The grand plaza of Fraus's capital city is home to many buildings and various structures of interest cherished by its inhabitants. Due to the sheer number of people packed around and on the platform in the center, most people are outside of these buildings, leaving them behind–appearing to be abandoned. On the flat rooftop of a nearby hostel, two shadowy figures watch the broadcast that is currently displayed for all to see as though they were among the others on the ground. Fortunately for them, the limited lighting due to nightfall keeps the two from standing out–not as though that matters much since everyone is too enthralled to even bother taking their eyes off the main stage.
Cheers…laughter…screaming…whining…why do I hear this emotional outpour, yet all I can do is nothing but stare at that screen.
Nothing but stare at the "new" Lily.
"...what?"
I…I'm actually having a difficult time processing what I just witnessed…that girl, she has been feeling…
"Sigh, this is worse than I thought…"
I wanted to avoid the topic of that night for as long as possible, but it looks like that backfired….or did it really? Lily seems genuinely at ease despite me never explaining anything to her…
"Would you happen to know that young girl?"
M's inquisitive voice slices through Vex's array of thoughts, though he doesn't take his eyes away from the screen. He can't.
"That kid and I are…temporary partners, to put it simply."
"I see. So she must be the reason you are seeking Apostle Zateon. I'm sure that you are naturally coming to this conclusion, but Lily has been affected by the apostle's authority–in more common terms, his curse."
M puts her hand over her chest, intertwining her fingers with the threads of her hoodie as she slightly bends her head downwards. Even though her mask concealed her face, it wouldn't be difficult to tell that she is averting her eyes due to something weighing on her mind.
"...frustratingly, I can't tell whether that's truly a good thing or a curse. Given the shadiness of that guy's vibe, I am inclined to believe the latter."
"Shadiness? What makes you think that, I may ask?"
"I mean, why else would Lily end up in that guy's clutches? To my understanding, they have never met prior, yet it seems like they are well acquainted. He told Lily to testify as though he already knew what she did–what really happened on that night."
"Apostle Zateon is certainly a resourceful man with many connections, but I assure you that he is not such a shady character. His convictions would never allow him to be nefarious outright."
Jeez, why is she so insistent all of a sudden? It's like after everything I say, she has an instant rebuttal–a rather cold one at that. She must consider this her way of "objectively" correcting me, no hard feelings attached. Well then, guess I'll pry.
"You seem to be on the defense on Zateon's behalf…do you have some kind of personal history?"
"...I was hoping that we would meet him with ease from here, but he didn't show up in person this time. This is rather inconvenient for the both of us–for that, I apologize."
"Were we going to meet him all the way up here or…?"
"I cannot imagine that the apostle would ever stop by such a lowly hostel, let alone its rooftop. This location just happens to be in route of his usual trek."
"That makes sense…"
A calm wind blows between Vex and M, filling in the gradual silence that would otherwise consume them. That, as well as the background chatter coming from the main stage that amounts to nothing more than white noise at this point.
"Whatever his intentions are, well or not, I have several questions concerning him. Even if he isn't a bad actor himself, he seems to be closely connected to trouble."
After all, he is the one who commissioned Flenn. Not to mention that strange seed that has taken root in Endori's heart after a recent meeting with him…!
Could it be? Zateon's curse is at the center of all this mess!
Finally regaining agency, Vex takes his eyes away from the screen.
"M, what exactly is Zateon's curse, authority or whatever it's called? I think he's using it with ulterior motives in mind."
"Any answer I give you would also be speculation on my end…so it would be better to speak with the apostle directly, would it not?"
"Well yeah, that's the point of me following your lead. Surely you know more about this guy than what you lead on, so where else can we meet him? Let's go directly to him from where he broadcasted."
"If I'm not mistaken, he broadcasted that message from his temple."
"Then let's head there tonight while he's still there in the flesh."
