Unknown Location

Inside a dark bedroom two people moved closer while holding hands. The room was not lit, but they could still make each other's faces out. Red eyes met turquoise in a fiery gaze. The two girls were not breaking eye contact even once while sitting down on the big fluffy bed.

Noire: "You were wonderful today K-sha."

K-sha: "I did it for you, my sweet Noire."

Noire: "How did I never notice your brilliant silky hair until now?"

She softly caressed K-sha's face and went along her bangs. The high school girl shivered from the pleasant sensation and her face got flushed.

K-sha: "Yours is much more beautiful."

Noire: "We are more alike than I ever expected. We are almost like sisters."

K-sha: "Then we should do as sisters and have some more skinship."

She moved even closer and was now putting a hand on Noire's exposed shoulder.

Noire: "Is that what sisters do? I never experienced such a thing with Uni before."

K-sha: "Sisterhood is more complex than that. Maybe we should invite Uni to join us?"

Noire: "Take your prize first."

Their faces moved together and touched…

Neptune: "Even with Uniiiiii?!"

Planeptune

Neptune: "Uwaaaah!"

Nepgear: "H—h-h-h-huh?!"

Neptune's eyes sprung open from shock! She had raised her arms into the air as if to scream for help. To her confusion she didn't see Noire, K-sha or even Uni in front of her. Instead there was an equally purple haired girl only centimeters away from her face. They were in fact so close that their noses could touch from the slightest vibration.

Nepgear: "W-what's that about Uni, Sis?"

She asked with concern.

Neptune: "Nep Jr…. What is that wrench for?"

She asked the first thing that came to mind. The CPU candidate was holding a giant metal wrench in her left hand. It was suspiciously angled towards Neptune's head.

Nepgear: "…."

Neptune: "…."

Nepgear: "What wrench?"

Those words were accompanied by a magnificent free throw that made the wrench fly out the open window at light speed. Nepgear's eyes were square shaped and she was sweating guiltily.

Neptune: "…you know someone out there could get hit by that, yeah?"

?: "Ouch!"

That painful yell was coming right after a loud 'bonk' sound. Nepgear's sweating intensified. Then she finally couldn't keep her cool anymore.

Nepgear: "Goodness…!"

She dashed to the window and bend over the sill. To her surprise there was nobody in sight. The wrench was gone as well.

Neptune: "My head… Listen to this Nepgear; I think I had a vision or something! My third eye must have awakened."

Nepgear: "Are you sure? That's amazing, Sis."

Oh cute little Nepgear. Too gullible for her own good. Neptune would have felt bad if she didn't actually believe in her own words this once.

Neptune: "Noire and K-sha… they are crossing all the lines. Even those that don't exist!"

That outburst made Nepgear tilt her head. She didn't seem to quite follow Neptune's vague explanations.

Nepgear: "I just texted Uni a few minutes ago and she told me Miss Noire went right back to work when she came home. Do you really think that she would do something like that?"

Neptune: "Well not really."

Neptune admitted. For a certified tsundere like Noire, those words were way too honest. She crossed her arms and her eyes turned into lines. Maybe that was just a dream? Her imagination sure was acting weird today.

The door burst open and revealed a frantic IF and Compa rushing in. When they saw the newly awakened Neptune they both sighed in relief.

IF: "We just heard you screaming like a pig on a roast and feared for the worst."

Neptune: "That's not a nice analogy for a beautiful maiden Iffy."

Compa: "Ge-Ge managed to fix you? I feel so useless. My medical skills couldn't help Nep-Nep at all."

Neptune: "Fixed me?"

Her head turned towards Nepgear, who was suddenly very interested in the carpet patterns below her. So that's what the wrench was about.

Neptune: "I'm not some kind of machine. I don't have any screws loose! Hey, what's with those looks? That's bullying!"

IF: "To hear you of all people say that. Did you learn anything from today's failure?"

Neptune: "I think so…"

Neptune rubbed her head and nodded unhappily.

Neptune: "I totally underestimated how crazy K-sha really is."

IF: "Is that all?"

The guild member raised a brow.

Neptune: "And maaaaaaybe I've been a little bit too focused on teasing Noire. Just a tiny bit."

Her fingers almost touched to symbolize how small that possibility was.

IF: "No Nep. The problem lies in your whole approach to this contest."

Neptune: "W-what do you mean?"

IF: "That's something you need to find out yourself."

It was important that even a blockhead like her found her own answers. But IF changed from scolding to a smile and raised one of her cellphones.

