First Steps
It was a peaceful weekend afternoon.
Ready, Ceres?
Mm.
I did a lot of thinking... during our last trip.
If my sister were still alive... well...
...She'd probably want me to live a little and try new things.
So, like you said, I'm going to try relaxing now and then.
But to be honest... I have no idea how.
...But you're kind of an expert in pleasure, indulgence, and corruption, right?
Is that supposed to be a compliment?
So I figured I might get a little help with this sort of thing.
Of course I'll help, but...
What exactly do you want to try?
...
Well, that's the thing.
Uh... I heard people our age get together to drink tea... and just talk...
Where are you from?
I'm from Flora. The beaches are gorgeous and the weather is just perfect. You?
Oh, Flora! I've been there before!
I'm from Faren, the City of Revolution. And you, miss?
Raven Wall. The front lines of the Western Disaster Zone.
...Huh?
Jagged stone spires everywhere. Blood-red soil.
The red sand blows in from the west. What little farmland we had keeps shrinking...
But our farmers still sow their seeds without complaint.
That's what it means to be from the West. That's the kind of strength we have.
Uh...
Ahaha...
...In hindsight, maybe a NOA tea party was too advanced for Ceres's first attempt at relaxing.
Ceres, can I talk to you for a sec...?
...Was it the sand talk?
Yeah, probably...
Understood. I'll avoid discussing such matters.
...Then what should I talk about?
How about favorite animals? Or hobbies?
Hmm...
Do any of you have pets?
Ah! I have a little white puppy. So warm and fluffy when she naps on my lap!
I see. We used to have a big dog too.
Pitch-black fur, huge, with a tongue as big as my hand.
He must've been very loved.
But... if you "used to" have one... did he die of old age?
He died at three.
...Three?!
W-what happened?!
A new breed of Voidborns infiltrated the barracks.
They were stealth types, and it was late. No one was prepared.
He ran out alone after catching their scent... and that was it.
...
...
...
Even as he was dying, he kept barking to wake us up.
A death worthy of his Western bloodline.
...
I-I also realized something was off... Right after I said it.
Right?
But when no one responded...
It felt even worse if I stayed silent too...
Uh... Um...
Ms. Ceres, was it?
Mm.
Do you have any hobbies?
The two of us recently started flower arranging.
No, I don't really have hob—
...
Ahaha, of course. Being a soldier from the West must keep you so busy...!
...I wouldn't call it a hobby, but...
I, uh... I-I, I like... desserts...
Oh? You enjoy sweets! That absolutely counts as a hobby!
R-really...?
And... I've been... reading a book.
It's called Silverblade Saint Knights...
...What?
That book?
...
I-is that weird?
No, not at all! I'm just surprised, that's all!
So even folks from the West get hooked on classic knightly romance, huh?
So? Who's your favorite, Ms. Ceres?!
It's gotta be the rebellious blond captain of the Central Knights, right?!
I only just started the first b—
Oh, come on! Ms. Ceres totally gives the northern duchess vibes!
People are always drawn to someone who reflects them!
No way! Opposites attract! The rebel's clearly the fan-favorite!
So? Who is it?
Who's your favorite?
What.
...
M-my favorite? I'm not... really sure but...
Did Ceres just glance over to me?
I guess... the one who corrupts people... maybe?
What?
Oh, my.
Ah, no! Forget I said anyth—
Did we just get a new supporter for the dark-haired archmage ship?!
The conversation burst into full swing and didn't slow down until sunset.
So, how was it, Ceres?
...I'm never admitting I read Silverblade Saint Knights in public again...
At least when I'm surrounded by enemies, there's something I can do.
But in a battlefield like this, I'm completely helpless...
Still, it was something new, right?
Did you enjoy it?
...
Yeah. I did.
Ceres answered with a soft, content smile.
On our way back, we talked about visiting Street Bakers together sometime soon.