The Unwelcome One
...That's really her, isn't it?
It's my first time seeing her myself... but judging by everyone's reactions, it must be her.
But why did she return? I was sure she'd left for good...
Candle Square was buzzing with commotion.
Some reacted with curiosity, while others welcomed her return with joy.
...But there were others as well.
Quiet, please.
You're in the lobby of Candle Square. Please refrain from causing a disturbance for the other guests.
...Captain.
So this is... the Savior who'll be completing the Journey with you?
That's right.
...But why?
Why Carnelia of all people?
...Bell.
Since when was Candle Square the kind of place you could leave whenever you wanted and come back whenever you felt like it?
Her as Journey member? Seriously?
You disappeared without a word, without even a sign... and now you think you can come back as if nothing happened?
The maids of Candle Square, me, and Claire... Did we really mean that little to you?!
...Bell. Calm down.
Same for you. How can you possibly ask me to calm down?
Bell, you already know! Losing your temper won't change what happened.
...
Were you aware of this, Captain?
Ms. Carnelia is the eldest daughter of the Rhys family, Bell's older sister, and...
...the former Master Maid of Candle Square.
I am Carnelia.
I'm a little late, but... I hope we'll get along during our Journey.
Now I understood why the name had sounded familiar.
Anyone living in NOA was bound to hear the name Carnelia sooner or later.
The former Master Maid of Candle Square.
And at the same time... the runaway from Candle Square, who cast aside her role and disappeared.
Claire. My former title has no meaning anymore.
I don't even deserve to have that past placed upon me.
...What do you mean, Carnelia?
So you're neither the eldest daughter of our family nor the former Master Maid?
Are you asking us to treat you as nothing more than a Journey member?
...Yes, Bell.
I would be grateful if you would.
...
Very well.
Huh?! Claire!
I understand that Ms. Carnelia's current standing is not what we thought it was.
Therefore, Candle Square will regard Ms. Carnelia as a Journey member, not as the former Master Maid.
To serve all Saviors equally is both a maid's virtue and her duty.
...As well as the courtesy one should show to a former Master Maid.
At Claire's declaration, Candle Square fell silent.
...
Thank you, Claire. And... you as well, Bell.
Carnelia alone was able to speak in that silence.
After the commotion at Candle Square, Carnelia and I went for a short walk to cool off.
That must have surprised you.
Or perhaps... disappointed you.
I believe I told you on our first day.
...That I am not in a position to show myself openly.
Perhaps even taking part in the Journey may look like shameless deceit.
Just as it did to Bell and Claire.
...Is that so.
When Claire was talking about me earlier...
I did think you seemed unaware of my past.
So you had no information about me whatsoever from the beginning. Whether it was omitted or lost.
...You and I were a mess from the very beginning.
...
The sun will be setting soon.
According to the schedule I know, training begins tomorrow.
I'm sure you have a great deal on your mind... so I shall take my leave for today.
Wait.
...
I don't care if our beginning was a mess.
Because I will see this Journey through with you, Carnelia.
...Fufu.
Then I will hold you to that.
After all, this... is the only chance I have.
Carnelia departed without another word.
Even the stars above likely could not tell where this Journey would lead.