May 20, 1615 Central Calendar, 17:56

Paradis Palace, Esthirant, Parpaldia Empire

"Speaking of which... does it warm your heart, Supreme Commander, that your brother has decided to name his child after your suggestion? Kyrie Boudewijn de Ruyter... the little one's future is surely guaranteed as a member of the prestigious Duchy of de Ruyter."

Even as he made a good-natured inquiry and a roundabout way of wishing good tidings for someone, Emperor Leonius' eyes turned to regard the visitor in his office with a steely gaze.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it was truly delightful," the man—a distinguished member of the military—answered cautiously, with his posture remaining unwavering and his gaze kept level, albeit there was a hint of resignation in wary eyes. The red sash that was usually draped around that man's figure to complete his fierce Parpaldian blood-red uniform was now replaced by a white and gold one, signifying his promotion to the position of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army.

Leonius shook his head with a scoff, "Yes, yes, you should be. You spared me of the suffering I would have had to deal with if you had not returned safely and Boudewijn decided to name his child with the other option..."

Imperial Advisor Ruperther stifled a sigh. Word had it that if, for some inexplicable reason, Chevalier were to meet his end in the conflict with the northern barbarians, the highly superstitious Duke Boudewijn Gerard de Ruyter would interpret it as an omen of the direst misfortune. As a consequence, he would vehemently distance himself and his family from anything remotely connected to Chevalier – including the name he suggested to the Duke's child. Upon hearing this gossip, Leonius snarked that he'd much prefer Boudewijn's daughter to be named Kyrie rather than the other choice, 'Remille.'

General Chevalier Gerard de Ruyter emerged as the most successful commander during the northern invasion, despite the campaign ultimately yielding less-than-ideal outcomes. Despite struggling with poor logistics and unforgiving weather, Chevalier's leadership secured victories that surpassed all others in the entire campaign. If one looks underneath the underneath, one will realize that Leonius hoped that Chevalier would live and return safely to Esthirant, which he did, and the Emperor was supposedly glad about how the events turned out.

However, in the Emperor's hands was the long-awaited comprehensive report detailing the campaign against the northern alliance. After Chevalier was summoned back to the capital at the end of April and was promoted to his current position, his first order from Leonius was to conduct a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of the invasion force's lackluster performance. Subsequently, a series of troubling issues were unearthed: an inability to effectively pacify the conquered territories, a dangerous overconfidence that left them vulnerable to counterattacks from surviving rebel cells, and perhaps most concerning, a pattern of withholding information and feigning normalcy. This had led to the reckless squandering of the Parpaldia Empire's precious resources and manpower, throwing them into a meat grinder of ash and ice. Leonius had smelled something suspicious, and the report laid before him solidified his conclusion that he was, in fact, ruling an empire filled with imbeciles.

Chevalier had braced himself to confront a wrathful Leonius. However, he was caught off guard when the Emperor, instead of launching into a tirade, began with a benign inquiry about his newborn niece. A long silence hung in the air as Chevalier and Ruperther patiently waited for Leonius to finish perusing the documents.

"It seems that... to my immense disappointment, apparently some of you are delusional enough to think that if they manage to conquer our enemies and present them to me, in my rejoicing I will let the bygones be bygones and forgive them all. So, Supreme Commander, I want you to devise a plan to root out every single incompetent officer, every traitor, and every fool who played a part in this debacle. I don't care who they are or how high they rank. Show no mercy," he finished with a clenched fist and a glare.

…………

"What are the chances that General de Ruyter is actually complicit in this scandal as well, Your Majesty?"

When the presence within the Emperor's office dwindled into the two men once again, Ruperther finally broke his silence that had persisted throughout the meeting with the new Supreme Commander. His first words were that of a suspicion: maybe Chevalier is far from innocent among the ranks of military officers who plotted against Parpaldia's integrity in all but name.

