Declaration of War
Ah, Captain.
You're out earlier than usual today.
Yep. Are you here to feed them fuel again?
Yes. Bike hogs can be quite voracious.
They get rather cranky if their meal is even a little late.
And, uh... what is that? Did you put that on?
Put what on?
Bernius was wearing a red bow around its neck.
And attached to the bow was a small envelope.
A letter?
Hmm. That wasn't there this morning.
Someone infiltrated the backyard unnoticed and tied a letter to the bike hog's neck...
It's reasonable to assume the letter was put here by whoever released them.
And since I'm the only one managing the temporary pen, this letter was clearly meant for me.
I see.
I think it would be best if you also take a look as well, Captain.
Why would the culprit have sent this letter?
Claire opened the envelope and took out the letter inside.
To the Thorn Vine of the Blue Rose Sisterhood...
With a blank expression, Claire tore off the first line of the letter and crumpled it without hesitation.
...?
An odd greeting. Let us continue.
Y-yes.
Long time no see, runaway coward.
You have no idea how long I've been searching for you.
I scoured over all of Lavistar to find you after you ran away without settling our score. But you disappeared without a trace.
But I didn't expect to find you here.
At first, I thought the information was incorrect.
But a maid of Candle Square?
To think the lioness once called my rival would abandon the flag of freedom and stoop to becoming a house cat errand girl!
But the way you handled those hogs... it's undoubtedly the work of a pro.
I was certain. You are the one they call Thorn Vine.
Which is why I send you this letter.
It is time for us settle our grudge match.
The final showdown will take place atop the Tri-Hills at the outskirts of NOA.
There, we will settle who the true Lightspeed is.
If you refuse to answer to the challenge... then consequences will follow.
I will meet you there at 3 pm today. If I do not see you there...
You will witness 500 wild bike hogs rampage through the streets of NOA.
I hope you make the right decision.
Wh-what is this about...?
*Sigh...*
...
At this point...
There's no use in hiding it.
...At least it was you who found the letter first, Captain.
It's embarrassing to admit, but in the past, I was known by the name of Thorn Vine.
I used to be the boss of the Blue Rose Sisterhood biker gang that roamed the southern plains.
But the day Ms. Carnelia saved my life, I came to realize what a shameful person I had been.
So I erased every trace of my past.
I had to be born again.
I could no longer be Thorn Vine, but I had to become Claire the maid of Candle Square.
However... it seems I wasn't thorough enough.
As for the person who sent the letter...
I have a rough idea of who it might be.
Back then, there was a gang called the Hell Saviors that constantly picked fights with us.
Their leader... would always challenge me to a duel, insisting we settle who deserved the title of Lightspeed.
But each time ended in a draw. We never managed to settle the score.
What will you do now?
...Wild bike hogs are extremely difficult to handle.
They'll probably tear through the city until they collapse from exhaustion.
People could get hurt. Even the hogs themselves might get injured or outright killed in the process of being subdued.
To prevent that...
You have to go meet this person.
Yes. I have no other choice.
But the problem is that we don't have much time.
It's just past two-thirty right now. There's no way I can make it on time on foot.
Then...
...
There's no other choice.
I will have to ride.
I swore I'd never bring this out again after that day...!
With a stern expression, Claire brought out a large bag.
Inside were several worn-out saddles.
As if she'd done this many times before, Claire placed a saddled atop Bernius.
I'll go with you. It could be dangerous.
It may be hard to keep up if you're not experienced.
But if you wish so...
Claire also saddled Erhardt, who was sniffing around next to her.
Please proceed.
How do I ride this thing?
As for how to ride it...
First, start by tightly gripping onto the handle!
Okay! And then?
Then, if you carefully turn it to the right...
Yeah?
It will turn right! Same goes for the other direction.
That's it?!
Driving is all about instinct.
If you lose grip of the handle, you could get hurt.
I recommend tying yourself down with a strap.
After that utterly irresponsible explanation, Claire pulled out a tattered coat from the bag and put it on.
It was a coat with a large blue rose emblazoned on the back.
Ahh, this chilly feeling... It has been a while.
Then... let us ride.
Maybe I should've just stayed behind.
I followed closely behind Claire, clinging on for dear life on the hog.
I-I don't wanna die!
I screamed my lungs out as I saw the world zip by me, but Claire gave no heed.
I swore to never return to those days...
...No. This time I had no choice.
This is for everyone. Yes. There was no other choice. Yes...
But this rumbling beneath me... the wind in my face...
Kgh... Khh...
Kkkhh...
Kahahahahahaha!
Claire was... basking in the wind without a care in the world.
After riding for a while, Claire finally brought her hog to a stop.
Is anyone here...?
Yes...
Claire raised her hand and pointed toward the hill on the other side.
On the hill, a figure holding a large flag over her shoulder stood there, laughing triumphantly.
Hahaha! You really did come!
I thought you wouldn't make it!
I see your skills still live up to your reputation!
...Where are the hogs?
Oh, that?
I lied!
I just wanted to see if you still had what it takes to be my rival.
...
Don't look so disappointed. I'll be dropping by again.
And then... we will settle our score, Thorn Vine!
I declare war!
I'll come up with a spectacular racing course, so you'd better be ready!
Farewell now! Hahahaha!
After that bold declaration, the mysterious figure got on her bike hog and rode down the hill.
In the blink of an eye, she had already vanished into the horizon.
Claire looked down at the fading figure and let out a sigh.
Looks like we've been had.
But at least we figured out who the culprit was.
Indeed.
Once we head back, I will put her on the bounty list.
Good idea. But, uhh...
Is something the matter?
Could we slow down a bit on the way back?
...Of course.
Was it just my imagination, or did Claire look a little disappointed just now...?