IF: "I've got the info on what your next challenge is going to be. Maybe that will cheer you up."

Neptune: "You're the best Iffy!"

Lowee

Blanc: "So you want to participate in the festival?"

Her quiet voice was moving through her book that was blocking out vision on half her face. The whole troupe had already made themselves comfortable in her Basilicom as if it was natural. It was a little annoying.

Blanc: "That's fine. The hunter's guild welcomes everyone in Gamindustri to participate. We are even cooperating with Lastation's guild to manage the whole territory."

Neptune: "Thanks for the heads up Blanc~"

She and K-sha left immediately for their next goal. The CPU candidates followed behind.

Blanc: "If you two want to play too, just talk to the Guildmaster. Don't just barge into the festival, okay?"

Ram: "Yes Blanc!"

Rom: "W-we will… do it right."

The twins ran after the rest who had already gained some distance. Blanc sighed and set her book down. Today would be busy as heck. These kinds of huge events were just too much for her. She could have used the lost time to catch up with the novel she was writing. The deadline was closing in.

Blanc: "And what are you doing here?"

Vert: "Can I not enjoy the festivities as well?"

Vert was sitting across from her with her legs crossed and smiled.

Blanc: "This has been bothering me for a while… don't you ever have to work? Can you just go to all these events at your leisure?"

Vert: "I have Gooman and Lady Goo hold the fort for me today. They are very reliable indeed. They do all the work Chika did before without any of her experience. Such fast learners."

Blanc: "…I see."

She had met those two… things once before. They were S-sha's friends or something. That Gooman's obsession with pecs was strangely unnerving. Dogoos should not talk in her opinion. It got only in the way of smashing them.

Blanc: "Well today you are in my land. My world. So you should better behave, you hear?"

She said with some self-satisfaction. After checking her computer screen for more messages she looked up… only to see Leanbox's goddess gone.

Vert: "Do they consider this strange brew tea here in Lowee?"

Her voice came from the kitchen. After only ten seconds… She sure had guts to treat this place like her own Basilicom. And she went straight for Blanc's stuff too.

Blanc: "That's… just a cheap gift. From some affiliate. Not my usual tea."

Vert: "Do you usually receive gifts with price tags on them?"

The blonde CPU asked teasingly. Blanc pulled her hat down to cover her eyes and she looked away in embarrassment. There was no way she could admit that she didn't know anything about good tea.

Vert: "Do not fret. I will organize you some supreme Leanbox blends. Tea is a vital commodity of life. It needs to have the same high standards as the rest of your cuisine. We need to improve the quality of life around here, especially for little Rom and Ram."

Blanc: "I don't need your help… Financier can take care of that. She knows more about tea than me. Talk to her about it if you need to be so damn persistent."

With light steps Vert returned to the main living room area and smiled warmly.

Vert: "She sounds like a wonderful maid."

Blanc: "True."

She nodded. So there were things they could agree on.

Guildmaster: "Oh, why if it isn't Lady Purple Heart and Lady K-sha! Well met!"

As soon as they reached the camp outside the Hermit Forest, which was stretching between Lowee and Lastation, they were greeted by a tall man in armor. His arms were crossed into a giant bulge of muscles that was threatening to blow off his armor plating. Unfortunately he had a booming voice that was calling for attention even over a distance. His dragon head shaped helmet covered his face and only showed off his mouth.

Neptune: "Ohoho my reputation is preceding me it seems."

K-sha: "Hello Mr. Guildmaster."

Guildmaster: "Hahaha! Even if I wasn't hired by strange people to host your event I'd still recognize the heroes that saved Gamindustri countless times. By the way, I do get paid for being the overseer to your contest thing, but jokes on them, that was my job anyway! The annual Lowee Hunting Festival is my duty and joy!"

He was really cheerful.

Neptune: "Hear, hear. We got a new host already."

Guildmaster: "My job as the Guildmaster of the local Lowee branch of the Hunting guild is simple. During today's festival I am supposed to keep track of the scores and help out with all organization stuff. Sadly that means I cannot hunt out there today!"

He suddenly yelled out while raising his giant shaking fist in front of his face.

K-sha: "That must be vexing. I'm sorry."

Guildmaster: "Don't worry about it! My greatest happiness today is that this darn kid with the oversized sword that they put as head of Lastation's guild can't participate either. Hahaha!"

IF: "So you are responsible for the entire event? Including the Lastation side of things?"