"Maybe he is," tersely replied Leonius who had left his chair to gaze at the scenery beyond the ornate windowpane. "If it's true, then he must be acting in his self-interest, attempting to spare him my wrath. But he's also too skilled to just be killed off in some random gutter. I'll let him try to prove his usefulness, and once the military is cleansed of its filth and reformed to my satisfaction, I will deal with him. Did you see beyond that face of his earlier? I saw guilt. He has the audacity to cross me, but also has the bravery to stand up before me despite his sins. Let's see if he can live with his failures or not, and we will utilize him while he's at it."

"That is not mercy," Ruperther stated.

"Who said it was?"

Bathed in the eerie light of the setting sun, Leonius' contemptuous scowl went deeper.

"...Fools that were allowed to fester under my predecessor's rule must be eradicated from this land, so that when my time comes, Ludius will find himself ruling a prosperous Parpaldia. Are you with me, my friend?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will be behind you all the way. By the Blood of the Fallen, by the Dreams of the Unborn, all this do I swear."

June 7, 1615 Central Calendar, 08:00

William Ameir District, Runepolis, Holy Milishial Empire

"How very intriguing," Meteos murmured, seeing a headline from the newspaper called Veritas he just bought from a nearby stall that put him into a contemplative mood again.

Even as a kid, being reincarnated into the past and interacting with things left and right will inevitably cause divergence in history, but the question he sometimes pondered was how far those butterflies would reach. The headline that he just read, titled "First Round of Inter-Strait Trilateral Conference Commences in Valahia," described an event that never happened in his past life's 1615, namely negotiations held between the Holy Milishial Empire, the Parpaldia Empire, and the Altaras Kingdom, with a city in the Milishian eastern seaboard as the venue.

This event itself was a result of a series of events that began with the Holy Empire's decision to get more involved in the Altaras Kingdom after the government heeded the MOASEC's requirement to procure what was now called 'gracium,' an element used to produce the new alloy used in the Alpha Edge Project's prototype, not only domestically but also from mines abroad. Perhaps because the Parpaldians were alarmed about this increasing presence across the strait, they may have been trying to put forth a countermeasure, starting by pushing for an early conclusion to the wasteful invasion of the north. To the international community, they declared that their objectives had been achieved and that they had neutralized the threat from these barbarian nations.

Despite the intelligence reports later revealing that they were bluffing, Parpaldia still managed to force their opponents to sign incredibly humiliating peace terms that turned the four Third Civilization Area kingdoms of Kooze, Arukh, Cannara, and Edrin, into Parpaldia's de facto vassal states, with tributary relations and the like. Meanwhile, their opportunistic neighbor to the north, the Riem Kingdom, was also hit hard by the ongoing famine in the Far East and due to their vastly smaller size than Parpaldia, they cannot even afford to do their infamous stealing of other people's thunder.

What's interesting was that had the Parpaldians continued to commit to the invasion, the stalemate would have eventually been broken and their enemies would have ended up exploited as Parpaldian colonies by the next summer at a terrible cost, just like what happened in the previous timeline.

Meanwhile, fearing that the Parpaldian aggression would be redirected south, this timeline's Altaras Kingdom then tried to save themselves through diplomacy, appealing to the Holy Milishial Empire's interests in the region to entice them into participating as a mediating force. The Holy Empire agreed and even offered a venue on their territory, turning the issue into a negotiation between the three nations to address the desires and concerns of the parties involved. Since the Holy Empire is clearly siding with Altaras, the outcome is rather predictable, but the question is what boon the Holy Empire will offer Parpaldia in return for staying away from laying their hands on the island nation.

For more food for thought, there's also the question of whether Emperor Leonius of Parpaldia and his spouse will not die in the same way as their previous timeline's counterparts, or if they will even survive this decade due to this alteration in history. If Parpaldia somehow manages to come out of this decade with their living Imperial couple, stabilizing, and recovering economically... or maybe enacting some reforms, then there would have been no Ludius' blind rampage of revenge against all barbarians whom he thought were responsible for his parents' death. That brat and quite possibly that sharp-mouthed female confidant of his would grow into very different people. If.

