, but it’s a lot more trouble when it’s happening to me."

[User] "By the way, what exactly did the captain tell you two about Ferri?" This caused Reinhard and Julius to go wide-eyed, then they looked at each other and lapsed into thought for a moment.

[Assistant] "That you’re a favorite of the fourth prince, and that you got into the guard because he forced the issue."

[User] "I also heard that you got a very strong recommendation from the healers at the royal castle, as well as the royal academy of healing."

[Assistant] "I simply hope your abilities haven’t been exaggerated to justify the captain’s accepting your unusual promotion."

[User] Their answers told Ferris, to his disappointment, that the reputation that had preceded him was more or less as he had expected. At the same time, he was sure he could feel more eyes than before fixed on their little group from all around the mess hall. He didn’t seem to be the only reason people were looking their way. Even the Sword Saint Reinhard didn’t account for all the looks. There must have been something about Julius as well.

[Assistant] "Surely the captain isn’t just trying to keep all his biggest problems in one place…?" Ferris muttered. But he couldn’t shake a bad feeling as his thoughts turned to the probationary period with the royal guard that was about to begin.


[Assistant] "You are here at the urging of His Highness Fourier, as well as a number of other strong recommendations. The Duchess of Karsten has also recommended you to me. In light of all this, I’m willing to grant you entry to the royal guard…but not without conditions." As they spoke there in his office at the garrison, the captain proposed the probationary period—in effect, a time during which Ferris could experience the life of the royal guard, but then throw in the towel and run back home if he wanted to. "If, during that time, I decide you won’t be of any use to me, then you’re not staying in my unit. However, if you get kicked out during the probationary period, I’ll ensure that it’s done in a way that doesn’t leave a blot on your record. I can’t speak for the feelings of the prince or your other backers, but it would be better than having to spend the whole time being publicly regarded as a stain on the guard. I trust you accept my proposal?" Marcus had been blunt and did not try to hide the fact that he had been put in a rather delicate position.

[User] "May I ask just one thing?"

[Assistant] "What?"

[User] "Once the probationary period is over, it’ll be considered part of my twelve months of service, won’t it? To be honest, I can’t stand to be away from Lady Crusch even a month longer than I have to be."

[Assistant] Marcus was left dumbfounded by Ferris’s declaration, if only for a moment.


[User] There was an instant when he looked tired, but then his face was once again that of a ferocious soldier. “I like your nerve. You’ve got a lot of guts for such a small boy—you might surprise us yet." He had said roughly.

[Assistant] "So I was kind of scared at first…but being a knight has turned out to be sort of more boring than I expected.”

[User] “You’ve only been here a few days. It’s a little early to think you’ve seen everything knighthood has to offer."

[Assistant] "It’s true the royal guard doesn’t take the field as often as some of the other units, but we must devote ourselves fully to whatever we’re given to do. We have to be ready at all times.”

[User] “Yeah, yeah, you’re tough, I know.” Ferris waved a hand, trying to soothe Julius. He had only brought up the topic to pass the time, but when they were on the job, Julius always and only thought about the task at hand.

[Assistant] “Nobody would be upset if mew relaxed just a little more,” Ferris said.

[User] “When I hold the sword I am naturally relaxed."

[Assistant] "But when I set it aside, then I must be a knight. You could do with a bit more of that yourself, Ferris.”

[User] “Bleh! Mew’re so uptight!” Ferris made a face, and Julius sighed. But soon they were both smiling again. They were already close enough to exchange banter like this. Julius could be rather unbending while he was performing his professional duties, but when he wasn’t working he could be quite interesting to talk to.

[Assistant] He had much more trouble with…


[User] “Ah, there you both are. I’m glad I didn’t miss you.”

[Assistant] “Meowhat?” Reinhard squeezed in where Ferris and Julius were chatting at their usual place in the mess hall. He gave Ferris a pat on the shoulder with an easy motion and smiled at Julius. Ferris’s ears went flat against his head.

[User] “Grr, ambushed again. Reinhard, you really just come out of nowhere. Ferri’s senses aren’t used to being tricked so easily. Are you sure you’re human? It’s kind of scary…” Ferris's demi-human ancestors had given him more than his looks; he also had exceptional sensory organs. His cat ears in particular could detect tiny changes in his surroundings, so much so that he could practically tell when someone had turned to look at him. Yet Reinhard was the exception to end all exceptions. Ferris had never once heard him coming.