Guildmaster: "Indeed! But the true overseer is of course Lady White Heart. We don't want to drag her into this much work though, so it's up to her to participate or not."

Compa: "Mr. Guildmaster… don't you have a name?"

Guildmaster: "Ahahaha! I'm just a lowly NPC. I have no need for a name. Please just call me Guildmaster!"

He didn't seem bothered by the low importance of his role. Neptune gave him thumbs up.

Neptune: "If you are the head honcho around here you must be super cool, so that's all that counts."

Guildmaster: "You will make me blush! Cut that out! I cannot appear weak in front of my fellow guild members."

For some reason he was really serious about that part. He coughed and adjusted his arms back into a crossed position.

Guildmaster: "I was more or less told what's going on with you people, so let me just say that the best way to hone pure comradeship is none other than HUNTING! The thrill of slaying a beast with your friends, sharing the spoils and of course fighting back to back…!"

Uni: "Yeah about that, Noire isn't here today. She is swamped with work."

Neptune: "Eeeh? What's the point of this contest then?!"

Even Guildmaster seemed to be lost for words. The one who stepped in to solve the problem was K-sha.

K-sha: "Noire is the most hardworking person in Gamindustri. To prove that we are worthy of her friendship we need to be equally as hardworking!"

Neptune: "Is that how it works?!"

Guildmaster: "Ahem… Yes of course! And because this is a contest you will compete over who can complete more quests in the given time limit!"

IF: (Why does it sound like he just came up with that?)

Guildmaster: "The time limit is obviously the end of today's Hunting Festival! For your information, any monster or beast is fair game. But this is a competition between you two ladies, so you are not allowed to party up. Only Solo hunts are allowed. Outside support has to be purely vocal or logistic!"

Neptune: "That's the kind of Hard Mode that suits the protagonist best."

K-sha: "Understood. Deploying battle gear."

Guildmaster: "I have no doubt in your individual power, so I won't ask you to be careful. Even if you look frail, I could never go back to underestimating young girls after you fought those delusional monsters that tried to destroy Gamindustri! Also seeing Lady White Heart in action… it was quite impactful."

Despite his helmet they could tell he was grimacing. There seemed to be more history behind this.

Neptune: "It's fine, I'll move out then!"

K-sha: "Scouting sniping position."

The two rivals were moving out at rapid speed. They left their party behind, who only could wish them good luck. Well a little more than that.

Uni: "I hope K-sha can use that prototype without issues."

Nepgear: "…"

Uni: "What's the matter with you? I asked you if it was okay, so don't make me feel guilty now!"

Nepgear: "N-no, you are absolutely right. I don't think it was wrong to help you."

She smiled weakly, which made Uni nervous and flick her pigtails back with furrowed brows. The motion was still not as refined as Noire's, but it was just as obvious that she was hiding her worries behind it.

Uni: "I o-owe you one Nepgear. So don't you forget it."

Nepgear: "Please, you don't owe me anything! That's what friends are for, right?"

Uni: "Ughn…!"

Nepgear really didn't know the effectiveness of her words. Uni needed to cool off somehow, so she moved back towards the camp.

Nepgear: "Uni? Where are you going?"

Uni: "I'm checking out the stalls. They have a Renaissance Fair too."

Nepgear: "Really? Please let me come with you!"

Uni: "W-whatever. You can do what you want. This is a public festival."

Of course she was secretly happy.

Nepgear: "Do you want to come too Rom, Ram?"

Ram: "We are waiting for Blanc."

Rom: "P-please go ahead, Miss Nepgear."

They waved her goodbye. Nepgear raised a brow, because Blanc didn't seem to be interested in participating, but she nodded anyway and followed after Uni.

IF: "Go along with them Compa. You want to enjoy the Festival too, right?"

Compa: "But if Iffy isn't going then I can't either."

IF: "I have to give Nep some support. So it's fine, really."

She waved Compa's complaint off and encouraged her to go. Instead of listening though, Compa sat down under the tree next to them and puffed her cheeks out.

Compa: "I'm Nep-Nep's friend too Iffy. I will just give moral support to both of you!"

IF sighed at the expected reaction. Compa had a big heart, but there was such an amazing strength to her as well that one might overlook at first. She had no way of denying a serious Compa.

IF: "Fine. Let's help Nep and enjoy the Fair together tomorrow, okay?"

Compa smiled brightly and nodded.