'Let's see if things will end well for everyone. One less unnecessary war means denying the Civilization Annihilation Game a laugh,' silently wished the reincarnator with an encouraging nod, mostly to himself. Call it naïve and idealistic if you want, but being shown that there is someone out there in the higher realm that did exactly that did a number of things to his being.

…………

Loronar Waterfront Park, William Ameir District

With the arrival of summer, and the rising temperatures loosening clothing, places near bodies of water became magnets for visitors, much like this particular waterfront park. Its name harked back to its origins, having been built on the grounds of the former 'Loronar Dock,' as major shipping operations gradually shifted to the ports to the east. Situated on a stretch of land adjoining the docklands of the William Ameir District, this public space was just one among the numerous coastal retreats within the capital where Runepolians could meet their fellow city-dwellers, whether in backyards, parks, pools, or along the sun-kissed shores.

The Loronar Waterfront Park graced its visitors with a picturesque panorama of the region surrounding the mouth of the Great Sumter River. A vibrant sight unfolded as ships of diverse types, sizes, and colors traversed the waters, coming and going from the bustling Runepolis Bay. To their right, an imposing navy blue-painted metal giant known as the 'Emperor Lugiel's Embrace' spanned the horizon. This colossal structure extended to connect the northern and southern banks of the capital, passing through Emerana Island in the middle, thus neatly separating Runepolis Bay from the open ocean.

Out of the four, Meteos cherished the summer season the most, especially fond of spending hot days in the waterfronts. Back in his hometown, he'd eagerly descend from his house to the harbor district of Leiden and there, he would gaze upon the vessels crowding the bay, all while relishing the refreshing breeze wafting in from the Minerva Ocean. It was during those days that the young boy began to develop a fascination with ships—a passion that ultimately led his previous life to venture into enrollment at the Runepolis Magic Academy after completing high school. His stellar performance at the academy had not gone unnoticed in the form of the Ancient Ministry's scouting effort. In this timeline, things had accelerated to unforeseen heights due to the deliberate deviations he had introduced. The only remaining steps, should he wish to strictly replicate his previous journey, were to join the MOASEC Secret Department and then the Order of the Ancients, culminating in him becoming the captain of a Pal Chimera. A delightful bonus would be if it happened to be none other than the Ancor Vantian, the same flying battleship he had once commanded. But Meteos couldn't help but feel that adhering rigidly to the exact same path would be rather... uninspiring, wouldn't it?

"Checking out your work this early, boys?"

Lowering a pair of binoculars from his face, Meteos' lips quirked as he glanced over his shoulder.

"I'd prefer 'examining,' or 'appreciating,' thank you very much," he jokingly replied, cocking an eyebrow at the new arrivals.

"Mm-hmm, same difference."

With Annette, the silver-haired heiress of the House of Pendragon, leading the entourage, the two girls in her company burst into a giggle that resembled the pleasant tingling of bells. The only other male who stood beside him, Walman, looked at his friend and shrugged.

"You must be the most chaotic aristocrat I've ever acquainted with," Meteos snarked.

"Interesting claim. Have you met my godfather, Lord Victor Legendorga, yet?"

"No... we're negotiating to have a meeting soon, but for now, you are the one that fits the description in my book, Lady Annette Pendragon. I have spoken."

Annette chortled, playing along with the banter, "...Uh, huh. Whatever you say, Meteos. But you're quite a whimsical one yourself. Using binoculars to see things from afar when you can easily walk over to a closer place? Why would you do that? The bridge offers you a better vantage point, why don't you do it from there?"

"Guilty as charged."

"To be fair, this is a nice place to hang out," Walman argued.

"...That's not wrong," the heiress agreed with a sigh.

When the group reached the wharf where Meteos was leaning on its railing, Nadia offered him an ice pop that she had with her.

"We have some ice pops, would you like some?"

