Clear Wind Bright Moon
After the human trafficking incident.
I promised Lyn, who'd seemed down, that we'd go to the New Year's festival together...
She's late...
Even after our promised time, Lyn didn't show up.
When she finally arrived much later, she looked somehow exhausted.
I'm sorry, Captain. I got held up by an assignment.
...You would've come to help if I'd said something?
No, it's all right.
I took care of it. Don't worry about it.
Lyn took in the scene around her.
So this is NOA's New Year's festival...
It feels different from the East, but everyone's having fun all the same.
They have New Year's festivals in the East too?
Yes. The New Year's festival there is the biggest event of the year.
It falls on the Emperor's birthday, so it's bigger than any other festival.
I used to take the children from my class to enjoy it together.
...Fufu, feels like it was ages ago.
Shall we, Captain?
Dalgona candy games, dart throws, target games.
Fruit candy, bingsu, grilled skewers...
There were so many sights and snacks, but Lyn just looked tired.
Should we go somewhere else?
...Ah, sure.
I'll follow you, Captain.
Huh?
Those two...
A park...?
Captain. There's nothing here.
You looked tired.
I thought we'd come somewhere quiet.
...Is that so.
I thought I was hiding it well...
I'm sorry I ruined your chance to enjoy the festival, Captain...
Is it because of the human trafficking incident?
...
...Yes.
Did you see the children that day?
They were trembling in fear.
Because of me.
...
...As an adult, I should've shown them a better example.
I should've protected them...
Instead, I only scarred them even more.
...You got angry for their sake, Lyn.
...That's not the only reason.
Before they were kidnapped, before any of it happened...
I just got disgusted with myself for being so excited wandering around the city... so pathetic...!
That's why I was even angrier...
Lyn's clenched fist slowly turned pale.
...For the children.
I joined the Nature's Grace to make the world a better place.
I took care of dangerous work that should never come to light.
I've done countless things nobody wanted to do, just because somebody had to.
All for the children.
And yet... Even so...!
I couldn't even protect the child right in front of me...!
...Captain.
What was the point of everything I've done...?
Was it all... meaningless?
No, it wasn't.
You did your best, Lyn.
Fufu...
But... just doing my best...
Doesn't change a thing...
Ms. Lyn!
Princess...?
How did you—? Did you come alone?!
Tsk, tsk!
You've been through so much lately... Oh.
...
Hehe! It's fine! I told my daycare teacher before I came.
But are you okay? You look really tired.
You're not sick, are you?
...Fufu, I'm fine. Thank you for worrying about me.
What brings you here, princess?
Here! Take this!
Fruit candy...?
Yeah. It's a thank-you gift.
I was really scared...
When I got in that carriage, I thought I'd never make it back.
...
I thought, "This is it... Why me...?"
I'd given up on everything...
But you saved me!
And I never got to say thank you.
I really wanted to tell you if I saw you again.
Ah...
And...
Someday, I want to be a grown-up just like you!
What...?
For a happier world and future.
I'm gonna be an awesome adult who goes on the Journey for the children, just like you, Ms. Lyn! Hehe!
An adult... like me...
What are you waiting for? Your candy's melting.
Hurry, try it! It's really good!
Oh! The fireworks are about to start. We can see them from here, right?
NOA's firework festival is huge and amazing!
Soon after, trails of light streaked across the sky.
As cheers echoed from far away, the fireworks burst open in dazzling colors.
Wow...! So pretty!
...Hmm?
Are you crying? What's the matter? Was the candy too hard?
...Thank you.
Thank you... Thank you, from the bottom of my heart...
The little girl and the teacher who came to pick her up looked worried about Lyn, but after reassuring them, I sent them on their way.
I stayed by Lyn's side until she stopped crying.
...
...Changing the world isn't easy.
But maybe you changed the future of at least one child.
...Fufu.
Sorry for showing you my weak side, Captain.
Thank you for staying with me.
I...
I'll keep trying.
For a better future...
For the children!
Beneath a moon shining brighter than ever...
Lyn gave me a smile even brighter than the moonlight itself.