[Assistant] “It’s the way I was born, my dear Ferris. I’m afraid we’ll both just have to live with it. More importantly, you have a summons."


[User] "His Highness Fourier is asking for you. Since you seem to have some time to kill, you should go see him. Show him how well you do your duty as one of the Knights of the Royal Guard.”

[Assistant] "…Were you listening?”

[User] “Certainly not intentionally.” Reinhard at least had the good grace to look embarrassed. Ferris felt a touch of annoyance.

[Assistant] “If His Highness has asked for you personally, it would be best to hurry."

[User] “You don’t mind if I accompany you, do you, Ferris?”

[Assistant] “…Oh, sure. Umm…what about you, Reinhard?”

[User] “I’m delighted by your invitation, but I have other plans." Reinhard said apologetically.

[Assistant] “I’ll be taking a little trip to our border with the Empire. I’ve been asked to have a look.”

[User] “Wow. It’s not often they send mew out, Reinhard.” Ferris gave the other boy a perplexed look.

[Assistant] “Don’t worry, I can keep an eye on Ferris by myself. You see to your own mission.” Julius, rising from his seat, gave Reinhard a knowing nod.

[User] “Mission makes it sound awfully serious…”

[Assistant] “He simply means I should approach it with that mind-set. All right. I’ll leave everything to you.”

[User] Reinhard nodded at Julius, who waved as the Sword Saint left the mess hall.


[Assistant] His Highness asks for you often. You two must be pretty close.” They strode boldly along the road that went straight to the castle, as was the well-known privilege of the royal guard.

[User] “Well, we’ve known each other a long time. It’s going on…eight years meow? It gives Ferri a lot of power, you know…” He gave Julius a nasty smirk as they walked the road between the garrison and the castle.

[Assistant] “You don’t have to pretend. I don’t sense anything calculating in your relationship with His Highness. We’ve known each other for a brief time, and even I can tell that. Both you and the prince seem to value each other greatly.” But Julius only smiled ruefully.

[User] “…It’s kind of embarrassing to hear someone say it. Anyway, mew say there’s nothing calculating, but I got into the royal guard because of His Highness, didn’t I? You don’t think that’s taking advantage of his position?”

[Assistant] “I apologize for saying such a rude thing to you at our first meeting. But within a week after you joined…I don’t think there were any of us left who doubted you were capable enough to be part of the guard.” Julius bowed his head in apology, to which Ferris responded by giving him a karate chop. Gently, of course.

[User] “Well, I’m glad you guys think so." As Julius looked up again, Ferris smiled.


[User] "If Ferri had screwed up, it wouldn’t just be embarrassing for Ferri, meow. All the people who backed me would look bad, too…”

[Assistant] “I think you’ve done more than enough to justify your recommendations by now. Happily, you even had a chance to show off what you’re really good at—I guess none of us are a match for the captain yet.”

[User] “Guess not.” Ferris said lightly, but inside he was nodding furiously.

[Assistant] Lacking skill with the sword, the only way Ferris could prove himself to the other guardsmen was to show that he had some talent in something else.

[User] In his case, that would certainly be healing magic, and luckily for him, he’d had plenty of opportunities to show what he could do that week. That was because at the practice field, Captain Marcus had decided to personally train his subordinates. As he healed each of the carefully calculated injuries, Ferris was grateful for the captain’s rather unorthodox way of showing kindness.

[Assistant] As a result, everyone recognized Ferris’s abilities, and while it wasn’t possible to silence what people said behind closed doors, public objections to his entry into the guard ceased. “That made my life a lot easier. Meowbe I should thank the captain.”

[User] “Of course, he’d just dodge you if you said anything.”

[Assistant] “Yeah, he’s evasive that way. For such a hard worker, he sure has odd quirks. What a pain.” He could just picture the artless Captain Marcus pretending not to understand what he was being thanked for. It was a disappointing scene.

[User] Beside Ferris, Julius was nodding as though he understood exactly what was going through the cat-boy’s mind. “Even so, to go back to our original subject, you said you’ve been friends with His Highness for eight years now. I’m very curious what the two of you were like as children. Would you mind my asking?”