"Oh, sure, thank you, Nadia," he graciously accepted the thoughtful offer. Seeing Meteos visibly delighted, the usually demure blonde's irises gleamed in happiness. The cool sweetness of the ice pop was a welcome contrast to the sunny weather that made them wear lighter outfits to cope with the heat. Savoring the flavor, a smile played on his lips as he enjoyed this simple pleasure.

"...Hmm, yes. There's nothing that can rival the sugared kiss of icy delight amidst a summer's embrace."

Annette rolled her eyes, "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Nadia's boyfriend is such a sophisticated young man when it comes to culinary matters."

"Each meal only happens once in your life, so make each and every one important."

"Of course," the heiress sighed again.

"Hey, where's mine?" Walman called out.

"Calm down. Here," Annette handed him a chocolate-flavored one. It was just a banter between friends that they usually do when they are together like this time, so there's no need to get heated as if the environment wasn't hot enough already.

It was mostly due to Annette's aristocratic pride, but these three girls still felt indebted to Robin and her apprentices for helping them in the past. With members of the esteemed MOASEC vouching for them and their own impressive performance in their respective majors, the prospect of them catching the Ministry's attention had become increasingly likely. What had initially begun as a casual monitoring effort by Robin to seek academically gifted individuals had, over time, blossomed into a genuine friendship among them. As a result, they often spent their free time together, exploring various locales in the capital whenever their schedules permitted—much like they were doing today.

Note that neither of the parties concerned tried to deny or be flustered by Annette's earlier remark. Yes, there was progress there as well. The interactions they've made thus far seemed to do wonders to improve Nadia's own confidence. One step led to another, and eventually, both Nadia and Meteos mustered enough courage to confess their mutual feelings for each other. As a result of this development, Robin is now an agent, a professor, an engineer, a mage, and a chaperone... who was supposed to be there with them, but for some reason was absent.

"By the way, Meteos," Nadia who noticed this tilted her head as she asked (which was very adorable, in the addressed one's opinion), "Is Miss Robin too busy that she can't join us here? Where is she?"

With a nod, Meteos acknowledged, "She's running some errands, but don't worry, she will join us later."

"I see."

"There's a restaurant around here called In Bocca al Lupo, Teacher said that she will meet us there."

"Oh, I know that one," Sofia perked up. "Let's go there later?"

"No objections."

"Alright, it's decided, then."

While Sofia silently fist-pumped, Nadia leaned on the unoccupied railing beside Meteos, briefly glancing in the direction across the waters before asking him. "Are you looking for something?"

"Nothing, just observing a very busy Academy Yards. Fancy taking a look?"

"Mm."

Gingerly borrowing the binoculars from Meteos, Nadia peered through them to see a wide ship sporting two parallel hulls, linked by a command tower currently undergoing renovations. Adjacent to this vessel, she spotted the other slipways were occupied by the ongoing construction of three large ships and one smaller hull, each in various stages of completion.

On the opposite side of the waterfront park, situated along the southern bank within the Neldorand District, lay a facility known as the Runepolis Magic Academy Shipbuilding Department Dockyard. For brevity's sake, it was often referred to simply as the Academy Yards. With the capability to simultaneously accommodate and service three wide catamaran-hulled magic aviation motherships, it stood as easily the largest shipyard within the Holy Empire, also known for its exceptional infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. Two other facilities of similar prestige were the Kuat Drive Yards in Cartalpas, a city famous for being not only the center of the world trade but also the homeport of the mighty Zeroth Magic Fleet; and the Exegol Fleet Dockyard in Hecate Anor along the eastern coast. These three collectively represented the pinnacle of Milishian shipbuilding expertise.

"It's been a while since I've been there. It seems that business is flourishing," Nadia remarked, remembering the time when Robin, her teacher and savior from that night, still dragged her around and introduced her to Meteos and Walman in an attempt to break her out of her shell. She can't thank the professor enough for that.

"Yeah, it made sense that they're going to be the ones to receive the government's order to construct those capital ships... now, how's college life treating you, Nadia? Are there any problems?" Meteos asked. Curious, but with concern bleeding into his voice.

