The Next Scoop
Oh my? Cap—
...
Ahem, ahem.
A familiar silhouette slid past.
Huh?
When I looked down, I discovered a handkerchief on the ground.
Excuse me, you dropped your—
...Epindel?
Oh my, Captain?
Oh. You picked it up for me. How courteous of you.
As always, I have the pleasure of running into you in the most unexpected places, Captain.
Fufu, of course not.
This handkerchief is precious to me. Even the thought of losing it pains my heart.
What brings you here?
Nothing that will pique your interest.
I have a matter to discuss with the High Saintess. It concerns the nature of my duties as the heir of House Orlan.
...
Speaking of which, it is the Falconet's obligation to return the favor.
Since you've returned what was mine, I would like to invite you for tea. Would you come with me?
...And who might that be?
Sorry for keeping you waiting—
Huh?
Oh my.
...I see you already have company, Captain.
Epindel, meet Carmen.
Deputy Master of the Monastir Knights, at your service.
Ah, you must be the Unbreakable Shield of Monastir.
Your title reaches beyond your own borders and into the Orlan territories.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Epindel de Orlan, heir to House Orlan.
My apologies for the interruption, but the Captain has a schedule to keep.
...
Oh dear, it was remiss of me to choose such a poor time.
But Captain, my offer still stands.
We Orlans do not settle debts with mere formality.
Thanks. I'll hold you to that.
Until then, take care.
Yes, until then.
Turned around without a second thought, took three steps forward. Steeling myself so that I may not look back.
I would be lying if I said I was not abashed a little, but I acted with grace... right?
There's always a next time, Epindel. The pretext is set, so a letter is now in order...
And that covers the basic procedures of choosing the bride.
So the wedding dress isn't a must, huh.
No, it's not. That's because we also accept candidates who decide to join on the spot.
...?
My... did I just hear that right? Choosing the bride? Wedding dress?
...
The Falconet of Orlan, eavesdropping from behind a pillar... How disgraceful...
Two HUNDRED? That many?!
I'll be old and gray by the time I finish judging everyone!
Haha, and that's a modest guess.
Judge?!
Choosing a bride can only mean one thing...
B-but that quickly?!
There's no time to exchange handkerchiefs, no time to pour tea, let alone discuss each other's family...
Or maybe they already... no, more importantly, there are at least two hundred suitors, which means...
I am... very late... aren't I?
...No, stay calm, Epindel. There still is a chance.
...
A wedding dress... Come to think of it, there was one I had my eye on...
*Sniff* *Sniff* Omega knows this smell...
Oh, it's here! The place where Omega woke up!
The horned missy isn't here. Neither is Elisa.
...
Mister must be busy. He looks very serious.
Omega is a good girl, so Omega will play by herself!
Mayflower Festival, Monastir's traditional event... in NOA.
That's not good enough. There are no conspiracies, no villains, no tales of tragic love...
I can't meet my sales quota with an article on something so trivial as this... Hm?
Hmmhm hmhmm ♪
That girl...
Hello! I'm Veronica from the Bellaskiver Times. Do you have a moment to spare?
Hi! Omega is Omega!
I already knew your name. You're quite famous!
Huh? Omega is famous? How come?
Why, you're traveling with none other than the Journey Captain himself, of course!
Some are even saying you're his secret daughter...
Journey... Captain... Oh! You're talking about Mister!
Mister, I see... Hmm...
That's certainly an interesting way to refer to him...
Aaanyway! So, Omega, what are you doing here all alone?
Omega is playing by herself! Omega didn't want to interrupt Mister.
That's very thoughtful of you! Then tell me, what's Mister doing?
Omega doesn't know! But Omega heard something about picking a bride.
A... bride?
Yeah! A bride!
Mister is going to pick a bride and take her to the church. And then, he's going to put flowers in her hair!
Wait, what?
...Oooh! I get it, the Journey Captain must be the guest of honor as well as the judge for the festival!
If that's the case...
...!
Yes... Yes!!! I have it now!
You're writing really fast! It sounds like it's raining.
Don't mind me, don't mind me.
And... you're really young to be on the Journey.
Where are your parents? Will they be attending the festival too?
Omega has Daddy. But Omega doesn't have a mommy.
I-I see, I shouldn't have asked that...
Hmm... A motherless girl...
Say, would you mind if I used our conversation for a newspaper article?
Newspaper?
That's right! I want to let other people hear about it too!
Don't worry, I won't twist a word!
Here, take this candy.
Candy?!
You're such a nice lady! Okay, you can write all you want!
Heh heh... Thank you for your time. Have a good one!
You too! Bye!
Nice... This is going to be the next big story... Now...
Let's get started.
Hey, did you see the newspaper?
Sure I did! You're talking about the bride-choosing contest, right? But whose bride was it, again?
Ugh, read it again, blockhead!
Mysterious Marriage in the Mountains of Monastir Comes to NOA!
In recent news, Monastir's traditional event, known as the Mayflower Festival, is coming to NOA this year!
The focal point of this exciting story revolves around the bridal selection!
According to an exclusive interview conducted by the Bellaskiver Times, the special guest of honor invited to the festival is none other than the Journey Captain himself!
At the toll of the evening bell, the bride will partake in a special ceremony with the VIP, the Journey Captain, at the Monolith Order's church!
What could this 'special ceremony' be? And if we are choosing the May Bride, where is her groom?
The interviewee was a little girl named Omega traveling with the Journey Captain, young enough to be his own daughter!
During the interview, the young Omega revealed that 'Omega has Daddy. But Omega doesn't have a mommy.'
Could it be that the young lady needs a mother?
Who will be the lucky bride to join the special ceremony with the Journey Captain?
The Bellaskiver Times will be sure to unveil the truth!