"That would not be feasible. The temple is always closed to the public on festival nights. As elder Ruth said, he plans to appear in person tomorrow during the day. I think that would be the best time to attempt reaching him again, much to our dismay."
"...so there is no other choice but to prolong this, huh?"
M silently affirms, apologetically bowling her head.
"I suggest we call it a night. We can meet up again here at this hostel around 9 a.m.; just outside the lobby door would suffice. Does that work for you?"
"See you bright and early."
The two fully turn their bodies towards each other, away from their common point of interest. With Vex's eye mask locking in with M's full-face mask, they mutually nod, then turn their separate ways.
____________________________________________________
I am not in the mood for this! It took everything within me to suppress the urge to not return–
Yet here we are.
"Whoa, I can feel your pulse getting higher. I am delighted to know that my touch has that effect on you, especially! Surely you did not happen to forget the private chat I desired to have with you tonight?"
Tip-toeing, moving inch by inch as quietly as possible within the corridors of the Water Palace–all for naught. Regardless of his best efforts, Vex is pinned into one spot by a noble lady in a crimson nightgown. The peaceful ambience of flowing water nearby is drowned out by Vex's beating eardrum. Instead, he is forced to hear an undesirable voice–he dares not to face her.
"Are you still salty about earlier? You should get over it in your dreams. It is past your bedtime, no?"
"Thanks for the suggestion, but now it is my turn. You know, I can't believe you managed to sneak away from us like that. You truly are a skillful man, aren't you? Full of surprises, yes you are."
Endori's grip on Vex's shoulder gets progressively tighter, all the while bearing a big strained smile. Such an expression conveys a sense of delayed pleasure, with a touch of underlying irritation.
"The fact that you managed to track me down within that huge sea of people is more skillful, I'd argue. Annoyingly so."
"Why, thank you for your flattery, but I cannot accept it honorably–it took me way too long to find you. I had a seat reserved for you right next to me–we were supposed to listen to the speech together, you know!"
Surely if I change the topic, I can get out of this mess much smoother. Endori won't be capable of ignoring my praise…thinking about the very concept of that makes me sick.
"I'm sure you had plenty of company…speaking of, I appreciate that you kept an eye on Flenn."
The tension in Endori's fingers loosened–not enough to let go of her capture, but just enough for some breathing room. With her free hand, she twirls her finger in her hair.
"Of course, there was no way that I was going to let someone who has caused harm escape from me…well, excluding you. Though I hope that we can resolve the circumstances surrounding her–keeping this woman hostage as a prisoner for a prolonged time does not sit well with me…"
"Trust me, I would rather not see her ugly face again. Regardless, she must answer for her crimes against me…and Lily as well."
Furthermore, that bunny is a piece of Zateon's puzzle that I can't risk losing. Once I'm done with her, I couldn't care less about her fate.
"Mmm? You seem to be more attached to that cat demi-human more than I imagined. She is indeed cute–perhaps I should have taken her in after all."
"Don't get me wrong, this is only concerning business matters. I have no personal attachments to anyone–including you, Endori."
All of the remaining tension–every single bit of it–released, setting the captured shoulder of Vex free at last. Though to say that the tension completely vanished would not be accurate; rather, it is now concentrated elsewhere.
"Oh, I just love it when you use that sharp tongue of yours, despite the fact that I could have you punished by law! Vex, your boldness makes me feel–"
"Milady, Lord Waltine's lovely maids have completed preparations for our guest bedroom. It is a little past our ideal bedtime, so we must be prompt."
"?!"
Like a silent assassin, Serine appears behind Endori as though she were always there, waiting for the right time to interrupt. Endori's willpower to keep her irritation constrained is being pushed to its limit–a quick eyeroll as she faces Serine is the worst that managed to seep out.
"Yes…yes, that is right, my best maid and dearest friend Serine. I promise to be there at once as soon Vex is done conversing with me. It would be incredibly rude of me to just leave him in the middle of–"
"That man is already gone."
