Inside the memory space.
For some reason, Elysia seemed to be completely enthralled by this false world of her own creation.
Although there was a third wheel like the Grail's consciousness present, as long as she ignored it, this place was simply the paradise Elysia had always dreamed of.
What about Kevin and Mobius, you ask?
No, no, no, they weren't third wheels. They were Elysia's wings!
In any case, a hundred years in this space was only a second in the outside world, so she might as well enjoy it to the fullest.
That's what Elysia thought, and this feeling grew even stronger while in Eden's embrace.
If the Grail's consciousness knew this, it would probably cough up blood from rage. It couldn't even stand being here for a single day, let alone a hundred years.
---o---
Light Curtain Danmaku—
Eden's appearance made many viewers outside the light curtain take notice.
After all... she was simply too gorgeous and beautiful. One could only say she was a true artist, having mastered the art of exuding charisma.
However, more intriguing than her appearance and temperament was her relationship with Elysia.
Elysia... had never shown such a side of herself in the previous light curtain screenings.
In front of Eden, she acted like a child seeking affection, completely ignoring the attitudes of others to throw herself into an embrace.
Although the Flame-Chaser of "Ego" faced everyone she met with a true heart, it was certain that Elysia did not treat everyone this way.
This seemed to be a special treatment reserved solely for the Flame-Chaser named Eden.
Conan: "So, Miss Eden, what exactly is your relationship with Elysia? Could you tell us?"
The great detective of Mihana Town always possessed immense curiosity. He didn't have the deep cunning or information channels of someone like Otto, but fortunately, the person in question was watching the screen. So, Conan decisively chose to ask her directly.
Following Conan's question, many others began to ask Eden for information. After all, gossip is human nature, and Eden didn't seem as unapproachable as Kalpas. On the contrary, she appeared to be a very gentle person.
Thus, in a short time, Eden received a flood of wild cheers from the group in the feed. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought it was a fan meeting for a top superstar.
After much anticipation, Eden finally appeared amidst the frantic cheering of the crowd.
"My relationship with Ely? Hmm... I suppose you could call us the dearest of friends."
Eden spoke slowly. In her eyes, Elysia was just Elysia—her beloved and cherished friend.
Hmm... to be sought after like this, the last time was during one of her concerts. How strange. The frantic cheering from the light curtain viewers actually made Eden feel as if she were back on stage.
However... this explanation naturally did not satisfy the numerous commenters. Anyone with eyes could see that their relationship was unusually close. The audience outside the screen wanted to know more about the story between Elysia and Eden.
Unfortunately, on this point, Eden would not answer.
---o---
On the Light Curtain—
To punish the Grail's consciousness for its lies, Elysia took Eden and left the laboratory, ignoring its pleading gaze.
The two of them walked along the street, their path filled with joyous laughter.
When they grew tired, they found a place to sit and talk, enjoying a moment of tranquility.
"Ely, we've only been apart for a few short days, yet you seem to have become much more worn out."
Because others were present earlier, Eden hadn't asked. It was only now that she voiced her concern.
"Hm? Have I? Perhaps it's just because I've had a lot to deal with recently," Elysia said with a laugh, then placed her hand on Eden's cheek.
"Let me see. Ah! Eden, aren't you the same? Have you had too many affairs to handle lately? You need to make sure you rest properly, too~"
After a gentle caress, Elysia could also see that Eden was not in a good state.
"Me? Ely, you know I rarely need to handle any affairs. The only reason I am like this is that I was a little worried about you," Eden replied with a gentle smile.
Then, Eden produced two glasses from somewhere, followed by a bottle of wine from who-knows-where, and filled them to the brim.
"Ely... Mobius said that the black creature impersonating you came from another world. Does that mean you've been handling this all by yourself these past few days?"
Eden hesitated slightly. Thinking of the previous Herrschers and now this unknown creature, she was worried about Elysia's safety.
"Oh, Eden, are you worried about me? Don't worry, I'm not a child, you know~" Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Elysia picked up her glass and took a sip.
"This is delicious. How long ago did you add this to your collection, Eden?" The sweet aroma on her tongue made Elysia praise it involuntarily.
"I have more back at my place. If you'd like, we can go get it together later." Hearing Elysia's explanation, Eden relaxed a little. She then rested her chin on her hand, admiring Elysia's flawless side profile.
"Thank you, Eden." After finishing her wine, Elysia noticed the look of admiration in Eden's eyes.
She smiled and said, "What is it, Eden? Staring at me like that will make me blush, you know."
"It's nothing, Ely. No matter how I look at you, you are always so perfect," Eden said gently.
"My, so direct...?" Upon hearing Eden's straightforward praise, Elysia's cheeks turned a faint red.
It was hard to tell if it was due to the wine or from the embarrassment of being complimented by Eden.
"Eden is perfect too. You're talented, powerful, and so gentle and considerate," Elysia said with a smile.
"But, I'll gratefully accept that compliment. It's enough to make me happy for the entire day." An undeniable joy shone in the pink-haired girl's eyes.
"You're the same as always, Ely," Eden said, finishing her own wine and standing up.
Elysia hummed softly in response, "Mhm, a cute girl never changes, you know."
"Alright, Eden, where are we going next? Should we go find Aponia?" Elysia stood up with Eden.
Remembering Aponia's earlier request, Eden nodded and said to Elysia with a smile:
"That's right. Aponia... she seems to have prepared a gift for you."
Then, she took Elysia's hand and said, "Come, Ely. Let's go home together..."
---o---
Author's note:
ps: Regarding Kevin, I'm actually thinking of dedicating a whole volume to him, but I still don't know which world to write about...