Unreached Heart
From sheer talent alone, Haydee is, without question, an excellent Journey member.
Of course, her trademark aloofness never changed, but aside from that there's nothing to fault.
...Boring.
By the way, you should raise the difficulty by two levels for the next training.
Don't forget and note it.
...And that's the problem.
When it comes to somebody who seemingly lacks for nothing, there's no room to wedge myself in.
But I can't settle for a relationship like this.
A Journey Captain who knows nothing about his own member? That's dereliction of duty.
I need to find a way into her heart, somehow...
...You're daydreaming, aren't you?
Are you even listening?
I-I was just admiring how perfect your attack was!
...Huh? Don't be so dramatic.
I only knocked over some dummies...
Quit it before my fingers and toes curl up from secondhand embarrassment.
...What a carefree thing to say.
At this level...
Even if I ran into her, I'm still not—
...Hmph.
Whatever. We're done here, right?
If we're finished, I'm leaving. I have work to do.
W-wait...!
*Sigh* Planning to bother me again?
Or are you going to tease me to satisfy your pervy needs again?
I told you, that day was really a mistake...
...Whatever.
Just get to the point.
What...?
Uncomfortable? Me? With you?
You're badly mistaken. That's not—
Honestly... you do whatever you want.
Looks like nothing I say will get through to you.
So. What do you want to do?
What do you want exactly?
...Anything I want to ask you? As if I'd have anything I'd—
...Ah.
So you do.
...Hey.
Don't get all giddy like a small child.
I'm not asking because I expect much. ...Still, I should at least confirm.
I'll ask just once, so listen carefully.
Ever heard of someone called Morcerf?
...No?
If not, what about Fernet Mondego or Jerelyn de Villefort?
Never heard any of them.
*Sigh...* I figured.
They say you are mysterious figures—someone personally summoned by the Grand Witch Alicia...
There are a lot of stories flying around about them, so I wondered....
But it turns out asking was pointless.
...Not that I expected otherwise.
In the first place... it was never going to be that easy to track down.
No. Stay out of it.
Don't go sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong.
You'll only get in my way.
...
That clueless expression says you don't get it.
Good. Just keep living like that.
Like you always have.
I'd rather ask you not to go poking around on your own.
If you get involved—
If I get involved...?
You'll die.
Without anyone even noticing.
With a nonchalant attitude, Haydee fired off a lethal warning and left without sparing a glance.
What were those names that made her say such things...?
Just then, an elegant luxury car with flamboyant styling stopped in front of the training grounds.
Aaah! Dear me. I'm late...!
Haydee, I've come all this way myself to meet you...
But I can hardly contain my sorrow...
After stepping out and feigning a gloomy face, the woman spotted me and approached with a smile.
Haha. You must be the much-talked-about Journey Captain, yes?
And you are...?
Delightful to meet you. I am Cristelle de Montua.
I'm the President of the Morrel Ocean Traders.
They also call me Countess Montua, but feel free to call me what you like.
Just Cristelle is also fine.
A friend of Haydee's is a friend of mine. U-fufufu!
Ah! Then you're Haydee's...
Mm! Exactly what you're thinking.
I'm Haydee's—
Boss, right?
Mm... boss sounds so distant.
Let's soften it with something similar to that like, Mom.
Is that even similar...?
It is similar in meaning.
Anyway, Captain. What do you think of Haydee?
In the eyes of the famed Journey Captain, does she have what it takes?
Haydee's excellent. But—
U-fufufu! Excellent, but hard to get close to, no?
Naturally. She hardly smiles even at me.
You must have your work cut out for you.
Hmm? What Haydee likes...? Hmm...
Oh, I see... Trying to win favor with a nice gift?
Let's see... what does Haydee like...?
...Cristelle.
Ooh! Haydee! There you are.
Do you know how I searched high and low for you with a desperate heart?
Didn't I make it clear? I said I'd be at the place handling work after my schedule ends.
...And what were you talking about with that perv over there?
Perv...? You mean the Journey Captain?
It's a misunderstanding...!!!
Hmph. If you've got business, take it to the office.
There are... too many eyes here.
...Very well.
Ah, Captain. For the next year, please take good care of Hayd—
Cristelle. Hurry or I'm leaving you.
C-coming...!
Cristelle ran after Haydee only to come running back as if she forgot something.
Ah, Captain. I almost forgot.
About what you asked earlier...
It just came to me.
Haydee very much likes flowers.
I hope that information helps you.
I want Haydee... to live a different life than mine.
...?
U-fufufu! Haydee, I'm so happy to see you again. How about a hug?
Shut it. And you should really change that laugh.
Eh...?
It's off-putting. Not only it's loud, it makes you sound dumb.
F-for real?!
Oh, Haydee... Hearing such cruel words makes me terribly sad...
So sad I could just die—
Go on ahead.
What...?!
H-Haydee! W-wait for meee!
She likes flowers...
That's good to know.