"Huh?"
Endori opens her eyes widely, surprised that only she and Serine remain, with no traces of Vex whatsoever.
"Oh goodness, not again! I missed my perfect chance again!"
"Sigh, come on Endori, let's head to bed…we can share a bit of wine to alleviate your stress. Only just a bit."
"...fine. Let's go. It's been awhile, hasn't it? I suppose you and I have some catching up to do."
"Indeed, milady…Endori."
Endori haphazardly holds out her hand, releasing the remainder of her pent-up frustration in one exhale as she does so. Serine takes her hand and guides her–a soft smile hidden from her friend spreads across her lips.
__________________________________________________________
"Ahh…pure bliss."
There's nothing quite refreshing as a nice long bath with no one else around. Showers are still superior, but my body needed to take it slow and relax. Despite things not going my way, at least I get to finally recharge before dealing with another crappy day…?
Wrapped in nothing but a towel around his gonads, Vex casually walks out of a steamy bathing area, noticing a shadowy figure moving through the moonlight outside a nearby open window.
A pair of long, floppy ears follow.
"Oh yippee…here we go."
Vex, understanding what must be done, tightens the towel around his waist for maximum "privacy" protection and then proceeds to casually leap out the window into the open area just outside the palace. The figure, no longer a mysterious shadow, continues to creep forward at a careful medium pace–Vex follows her steps with no sense of urgency.
"Flenn, give it a rest. Be a good girl and go to your room."
"Huh?!"
A lump goes down Flenn's throat; a lump so big that even Vex could see it from behind her back. Her ears shoot upwards in shock, shivering as though her life is about to be extinguished.
"You…why are you still awake at this hour?!"
"What an idiotic question. Don't you remember our occupation, or is your mind still messed up?"
"Look, I had enough of this–I am not some little kid who's grounded! It's clear who's the person you should focus on, so there is no need for me to be anywhere near you or anyone else here. I have a life to live, so peace!"
Flenn bends her legs with fluidity and without looking away from Vex, she backflips onto a rail and begins jumping from rail to rail with such precision, she does not seem to come close to falling into the small bodies of water.
All the while, Vex remains unmoving.
"The moment you get released from your bondage, you immediately take the next opportune moment to run away. How typical. Forgotten what I told you already?"
Vex picks up his feet, slowly putting one foot before the other. He whispers in a small voice–he whispers three syllables.
SPLOOSH!
"EEEH?!"
Emerging from the water Flenn though she was guarded from, a giant hand snatches her midair.
"And just like that, the bunny is captured once again."
Taking bigger steps to shorten the distance, Vex arrives at the giant hand holding his prisoner. Perlina's gaze could not seem to care much for who or what her hand grabbed, for her eyes were honed in on the one who summoned her–his towel. He in turn, takes note of her tied-up hair style…at least, from Perlina's point of view.
Despite being successful in his plan execution in every way, not a single satisfied expression was on Vex's face.
"Is this what you wanted me to do, Vex?"
"Precisely, Perlina. Quick, before she makes a big fuss, could you put her to sleep? You know, the way you've done it to me twice?"
"Put me to sleep?! What–"
"FUUUU"
"??!..."
"Ah, peace is restored. Bunny girl here couldn't behave like she was instructed to, so is it okay if I leave her in your care? You can even take her to your sisters for all I care, just make sure she stays alive and doesn't escape."
"Y-yes…I c-can do…t-that…"
Perlina's words trail off; some in the form of drool on her bottom lip, others into the starry sky, using her reddening cheeks as springboards. In contrast, Vex yawns and scratches his chest, losing no control over his speech.
"Okay then, I'm heading to bed–got a busy day ahead early in the morning and…! Oh yeah, there's a high chance that I will need to summon you at the festival. I sort of promised Lord Waltine to talk to you about attending–he said that your presence would be greatly appreciated among him and the attendees or something. But knowing your personality, perhaps that would be too much for you–"
"N-no, I'll be perfectly fine! As long as you are alongside me, I can do it!"