[Assistant] “No, but I don’t think the stories are meowy interesting. Eight years ago, Ferri was just cute lil’ Ferri, and His Highness was His Highness… We were exactly the same, really.” Ferris put a hand to his mouth and laughed. He was remembering bits and pieces from the whole span of their friendship. Fourier had grown into a strapping young man, but deep down, he was the same as he’d ever been. “Y’know, I think I respect that about His Highness.”

[User] “If Prince Fourier’s virtues haven’t changed, that’s what counts. Eight years… Once childhood ends, not everyone is able to remain the same.”

[Assistant] In contrast to Ferris’s suppressed laughter, Julius looked somehow melancholy.

[User] Ferris noticed this and gave him a questioning look. “Come to think of it, I haven’t heard much about you, Julius.”

[Assistant] “That’s because, unfortunately, my life has not been rich enough to warrant any stories. It has been perfectly ordinary, boring as a bedtime tale.”

[User] “Bleh. If you really don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask… Have you known Reinhard a long time, though?


[User] "You seem closer to him than most of us.” At the Sword Saint’s name, all the sadness vanished from Julius’s face. "Reinhard? He and I have a long history, much like you and your prince.” He brushed his bangs aside and looked into the distance as if thinking back. “It’s almost ten years since we first met. But it was only after we both became knights that we grew to be friends. We aren’t blessed with quite as many good memories as you and His Highness.”

[Assistant] “You mean you just knew each other in passing, as fellow nobles?”

[User] “Maybe, maybe not. I knew who he was, but I’m not sure he knew who I was. Because he was so special to me, I was particularly happy to be able to become friends with him.”

[Assistant] “Special, huh…?” There was nothing deeper in the friendship between Julius and Reinhard. And yet, neither was it quite possible to declare it mere friendship. But Ferris was not yet close enough to Julius to ask about such things—that was how much he valued Julius Juukulius. The two of them found they had chatted all the way to the castle. They greeted the guards and the officials on duty, and then they came to the staircase that led to the castle’s upper levels, where Fourier and the other members of the royal family lived. They told the men guarding the staircase who they were and where they were going and were quickly allowed in. They ascended the stairs that led to the royal chambers and proceeded down a carpeted hallway. Ferris found the room they wanted and used the door knocker. “Your Highness!” he said in a singsong tone. “Just as you asked, your dear Ferri has arrived!”

[User] The greeting caused Julius to put his palm to his forehead. “Ferris, however close you may be, that’s… Well, I suppose it’s too late now.” He shrugged, and at the same instant, the door opened.

[Assistant] Bounding out of the room came a young man with golden hair and clear scarlet eyes: Fourier Lugunica, fourth prince of the kingdom. He looked from Ferris to Julius, then laughed, showing his teeth. “Are you going to let him off that easy? That means trouble for me! If that’s all you’re going to do, why even have you keeping an eye on him?”

[User] “Ahh, never mind! Welcome, both of you. Are you both in good health?”

[Assistant] “I have been most well, my lord. Your consideration humbles me.”

[User] “…says Julius.”

[Assistant] “But we just saw you two days ago, didn’t we? We’ve hardly had long enough to get sick!”

[User] “I see, maybe so. But if you’re well, that’s all that matters. Anyway, there’s much to talk about, but let’s not do it out here. Come in, both of you.” Fourier gestured them into his room.


[User] Fourier’s room was so sparse it was hard to believe it belonged to a member of royalty.

[Assistant] “You seem kind of antsy, Your Highness,” Ferris said, sitting on the sofa in the reception area. “What’s going on?”

[User] “You get straight to it! And on what basis do you say I seem antsy?”

[Assistant] “You can’t trick Ferri’s ears. There’s a tremble in your voice, your pulse is faster than usual, and you’ve swallowed several times trying to calm them both down.”

[User] “Goodness! Your ears can even hear my heartbeat?”

[Assistant] “Nuh-uh. Just bluffing,” Ferris said innocently.

[User] Fourier slumped into a chair.

[Assistant] Julius shot Ferris a stern look for being disrespectful to such an august person as Fourier, but Ferris simply ignored him.

[User] “All right, I know you’re doing everything you can to hold out on us, but really, what’s going on? The way mew’ve chased out all the maids and servants so you and Ferri and Julius can talk alone gives me a meowy bad feeling.”