In response, she hummed with a slight blush, "Don't worry, everything is alright. Things are awkward at first because I'm the only acceleration student in my class... but people there are nice once you get to know them."

"I'm glad to hear it."

Propping her elbows on the railing, Annette called out from his other side, "Yes, Meteos, it's nice that you're concerned about your girlfriend, but you don't really have to."

"...Idly noted."

"So... how about you tell me what those ships are, Meteos."

Annette was part of the RMA's Spellcrafting Department, a field of study revolving around inventing new spells or optimizing existing ones—an endeavor somewhat akin to what one might refer to, but not necessarily similar to 'programming' with the magic spell components. As part of their curriculum, they also had the opportunity to tinker with Manadriver technology that was gaining popularity within the country. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but be impressed by the prowess displayed by her alma mater in living up to their reputation as famous shipwrights. The same was true for Nadia, an aspiring alchemist, and Sofia, a medicine student.

"Sure thing. That wide one with two flat hulls is a Silver-class magic aviation mothership that is basically a seagoing airbase, the Ascendant Justice of the First Magic Fleet. It looks like she's being maintained and refitted. The three large ones next to her are the new Silver-class magic battleships built to replace the older ships in the numbered fleets, while that last one is a Steel-class magic heavy cruiser. I got word that all of those will come out of the docks equipped with the conductive magnetic radars," Meteos explained.

"The new technology that you guys created..." the heiress and her friends nodded in amazement. Annette followed with a knowing grin, "Haha, so you really are checking out your work! You must've been very proud of yourself, no?"

"I would be lying if I said no. We also still have our visions for the future beyond that satisfaction, if I might add."

"Mm-hmm, of course you do. Can you give us an example of those visions?"

Meteos glanced at her for a moment. "An example? Oh, for one I want future ships similar to the Ascendant Justice over there to have only one hull capable of launching Heavenly Vessels by catapulting them into the sky, possessing the ability to detect and strike at enemies so far away that your eyes can't see it yet, bonus if it can use bullets that can follow enemies so that it will never miss. I mean, look at her, that ship can easily be two ships."

Beat.

"Is that... even realistic?" Sofia blurted, having a hard time processing what she perceived as idealistic blabbering.

"I don't know about you guys, but some in the Ancient Ministry believe that 'if you can't use magic to do whatever you want, then you're doing it wrong.' They're a bunch of dreamers and you shouldn't take those words at face value, but they're on to something," Walman told them.

"In the first place, succumbing to that notion is the weakness of the mind that prevented you from becoming a true great mage, anyway. If you still think that some things are just impossible, thus becoming a shackle in your effort of studying and trying to uncover the secrets of the world, then you should quit being a mage. An utter waste of time, that's all you'll manage to become."

"...There's wisdom behind those words, but that's rather harsh," Nadia replied with a frown.

Sofia nodded frantically, "Yeah, don't tell me that you engineers are such a crazy bunch."

"Probably an Ancient Ministry thing," Annette muttered under her breath.

"I did prove my point through what they're doing over there, didn't I? There's the Aikon Corporation, there's also Teacher with her Manadriver. Those are dreams. 'Unrealistic' dreams, but now all of the Holy Empire wants them."

His friends gave him reluctant nods and shrugs.

"Then if you still don't believe me, then please keep watching. Maybe the odds are things aren't going our way, but I'd really prefer to see us try to destroy that iron rule and change the world. This is the Way."

"This is the Way," Walman affirmed sagely.

"...Is it possible to learn this power?" Annette asked with a deadpan.

Having heard a strikingly similar sentiment from her godfather before, she now found herself idly entertaining the notion that Meteos might be a Legendorga in disguise. Victor's words had once echoed in her mind, as he had remarked that those who championed the so-called 'realism' often don't realize that they were, in essence, imposing their own vision of the 'ideal' onto those who dared to dream. When people tried to shoot down his dream, he gave them grimoires.