Neptune was running through a green lush field that was crossed by a river. There were some Dogoos and Sunflowerys around, but nothing major yet. She didn't even pay attention to the small fries.

Suddenly her small communicator buzzed in her ear and she took the call.

Neptune: "What's up Iffy?"

IF: "Don't 'what's up' me. You know I'm giving you support. I have a list of quests ready and also the locations where you will find most of the monsters."

Neptune: "Nice thinking!"

IF: "I've been wondering about one thing Nep…. Didn't your level go down to 20 recently, because you kept slacking?"

Neptune: "Yeppers."

IF: "Not even apologetic, hm? So how do you intend to deal with stronger monsters then? We'll be quite limited if you have to Solo them in that level range. Are you going to use your Next Form?"

Neptune: "I totally thought about that, but you know, that form really drains my energy. It'd be a total waste on some cheap mobs. It's a pain."

IF: "What's the plan then?"

Neptune: "Hehehe! You wanna know, right? My brilliant plan?"

IF: "Actually forget about it. Just work your butt off already. I think K-sha has taken out a few beasts by now."

Neptune: "Seriously? I mean, don't ignore my plan! I had something prepared since the ending of the last adventure."

From her inventory she summoned a huge blade that was about the size of her own body. It was barbed with all kinds of sharp fangs and looked quite overpowered.

IF: "You do know that I can't see you, right?"

Neptune: "Mrrrmm… you really know how to ruin a reveal M-i-s-s I-F."

She was pouting, although that too was unknown to her comrades. She sighed and put the sword on her shoulder. It really shouldn't be that easy to move…

Neptune: "It's the overpowered DLC weapon from last time! I kept it in my inventory while nobody was looking."

IF: "I see now. Those crazy stats will certainly balance out your shameful power deficit."

Neptune: "Ouch… Prickly needles through my heart and all that. Anyway, I'm gonna grind levels by finishing these rare monsters off. It's fine~"

IF: "Don't exhaust your stamina either. This is a 6 hour endurance run."

Neptune: "You really need to be a workaholic like Noire to enjoy that much grinding."

IF: "If you were even half as serious about your job as her, Histoire wouldn't need maintenance so often."

Neptune: "I feel like you just said something really mean, really casually."

Good thing she was made out of tougher stuff. She could take just as many hits as she dealt. Unless they came from eggplant monsters. Ew.

Neptune: "Time to slice and dice!"

With a high jump she cut a stray Horsebird in two and moved to the first quest location.

On top of a high cliff sat K-sha. She was positioned central to the entire forest and hunting area. Using some binoculars she scanned the area carefully and made herself a picture of what she was up against. Aside from the monsters and beasts there were a lot of hunters on the move as well. But her targets weren't human this time.

K-sha: "Prioritizing high level targets."

She etched the locations of a few Ancient Dragons and Dreadnaught Dogoos into her mind. It was important to deal with the heavy tank monsters first, not only because of her stamina and the competition, but also…

K-sha: "Thanks Uni."

She smiled softly. Her face was in battle mode already, but there was glimmer of warmth. With a clicking sound she opened up the giant suitcase that had been given to her this morning. It was made of silver metal and at least as wide as a bicycle. With a quiet 'zshhh' the stale air escaped and revealed huge black parts. Parts that would guarantee K-sha's victory in this contest.

K-sha: "No instructions… It doesn't matter."

This was the weapon prototype that she and Uni had been working on for a few weeks now, long before this whole thing started. It was fun to discuss the many ways to build guns with the younger Lastation sister. Noire was obviously a master of combat, but Uni wasn't bad either. And she shared her love for firearms.

K-sha: "The prototype core fits in here."

The parts all fit together perfectly. In a very short time the whole sniper rifle was assembled. It was quite big, resembling one of Uni's usual oversized weapons instead of the more practical human models. K-sha preferred her Uzis over sniping, but she had no time for preferences right now.

With a heave-ho she moved the huge black gun on a support and leaned it forward. With this she could shoot in almost any direction in seconds. The laser crosshair on top of it was not only extremely far sighted it could also display heat signatures.

To be honest, this was too advanced for K-sha's weapon knowledge. Not because of its design, but because it was a prototype. One developed by not just Uni, but one more person.

K-sha: "Locking on to target."

The crosshair locked on to an unsuspecting Ancient Dragon. It was just minding its business (Which was hard to determine. What exactly did these monsters do when they didn't attack travelers?), not aware of its impending demise.

K-sha: "Fire."