[Assistant] “Yes, well noticed. I should have expected as much of you, Ferris. Before that, though, there’s one thing I want to be sure of. You, Julius.” Fourier’s gaze settled on the knight.

[User] Julius raised an eyebrow in surprise, but the respectful deference soon came back into his face. “Yes, Your Highness. Ask me anything you wish.” He answered with a nod.

[Assistant] “A good answer—Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you are Ferris’s friend? If so, you may stay for this discussion, but if not… Well, I will need to ask you to leave the room.”

[User] “Your Highness is quite direct…”

[Assistant] Julius responded to the question by placing a hand to his chest, assuming a formal expression. “I have known Ferris for but a few days, and our fellowship is not deep enough for me to unabashedly call him a friend. However, I sincerely hope that as time goes on, we will only become closer. Does this answer please Your Highness?”

[User] “Yikes,” Ferris said, “talk about direct…”

[Assistant] Fourier nodded repeatedly and then gave Ferris a happy smile. “Looks like you’ve found a good companion, Ferris!"


[User] "I see it was worth my while to recommend you for the royal guard. You mustn’t turn up your nose at Julius’s friendship!"

[Assistant] "Your Highneeess, it sounds like I just joined the guards to make friends when you put it that way and it’s not very flattering…"

[User] "Yes, yes, dear." Fourier said with a smile at Ferris’s rapid attempt to hide his embarrassment. "—Now, to business."

[Assistant] Ferris’s ears picked up an immediate change in the air. The source of it was none other than Fourier. "Your Highness…?" He let the words slip out in an attempt to make sure this was still Fourier, that the young man who sat before him looking impossibly grim was still the friend he knew.

[User] Fourier didn’t respond to Ferris’s prompting but slowly began to speak in a quiet voice. "First of all, I am telling you both about this on my own prerogative. Crusch told me not to speak of it, so I really shouldn’t be telling anyone…"

[Assistant] "Lady Crusch told you…?" When his mistress’s name came up, Ferris grew even more uncomfortable. For her to tell Fourier not to speak of something didn’t bode well, especially if she couldn’t even confide it to Ferris.

[User] "Ill rumors have been circulating about a particular place in the Karsten domain. Private investigations have been ongoing, but I’ve received word that Crusch has gone to inspect the place herself."

[Assistant] “…Is that it?” Ferris had been so worried by Fourier’s opening that when he heard what was actually going on, he was almost disappointed. Crusch knew how to handle herself. There was no need to worry about her, even if she ran into a little trouble on her tour. "And if they were already investigating it," Ferris went on, "then I don’t think Lady Crusch could be caught off guard. She’s more than a match for any ordinary opponent. Your Highness should know that better than anyone."

[User] "Mm…I can’t imagine her losing to anyone but me, and yet…" This was apparently the best answer Fourier could muster. To judge by what had been said so far, Ferris could not understand the source of Fourier’s concern. But even when the things the prince said seemed baseless, they often turned out to be much more than idle speculation. Perhaps this was another one of his unpleasant premonitions…

[Assistant] "Your Highness, if I may?" As the two of them sat there silently, Julius broke in.

[User] "Mm. Go ahead."

[Assistant] "I haven’t met the Duchess of Karsten personally, so I can offer no judgment there, but…since you’ve called Ferris here, may I presume you have something in mind?"

[User] "Julius, you should know that His Highness often does things for no real reason…"

[Assistant] "No, not this time. This time I have a basis for my actions. For my…worries," Fourier said, not quite able to look up. This caught Ferris by surprise. But, to be fair, he had not been paying full attention.


[Assistant] Word had first reached Crusch at the beginning of that year, almost two months earlier. The first thing she thought of when she heard the name Argyle was none other than Ferris.

[User] As a result, ever since she had rescued Ferris from his family and taken him under her wing, Crusch had endeavored to have as little contact as possible with the Argyle family.

[Assistant] So when she received a report about the House of Argyle for the first time in nearly a decade, Crusch found herself uncharacteristically troubled. "Something untoward is happening at the House of Argyle…?"

[User] "For the time being, milady, we’re trying to keep Ferris from hearing about it, but…what shall we do?" He had a pained look on his face.

[Assistant] "You’re right, I’d rather Ferris not find out."

[User] "But it depends on what exactly is going on. There may be a natural need to tell him."