"Not from a realist," Meteos replied.

"...and the Muish too?"

Meteos, neither confirming nor denying Sofia's question, raised his hand in a so-so gesture. Having placed Mu's capability in high regard to the point of overestimating and having seen a significant divergence from the original history earlier, the thought of Mu being unaffected by the divergence and staying the same is... disappointing, to say the least.

The reincarnator eventually settled with a conclusion, however. "In their own way, they are wild cards. Always expect for the unexpected."

"Huh... never before I met someone who sees people who can't use magic with such wariness..."

"This is the Way."

Annette groaned. That catchphrase is going to be thrown around a lot, isn't it? At least it won't be as bombastic as Victor Legendorga's "Happy Birthdays."

...right?

❖⟐❖⟐❖

10:00

When the door to the place where she was waiting slid open with a quiet whirring sound, Robin's eyes immediately snapped open as she jolted awake from her nap.

"I apologize for the wait. Are you having a nice rest in our establishment... Agent Flamberge?"

"Yeah... I need that rest," Robin chuckled at the young woman in a waitress uniform who came inside and addressed her with an air of professional cordiality.

The room, devoid of any embellishments aside from a cozy bed and a small table, was part of one of the many outposts for the Order of the Ancients operating within the Sleepless Magical City. Seeing that Robin arrived with an even more haggard look than usual, the Handler of the outpost told her to take a rest in one of the secret rooms while his assistant retrieved an item requested by Robin the day before.

The waitress spoke again, "But I must remind you, Agent Flamberge. You are a mentor to a pair of Apprentice Mages, and one of the younglings under your care is beginning to show romantic interest to a friend of the same age. Your duty as a mentor is to oversee your apprentices so that they will not step out of the line. Please make sure to exercise caution."

Robin groaned, "Oi... cut me some slack, will you? You're not the one working in the Ancient Ministry. Meteos acts mature enough to refrain from doing something stupid, too. Besides, there are also other members who are lurking nearby to guard them and report to me if anything happens... I should get that covered, right?"

The waitress nodded emphatically, but continued with the same tone, "This is merely a word of caution. Any mishap done by your charges will be a blemish to not only your public career, but also your normal life, be mindful."

"Yeah, thanks for the advice. I'm not following Bandero Capone's example."

"We'll be the judge of that."

"Meh."

If the waitress was exasperated by Robin's flippant answer, she didn't show it. Instead, she proceeded to gently place a white container on the table, which drew the bespectacled brunette's attention.

"Here is the item that you requested last night; the setting is as per your requirements."

Visually speaking, this container looked like a glorified metallic bucket-like thing made of mithril with what appeared to be panels with hinges at the bottom. In addition, its lid sported a small square interface, akin to the control panels of a magic barrier door, and three buttons. Due to Robin's request, this particular container was customized to be only able to be opened by herself and her two apprentices thanks to the personnel at the other end programming the circuits with their mana signatures. By pressing the interface with her thumb and channeling a sliver of mana through her hand, Robin disengaged its locking mechanism and opened the container by pressing one of the buttons, letting one panel swing downward to reveal what was stored inside.

Robin smiled at the sight, picking up one to examine it.

Stored inside the container was a stack of bluish-tinted silver ingots, and as soon as Robin touched one with her bare hands and channeled mana into it, the ingot was quickly enveloped in a translucent blue aura. After she was done briefly examining them, Robin stored the ingot back into the container and stood up.

"Are you making a suit of armor with that much pure orichalcum?" the waitress asked with curiosity.

"Naah..." Robin shook her head, "The key point here is not the strength but its inherent magical properties. It's quite a piece of work to handle, but when we're done with it, we'll be opening a pathway to abilities some may consider to be... unnatural, if you catch my drift."

"People say the same thing when talking about magic circuits. Are you making an exorbitantly expensive version of one, then?"

"Try to use your imagination," Robin smirked and spoke cryptically.