"Can't promise that, but thanks. Have a good night."
"The pleasure is all mine. Thank you so much for…for the treat!"
"Um, be careful–the drool dripping from your lips might end up drowning the bunny."
"?! S-sorry!"
Perlina snaps out of her daze and wipes her mouth, realizing the knocked-out Flenn in her hand is now unconscious and soaked. Seeking to end the pain of embarrassment, she dives back into the pond; as a result of sacrificing gratefulness for speed, a big splash of water drenches Vex.
"Yippee, another bath. Just what I needed…"
His once dry and clean towel–too heavy to remain–falls to the ground.
______________________________________________________
Within the empty sanctuary of Fraus' temple…
"And…we are off the air, master."
Standing in the middle aisle directly in front of the pulpit, Emma shuts off her video camera, giving Apostle Zateon a thumbs-up and nod. Receiving this confirmation, he releases his uptight posture and slightly relaxes his body as he walks down from the pulpit, though he still remains presentable as a man of his caliber.
Clap clap clap
"I must applaud you once again, young Lily. You did a fantastic job with your testimony. I am truly astounded how the pressure did not affect your mentality in any conceivable way–all the more evidence that you have been reborn to the truest extent!"
"Really? Lily just said what Lily's heart feels–I didn't feel nervous at all! I didn't feel nervous…"
Lily does her best to maintain eye contact, after all, it would appear inordinate to not return the same level of courtesy that Zateon is giving her. Though no matter how hard she tries, her eyes shift slightly to the left and her hands–previously held firmly at her side–fiddle with her suspenders. Privy to this, Zateon raises his eyebrow.
"However?"
"...seeing all of the people cheer made me feel happy, but I wanted to see Vex. He is the one who needs to see the redeemed Lily the most."
Even though he hid this from me and did not tell me the truth, I still want to show him Lily's new heart. Maybe now, he won't be afraid to take me with him everywhere!
"Is that indeed so?..."
With his hands behind his back, Zateon closes his eyes for a moment. Not even a wrinkle appears on his face.
"Rest assured, he was among the crowd somewhere; there is no realistic possibility that he did not see you on the broadcast."
"But there's no way Lily can know that. What if he fell asleep? What if he left early? What if he got cursed and it prevented him from listening? What if…what if he was too afraid to even see my face again?"
Lily's eyes, now fully averted, lightly tremble as though they were loosely rolling around in her eye sockets. All the while, Zateon's countenance remains ever stable.
"Lily, I hear you and understand you well. These hypotheticals will do no good for your mental state, the people who look forward to meeting you tomorrow, and your beloved Vex. Please reconsider with this in mind."
"But Lily feels…Lily feels…"
What was Lily worried about? Vex? Lily will see him tomorrow, and it will be a joyous reunion. He'll be so happy, he will even hug me for the first time!
The trembling, the involuntary movements, the eye twitching–all of it ceased completely.
Lily's smile returns in full form; even Zateon cannot help but to have a pleased look spread across his face.
"You are now a beacon of hope–a symbol of change that all demi-humans, even in their early youth, should strive to be. Please get your well-needed rest, for our day begins very early and will be fast paced. Emma…"
"Yes, master?"
"Assist Lily with her nightly routine. She requires adequate rest, so she will need an environment catered to that. Attend to her tenderly."
"Yes sir, understood. Please follow me this way, Lily."
"Okay! But first…"
Facing Zateon head-on, Lily bows while gripping the edges of her skirt. There was no lack of confidence that could be detected.
"Good night, Apostle Zateon!"
Grace for grace, Zateon places one hand on his chest and slightly bows his head. Though she does not make an audible comment, Lily's eyes widened ever so slightly. A reaction similar to receiving a pleasant surprise.
"Very well then. Good night to you, and may the goddess' grace shine upon you even as you dream."