[Assistant] "That’s true, milady. According to the report, Bean Argyle—Ferris’s father—has been inviting a suspicious character into his home over these past several months. He may be a slaver."

[User] "A slaver…?" Crusch’s brow furrowed slightly at the word.

[Assistant] "And yet there is no end of people who want to sully their hands with that kind of business… Is the claim that the House of Argyle is working with the slaver to sell off the people of our domain to other kingdoms?


[User] "...That would mean..." That would mean they were traitors. And responsibility for the problem fell to Crusch, who ruled this area.

[Assistant] “‘What the parents sow, the children reap.’ This is no joke. What are the Argyles thinking?” In her mind, Crusch found herself reliving the day she had first met Ferris.

[User] Crusch found herself filled with such roiling anger that she bit her lip to hold it back, a most unusual gesture from her.

[Assistant] “Please wait, milady. There is more to the report. Don’t make your decision until you’ve heard the whole thing.”

[User] “…I’m sorry. I got a bit agitated.”

[Assistant] “Completely understandable. You and I are both affected by anything that concerns Ferris. Regardless, as far as the House of Argyle goes, it appears to be more than simple slave trading.”

[User] “More?”

[Assistant] “Yes. The details aren’t certain yet, but it appears that rather than selling slaves to the trader, the Argyles are buying every slave they can get their hands on.”

[User] “Buying them?” She gave the man a look of incomprehension.

[Assistant] “The question is whether the House of Argyle is up to anything that would move them to purchase slaves,” the official said, voicing the same question Crusch had been entertaining.


[User] "In that state, what could the House of Argyle be doing that would require slaves…?" It would have been much easier to believe that they were selling people to the brigands. Of course, had they been doing so, there would have been no consideration of extenuating circumstances in handing down their punishment, but at least she could have understood their motivation.

[Assistant] "Whatever the case, the moment they entered into the slave trade, the House of Argyle violated the laws of our kingdom. And a slaver operating boldly in my lands is no better. We will have to arrest both parties and deal with them."

[User] "In that case, milady, will you be moving to apprehend them immediately?"

[Assistant] "Yes, I… No, wait." It would be easy enough to send her soldiers to capture Bean Argyle. But such a decision would be too hasty. They needed to get more than Bean.

[User] "If we move too precipitously, the slaver himself might escape."

[Assistant] "A real possibility. These past months, the frequency of his visits to the House of Argyle has been once every month or two."

[User] "When did this report come in?"

[Assistant] "Two days ago. That would mean leaving them a window of two months…" The official seemed to guess what Crusch had in mind.

[User] She considered for a long moment and then shook her head, seeing that she had no other choice. "Make sure the House of Argyle is watched at all times. The next time the slave trader comes to their door, we grab them both at once. Any objections?"

[Assistant] "Just one—You aren’t doing this for Ferris, are you?"

[User] "Hardly. Of course I bear him in mind, but my responsibility as duchess is more important than my personal feelings. And Ferris wouldn’t want me to put him ahead of my duty."

[Assistant] The official nodded in satisfaction. "Then, as you command, milady." He withdrew, leaving Crusch alone in her rooms. She slumped into her chair. She leaned into her seat, looking out the window at the sky. Wisps of white clouds drifted through clear blue, an unmistakable sign that the wind that day was strong. I don’t believe I gave Ferris undue consideration simply because this matter involves his family. However, during the ensuing two months, during which nothing changed at the Argyle household, the appointed time came for Ferris to join the royal guard. And it was true that, secretly, she was glad.


[User] Crusch had called Fourier to share tea and speak face-to-face. They were in the parlor of the Karsten manor, and the guest list for this tea party included only the two of them.

[Assistant] "Foul things afoot at the House of Argyle. Hmm, I see…" Fourier nodded. Fourier’s custom of visiting the household had continued even after Crusch became duchess, although with less frequency than before. “I just happened to have business in the area, you understand!” he would say.


[User] “I thought I might drop in to see if you were in good health.”

[Assistant] It was strange that Fourier “just happened” to show up primarily on days when Crusch would not be too busy to see him. These odd coincidences had gone on for the better part of ten years now, but Crusch had chosen not to question them.

[User] “Just happened, you understand! Sheer chance! Don’t go getting the wrong idea!”