"...Very well. In any case, thank you for your continued patronage of the Order of the Ancients Express Delivery Service. It's a pleasure working with you, Agent Flamberge. May the August Star light your way," the waitress bowed with a smile.

"Likewise. The Order's resources are no joke as usual."

By now, Robin, fully rested, placed the container inside her bag and was planning to head to the outside world with the item, wait for her apprentices and their friends, and have something to eat. However, the waitress continued.

"Before you leave, would you like to take a course of the Order of the Ancients 'Express Grooming Service'? It is a one-time special offer from the Handler."

Robin's expression fell flat. Obviously that old man is poking fun at the irony associated with the Calvellos.

"Bakura, you bastard..."

…………

In Bocca al Lupo, William Ameir District

A restaurant in the daytime that turns into a bar that caters to adult clientele at night, all while displaying the statuette of a prancing wolf above its nameplate. This was the In Bocca al Lupo, an establishment occupying the corner of a vintage red-painted building that sits on a location where the briny scent of the sea breeze began to wane, gradually giving way to the looming skyscrapers of the business district. Managed by a Handler who also occupies the position of the owner, the restaurant was just one of the legitimate business fronts that also generated income for the Order of the Ancients by selling a wide variety of cuisine to the public.

Handler Bakura Paramita, a wolf beastman in a striped suit with hints of graying on his dark hair, sat on one end of the counter and blissfully ignored the stink eye shot by a neatly groomed Robin while she was eating at the other end across from him. The waitress from earlier, posing as Bakura's niece Rumi, was busy taking the customers' orders.

A magical transmission device between them was broadcasting a certain program that was on air at that hour.

"...well then, to change the mood, let's listen to my latest single! It's been number one on Runepolis' Top 100 Group for three weeks straight! Enjoy!"

"Woooh, here it is, here it is, here it is!" one of the patrons exclaimed.

"Owner, turn up the volume, please!"

Seeing Bakura obliging to the request and turning the dial, the cheering patrons clapped and sang along.

"Man... how mysterious... why does her voice attract my heart so?" commented someone in the background.

"Ha! What a foolish question! There can only be one reason... she must be... AN ANGEL!"

More cheers.

"Fanboys..." Robin rolled her eyes, seeing men reverting to boys the moment the song reached its vocal part. Despite the singer's nice voice, her fans' sheer enthusiasm gave Robin secondhand embarrassment upon seeing it.

"Does that snake eyes ever cringe seeing the most diehard of her fans?" she mumbled.

"And here our little devil is making a long face..." Bakura teased.

"Who are you calling a little devil?"

"Hahaha, if you're going to stay that way, why not have a non-sweet drink? It's on the house," the wolfman chuckled. "...I bet if you tidy up a little, you'll make men cry too. And by that, I don't mean by your fists, but by your looks."

"Like what, like that 'Healing Princess Ciara' on the transmitter?"

Bakura smiled knowingly.

Robin brushed him off, "Yeah, right. Are you sure that there are who cry for me?"

"Honestly... the way I see it, you're just like a cocktail without olive in it."

"Oh, yeah? What does that mean!?"

"I mean you're alright, but not complete."

"Well... my bad!" Robin exclaimed, pushing away the now empty plate from her. "Thanks for the meal, by the way."

"No sweat. Oh, isn't your young apprentice—"

"Okay, that's a low blow, old man!"

Robin was indignant, but Bakura seemed to be impervious to her annoyance. He merely gave her a throaty laugh, as if thoroughly enjoying the exchange. And after the older man walked off, the brunette propped her hands on the table with a pout and waited for her apprentices and their friends' arrival.

Currently Publicly Available Information

CAMTONO

A camtono is a type of security container used for storing valuables that originated from the Holy Milishial Empire. It is a cylindrical container consisting of a fixed metal frame, three movable panels hinged at the bottom and locked shut at the top, and a lid part. The lid boasts control buttons for each panel and in some customized variants, a magical interface set for one or more specific mana signature so that only certain individuals can unlock it.