Her cold voice echoed as she pulled the trigger. With a buzzing sound something build up in the barrel and… shot a gigantic energy beam across the forest! It was so blinding that K-sha had to close her eyes for a moment. The light traveled to the defenseless Dragon in a second and then turned into an explosion. Strong winds followed and ebbed away, only leaving the stillness of scorched earth. The Dragon certainly wasn't there anymore. A beep signaled that she had completed a quest.

She finally let her breath escape, that she had been holding in due to shock. Even her hands were still shivering. This thing was way more dangerous than Uni had said!

K-sha: "With this I can do it."

Instead of staying shocked she turned these feelings into determination. She knew that she could never keep up with a CPU. Even though she had kept fit, the powers of Gold Third had mostly faded. K-sha had human limits that would show themselves fast if she didn't use every advantage. Miss Neptune was tenacious and strong.

Almost as strong as her Noire. To reach that peak… no to even come close to it, she would do whatever was necessary. She needed this strength to prove herself.

Once again she felt thankful for Uni's support. It was like she was trying to say that she approved of them, right? Did that mean she had her blessing?!

K-sha: "Oh Uni, you are so sweet ehehe. Maybe we will become sisters soon."

She was trailing off into her fantasies. Could she really win this with that attitude?

Neptune was slashing herself a way through a pile of King Crabs while looking for the cave that IF had talked about in her last call. It was supposed to be the hideout for a Flame Fenrir. Halfway through the forest she had turned on her HDD and was now gliding above ground as Purple Heart. Even though she was rapidly gaining EXP it was still easier for her to keep up in this form.

Purple Heart: "Hm? This plant… Iffy, come in please."

IF: "What's up Nep? Did you find the cave yet?"

Purple Heart: "Not yet. But there is a strange plant with giant red petals. It looks quite rare."

IF: "Let me take a look… Oh that's a Mysterious Petal Rafflesia. It's a super rare plant. There are several requests for this thing. Pick it up."

Purple Heart: "It is quite a mysterious looking flower indeed."

Her feet descended to the ground and she squatted down to pick up the flower. Her HDD form was not really designed for this motion and it looked quite funny. While Purple Heart was bending over to grab a hold of the plant something hot and fast was strafing above her. She could see her shadow grow for a second and everything around her turned white just to return to normal colors immediately.

Ever so slowly she looked up from her position and felt a few sweat drops run down her face and neck. What she witnessed wasn't the same picture she saw before ducking down.

Purple Heart: "Iffy… is there some sort of magic tree migration in this forest? Or can they turn invisible or something?"

IF: "What the heck are you talking about?"

Purple Heart: "Let's just say that a few dozen trees are missing."

And in their place was nothing but ashes. At the end of the sudden gap in the forest was a giant Phoenix with a big hole in its chest. It cried out one last time before exploding.

That was not normal.

IF: "H-hey… what's with those crazy energy beams flying all over the place? Dozens of quests are being completed everywhere."

Purple Heart: "I see. K-sha had a trump card herself. Can this still be called a hunting competition or is this just an assassination spree?"

There was no time to waste then. Purple Heart flew into the air and moved towards the next monsters as fast as she could. She couldn't afford to be choosy about her prey anymore. Now every dead monster counted!

IF: "Is that what Uni was talking about before? Something about a prototype. Nepgear was also looking distressed…"

Compa: "Should I call Ge-Ge?"

IF: "I hate to interrupt their date, but we better ask directly."

Purple Heart: "Wait, what date are we talking about here?"

She felt a little left out of the loop as she crashed down into a bunch of Apeldooms and crushed them with her heels.

Compa: "Ge-Ge? It's Compa. How is the Fair? Mhm. Yes. That sounds really nice."

IF: "Compa give me that. You're going to chat all day. Hey Nepgear? What did you two build for K-sha?"

Nepgear: "…ah! I-I'm sorry."

Apparently IF had put her on the line. Purple Heart could hear her voice now.

Nepgear: "I know that it makes things harder for Sis, but Uni asked me for a favor for the first time in a while. And it was so much fun to tinker with that prototype…"

Purple Heart: "Et tu, Nepgear?"

Nepgear: "Sis?! I… I didn't want to go behind your back-"

IF: "We aren't scolding you, can you just tell us what that thing's capable of?"

Nepgear: "It has a high energy output and an improved range even compared to Uni's usual models. On the other hand the stress on the barrel and core are extreme. It will not last long if she overuses it."