[Assistant] “Certainly not, Your Highness.”

[User] “Yes, a fine answer! A fine answer indeed, but…you could afford to get just slightly the wrong idea…”

[Assistant] Crusch Karsten possessed a divine blessing, the ability to see the wind. This blessing of wind reading allowed her to see the invisible and read its flow. With it, she could even tell the true state of people’s hearts. It was a minor point of pride for her that she was rarely deceived. For all this blessing and power, though, there were two people who could lie to her and get away with it. One was Ferris, who knew Crusch’s heart better than any other and therefore knew how to keep things from her. The other was Fourier, whose bald-faced lies Crusch had no desire to call out.

[User] “And although it’s chance that I came by, it seems it was a good one, yes?” A wind of untruth blew every time Fourier spoke the word chance. It was not chance but certainty; Fourier had come deliberately to visit. Crusch was honestly very happy that he felt such friendship toward her and Ferris. That was why she felt no need to reveal his lie. And now, she had been letting him hide his true intentions for ten years. "At any rate, Crusch, I know all about it, of course. Of course I know. But just to be sure we’re on the same page, let me ask you—where is the House of Argyle, exactly?”

[Assistant] Crusch had put a great deal of thought into this, but the first thing Fourier said turned the conversation on its head. He tried to find out what was going on while simultaneously pretending to already know. Crusch made a half smile at this very Fourier-esque attitude, and said, “Pardon me.” She bowed her head.

[User] “Sometimes the magnitude of my friendship with you causes me to forget myself. My apologies.”

[Assistant] “Not at all, there’s no need for you to say you’re sorry! I assure you, I remember everything in great detail. I simply…want to make sure we remember the same thing! Don’t hesitate to speak.”

[User] “Yes, Your Highness. The House of Argyle is Ferris’s family. His real name, as you’ll recall, is Felix Argyle, and he was the family’s eldest son.”

[Assistant] “Ahh, Ferris’s family, are they? And you say he used to be called Felix Argyle? What an interesting fact—that, uh, I of course knew already!” The wind of untruth gusted again, but Crusch said nothing.


[User] From Fourier’s flustered reaction, however, it appeared that he had been totally ignorant of the connection between Ferris and the Argyles. She’d expected Ferris might have shared his personal history with the prince, but apparently not. If Ferris wanted to keep this quiet, then it wasn’t for Crusch to talk about, and yet…

[Assistant] "You look unhappy, Crusch. Whatever you wanted to talk about, is it really such awful business as to darken your face so? And on Ferris’s behalf, no less."

[User] "Your Highness…"

[Assistant] “You’re wondering how I know? Surely you needn’t ask. I’ve seen your face all these years, just as I promised I would in the flower garden. Clarity and calmness suit you best. This anxiousness is most unusual in you. Tell me what’s happened.”

[User] When Fourier spoke like this, it shook Crusch to her very heart. She thought back to their first meeting. Ever since then, even to this very moment, Fourier had sometimes appeared to see more clearly than Crusch, who supposedly had the gift of wind reading. And Crusch knew from experience how the words he spoke could have the power to break an impasse.

[Assistant] "If he finds out that I told you, Ferris will be angry at me."

[User] "Oh, just tell him I forced it out of you. I held you down, said I would never forgive you if you didn’t tell me. Yes! That’s what you should say."

[Assistant] "You jest. You could never hold me down, Your Highness… Your Highness? Are you all right? You fell to your knees very suddenly…"

[User] "Y-yes, I’m fine… I’m perfectly fine. Please, continue."

[Assistant] Fourier had these moments sometimes, some kind of attack or reaction. Crusch frowned, but she told the prince about Ferris’s history and the dark dealings going on at the House of Argyle.


[User] Crusch and Ferris had met nine years earlier. The reason for that meeting had been the same as for this one: Crusch had accompanied her father, Meckart, who was investigating rumors of inharmonious goings-on at the House of Argyle. Ferris’s parents had both been perfectly human, yet he had been born with cat ears. He and his ears might raise suspicions that the House of Argyle carried impure blood, so for nearly ten years after he was born, Ferris was locked in the basement of the house day and night. Later, the House of Karsten took him in under the pretense of adoption, and that was how Ferris and Crusch met. Thus, they had spent their days as attendant and mistress. As Crusch related all this to Fourier, she left out the unnecessary parts, deliberately made her telling ambiguous where she could, but ultimately told him most of the facts. Fourier listened to everything with an almost unsettling quiet and focus.

