Epilogue

Then... regarding the information on the Void Star and its fragments...

Let's continue treating all detailed information related to Void activity as classified, in line with current policy.

I agree with the intent, but...

Can we really keep it confidential?

I share the sentiment.

Even if we've confirmed that the citizens of Kalaid have no detailed memories of what happened...

We can't exactly hide it from the leader of Orbital Search Team 3 or the two individuals directly involved.

As for that... let's designate them as persons of interest and keep them under close observation.

Hmm... Personally, I doubt we'll be able to keep this hidden from the public forever.

But surely we must prevent panic from spreading across the continent.

And who can guarantee that something similar won't happen again?

Ahem! It seems we won't be reaching a consensus.

As for what comes next... let's report this to Alicia and discuss it again afterward.

Agreed. I'll instruct the Orbital Search Team to conduct a more thorough investigation.

So, to sum it all up...

Because the Voyager Savior Party falls under Category A for this Savior Party support program, if you turn to page 42...

...Captain?

Are you actually listening?

...Then what support items is the Voyager Savior Party eligible to receive?

If you'd been listening carefully to my explanation, you'd be able to find them on page 89.

*Sigh...* I'll explain it again from the beginning, so listen carefully.

As the leader of a Savior Party, you should start getting used to administrative procedures like this.

No. It's all right.

We'll have to use one of my backup plans since we're already running late, but it can't be helped.

Besides, there isn't really anyone else at Candle Square I can trust with something like this.

Ms. Claire.

Hmm? Emily, what is it?

I've finished the defect repair plan you requested, organized next week's training schedule, and completed the supply distribution.

...You've already finished all of that?

You didn't forget or miss anything, did you?

No. It's all done.

And... I've also familiarized myself with the entire Savior Party support program you're currently explaining to the Captain.

If you're busy, I can take over.

...You? You went through all these complicated documents?

Yes.

Captain, would you mind if I helped you?

Then I'll just give the maids their instructions for the combat cleaning operation and be right back.

Yes. She used to forget even simple tasks almost immediately...

But she's been like this ever since she came back from her trip to Kalaid a little while ago.

Hmm... Maybe her forgetfulness really was caused by work stress.

Hahaha! Are you talking about Emily?

See? I told you!

All your problems disappear after you go out and have some fun!

You may thank me, Claire! Oh, and pancakes would make a fine reward!

...Scarlet. Perfect timing.

You're the one who dyed all the dormitory towels in rainbow colors, aren't you?

Eek...?! I-I don't know anything about—

Come with me. You're long overdue for a stern lesson.

C-Captain! Save me! Tell her I didn't do it!

Huh? Don't look away! Hey! Human Captain!

Where could Emily be... Hmm...

Oh? Captain! Long time no see.

Ahaha! By any chance, have you seen Emily?

There's something I need to tell her...

Oh, Trish!

What brings you all the way here?

Haha! Obviously, I came to tell you about our next prey...!

And this is what we're hunting this time!

Hmm...! That's one vicious-looking creature.

Of course it is!

The way of the hunter! Never choose small fry as your prey!

Well? I picked a good one again, right?

It certainly looks like... it'll be a very dangerous hunt.

It looks formidable on its own too, so we're in for a tough fight...

*Huff...* *Huff...*

Ahaha! So you're coming too, right?

I'll wait until your day off, okay?

...Understood. I'm already looking forward to it.

Ah... Well, it just sort of happened!

We decided we'd go hunting together every now and then, like going out for fun.

Fufu... We met not long ago when I went to Kalaid on a secret mission.

At first, I thought she was someone I'd never be able to get along with...

But after everything we went through together, we ended up becoming friends before we knew it! Ahaha!

Haha... It's a long story!

But I can't tell you the details!

...I'm sorry, Captain. Unfortunately, it's classified operational information.

Hahaha! The way of the hunter! Know secrets even the Captain doesn't...!

Well? Aren't you curious, Captain? Ahem... If you really want to know...

If you're so curious you can barely stand it, maybe I could tell you—

Trish. Disclosing classified information is unacceptable.

All right, all right! I get it!

We absolutely must not tell him how the two of us stopped a huge conspiracy in Kalaid...

Or that Polaris asked us to maintain confidentiality...

We mustn't tell him anything like that.

Huh...?

I-it's nothing.

Captain, you didn't hear anything just now.

Captain! Hurry up and say you didn't hear anything...!

Hmm? Professor, you're back? Good work.

Professor, you're back!

Yes. I made it back safely.

How was your trip to Kalaid?

My trip to Kalaid... was quite enjoyable.

And I accomplished what I set out to do.

Hmm? Enjoyable?

Wasn't it difficult? You were stranded there longer than expected.

I heard the blizzard delayed the trains, and it was colder than usual too...

Hmm... At first, I did think it would be a hassle.

But once I decided to think of it as an extended vacation, it wasn't so bad.

And thanks to that... I got to see something rather interesting.

Really? Well, that's good to hear.

Professor! Professor!

Does the snow in Kalaid really pile up as high as a person?

Oh, did you make a snowman?

And... I heard there are lots of cute animals living in the Kalaid snowfields. Did you see any?

Like... polar bears?

Hmm? Mr. Rabbit. I-I know polar bears don't come down into downtown Kalaid...!

I'm allowed to ask, aren't I...!

Fufufu. Lily, one question at a time.

Oh, right. Before we talk...

This is eternal snow ice cream, a specialty you can only get in Kalaid.

They said the box was treated with magic, so it shouldn't have melted yet.

Oh...! Is this the one I've only heard about?

Wow! It looks delicious!

Wait right here. I'll go get plates and spoons!

By the way, Professor.

There's something that's been bothering me...

Hmm? What is it?

That brooch. I've never seen it before. Did you buy it recently?

And that black stone set in it... Is that a gemstone?

Fufufu. This...? It's nothing special.

You could call it... a little souvenir for myself.