A few explosions around the forest signaled that the weapon was being overused quite a bit. Purple Heart shot a pixilated sword at a swarm of Cyberflys. They were crushed in one hit. While their bodies dissolved and left some loot she looked at the direction of the shots. They all came from a cliff in the center of the forest. That was probably the best sniping location in the area.

IF: "So this thing's going to wear down eventually. What are you going to do Nep? Interfere with her?"

Purple Heart: "No."

She shook her head softly, even if they couldn't see her. It would be quite villainous of her to attack K-sha for using a balance breaking weapon at this point. And to be honest… she felt a certain thrill in her heart. This was a real match.

Purple Heart: "I'll just have to eliminate these monsters faster than she can shoot them down."

IF: "Hearing that from your mature form makes me almost want to believe it."

Compa: "Don't forget about the Nep Bull EX I gave you, okay Nep-Nep? Just drink it when you feel bad."

Nepgear:" E-even though I helped K-sha, I'm still rooting for you Sis!"

Purple Heart: "Thank you everyone."

Lastation

Inside the highly industrial nation of Lastation stood the Basilicom complex of this nation's CPU. The sky was a little grey today, due to smog and some bad weather. Perhaps that was a reflection of Noire's mind as well?

The raven haired CPU sat at her work desk and sighed deeply. Since she returned yesterday she had been doing nothing but go through paperwork. And today was the big Hunting Festival in Lowee. Lastation cooperated with their neighbors and shared the festival grounds. Lots of things had to be approved and there was no end to the complications. Honestly, she should have been out there and taken a look at the actual event, but there was no opening for her to take a walk.

After yesterday's debacle she had received a call from Kei.

Kei Jinguji was Lastation's business oriented Oracle. She had been on a journey to find her true purpose for a while now, but they still held contact. Wherever she was right now, she did see that embarrassing quiz show on TV.

They had been arguing all night over this issue, but in the end Kei caved in. Noire had felt like she had to defend her actions to her, even though strictly speaking they didn't work with each other right now.

Her final argument was a very convincing one, although it was rather confounding. After the quiz show yesterday, Lastation's shares mysteriously increased…

Noire: "I don't understand it either."

She mumbled and put a file down that she had been reading for the third time in a row.

Whatever the reason for that, she certainly felt some regret towards that whole broadcast. Neptune and K-sha had definitely played her like a fiddle. Then again, she didn't object very strongly, did she now?

She tried to listen to her own confused heart about this matter. It couldn't be that she secretly enjoyed that kind of attention? No, definitely not! She wasn't an attention seeker without remorse like that Neptune.

What was the reason then? Why did she not break this silly contest off right then and there?

"If you're her friend I will just become her Best Friend!"

Noire tapped her foot repeatedly. It was such an embarrassing memory, but she couldn't help repeating it in her head! The reason behind those words was the usual Neptune stupidity, but she would be lying if she denied that she was a little happy.

Even though they had said whatever they wanted, it was a little bit flattering to know that they both thought about her so much. K-sha was sweet in her own way, although Noire still wasn't sure about that confession. Neptune was a blockhead, but she hit a little too close to home with her actions.

Noire: "Why can't we just all be friends?"

She wondered. That was a question so unlike her that she shook her head and got up from her uncomfy chair. After stretching her arms a little she looked out her panoramic window. Lastation was a sprawling metropolis and her entire pride. Compared to this place, her personal problems felt irrelevant.

Somewhere out there, those two were continuing this weird competition right now. She wasn't quite up to date with the specifics, but there was no doubt they would eventually pull her back in to decide who was better. So selfish…

Noire: "…maybe I should check out the procedures for the festival."

Somehow she felt really confined in this office right now. She needed some fresh air to clear her head.

That increased heartbeat she felt was no good either.

Lowee

Rom and Ram were sitting on a rock and licking on some ice-cream that they bought from their allowance. They were still waiting for Blanc to come by. Their confidence in their sister was amazing.

Ram: "Give me some of your strawberry cream!"

Rom: "A-ah... then I want some... blueberry too."

They shared their cones, although Ram was a little greedy. Rom didn't mind and took a small lick of the blue ice-cream. Then she noticed something and looked in this direction.

Rom: "...oh? Uhm... The same Nep hour... same Nep channel."

Ram: "What are you whispering there, Rom?"

Rom: "Please come back to see more of the festival too."

Rom smiled cutely.

Ram: "But I'm already here?!"

To be continued