[Assistant] "...Unforgivable." The word slipped out, carrying with it an anger that could not be concealed. Fourier had closed his eyes, but now he opened them, their scarlet color shining like a flame. "Such behavior is unforgivable!"


[User] To think that my own friend Ferris was so inhumanly treated by his mother and father! And still they scheme and plot! I shall certainly show them no mercy. Even without Ferris’s knowledge, I swear I will—hrk! Cough! C-cough!” Fourier goes into a coughing fit.

[Assistant] "Your Highness, don’t get so agitated. Here, drink some tea." She held out a cup to him.

[User] Fourier downed its contents in a single gulp and slammed it back onto the table. “—not forhib hem!” The hot tea turned his face red and mangled the words he tried to speak.

[Assistant] "Crusch, you must apprehend these scoundrels, and you must do it immediately. Luckily, Ferris is at the capital for his training at the moment. We may not be able to keep everything from him, but at least we can shield him from having to see the ugliest parts of it.”

[User] “I understand, my lord. But we’re dealing with a slave trader operating within our own borders. If we want to find out where he’s coming from, we can’t act too impulsively. I beg your understanding on this matter.”

[Assistant] “Hrr… Grr… In that case, why did you tell me about this? If you’re not going to act right away, then things are at a standstill. And if you’ve thought so far ahead, what do you need from me?”

[User] “I wish to request Your Highness’s help with Ferris."

[Assistant] His eyes went wide as Crusch placed a hand to her chest and continued: “Your Highness, Ferris will spend the next year at the royal castle, as one of the Knights of the Royal Guard. This year could all but determine his future—such is the importance of knighthood to Ferris. Therefore, I wish to see it pass without incident.”

[User] “And you’re asking me to see that it does? Just so you know, Marcus, the man who oversees the royal guard, is stubborn but fair. He’s not the type to dole out undue favors. I could ask him to give Ferris special treatment, but I guarantee it would fall on deaf ears. And I have no intention of giving Ferris that kind of help, anyway. It could only hurt him—he may dress like a woman, but he has the pride of a man!”

[Assistant] “If you expect such things of me, you’re making a mistake. Crusch, I know how much you care for Ferris, but in this case it’s led you astray.


[User] “He isn’t as weak as you fear, nor so soft as to want protection from you and me.”

[Assistant] “—” Then Fourier crossed his arms and coughed again briefly. His face was red.

[User] Crusch was silently thankful for his words.

[Assistant] “Your Highness, I must apologize. I seem to have given you the wrong impression. What I wish to ask from you is not that you get any breaks for Ferris in his unit.”

[User] “Oh? It isn’t?” Fourier was startled to find that his passionate outburst had been misdirected. Crusch didn’t press the point but assumed an attitude of imploring respect.

[Assistant] “Your Highness, I understand I’m asking a great deal, and I’m prepared for you to reprimand me. But if it is possible, should you see Ferris at the royal castle, I ask that you would speak with him.”

[User] “…That I speak with him? That’s all?”

[Assistant] “Yes. You understand Ferris’s position. He isn’t likely to be welcomed.”

[User] “I don’t doubt his strength of spirit. But everyone has their limits. Even he may not realize how emotionally fatigued he’s become. If he could have a kind word from you before that happens…”

[Assistant] “You think a familiar face will ease his mind…? Is that it?”

[User] “Yes.” Crusch let out a breath, glad that she had gotten her point across. Then she smiled and stretched her neck gently.

[Assistant] “However much I may care for Ferris, I am not quite so overprotective as to rely on your rank for favors.”

[User] That was what she asked of Fourier.

[Assistant] Now that Fourier understood what she really wanted, he frowned and looked askance at her. “But even so, Crusch—”

[User] “What is it, my lord?”

[Assistant] “I think you’re quite overprotective just the same. Better you admit it to yourself.”

[User] She had by no means expected Fourier to make such an allegation, and it left her dumbfounded.

[Assistant] Her reaction caused Fourier to burst out laughing, slapping his knees in amusement. “Excellent! I shall let your most unusual reaction just now persuade me. Anyway, the royal guard has quite a bit of free time when they’re not on duty.