Having placed the dance shoes back down, Viare was overcome with a complex mix of emotions.

Recalling the happy days of the past filled her heart with joy, yet she was painfully aware that such happiness was no longer within her grasp.

Once, she had no doubt that she would always be by Dension’s side.

But the Dension of the past had eventually left her.

Perhaps it was the result of her own arrogance and hubris.

After her return, many things around her had changed, including the fact that Dension would no longer be with her forever. Thinking of Dension brought a dual sensation of happiness and pain, leaving her unable to find solace.

“I’m fine. As long as you’re alive.”

The only thing Viare could utter was reassurances to herself.

Her only fortune now was the hope that Dension would survive and not die.

She would ask for nothing more if only this wish were fulfilled.

Sometimes, reminiscing about their past, known only to her, was all the satisfaction she could muster.

Since she was the only one who remembered their memories with Dension, Viare vowed to never forget and forever cherish them.

When it was time to go to bed, she noticed a blue light emanating from the drawer of her mahogany desk.

Upon hastily opening it, she found a card emitting a sparkling blue light.

It was the magical device Bernaude had received from 34th Street.

It seemed the time had finally been set for Viare to meet the entity known as ‘The Absence of God’.

As soon as she touched the card, blue letters were etched onto it:

‘The Return of the Absence of God, the night of the Sabbath, at 10:30 PM.’

After confirming the message, the magical device gradually lost its light and eventually disappeared completely.

Viare, who had been anxiously waiting for this moment, would never forget it.

It was a desperate yet joyous occasion for her, as she was now a step closer to uncovering the truth about his death.

“I’m sorry for making you wait, Sion. I’ll soon uncover the truth about your death.”

Viare’s birthday party, different from the past, had ended, and a few more days had passed.

In the Ruschev Duke’s residence, Ushua’s presence had a tremendous impact, changing the atmosphere of the house just because she was there.

Her presence was a great comfort to Viare, leaving her grateful yet regretful for not being able to take better care of her.

The one who felt the most regret at Ushua’s impending departure was none other than the Duke.

“It’s already time for you to return to the Eastern Kingdoms? I wish you could stay a little longer.”

“Father, even if I go back now, I’ll have been away for almost a month. I have a conscience, too.”

Ushua, jesting and smiling, was soon to leave for her country, and that day was to be the evening of the upcoming Sabbath.

Her father, the head of the Genshaoti clan, had sent an urgent messenger, asking her to return as her absence had become too significant.

Considering the considerable distance to the Eastern Kingdoms, even hurrying back would mean significant travel time.

“I wish I could personally see you off.”

“No, Father. You have already done more than enough for me.”

For a devout follower of Ekartho not to visit the temple on the Sabbath was unthinkable, so the Duke seemed regretful that he couldn’t escort her himself.

On the other hand, Ushua, understanding the situation in the Marta Empire well, seemed unfazed.

Entering the guest room where Ushua had been staying, Viare saw her partially packed belongings and felt a poignant sense of loss and longing.
Ushua, noticing the change in Viare’s expression without her having to say anything, playfully teased her more loudly.

“Don’t cry just because I’m not here.”

“Do I look like a child?”

“Viare, sometimes you should just let it all out.”

“…….”

“You’ve been looking so down since your birthday party.”

“Ushua…….”

Clearly, Viare had tried not to show her feelings even in front of her family, but it seemed she couldn’t fool Ushua’s eyes.

“Do you know how worried I was when you left early that day?”

“…….”

“It doesn’t seem like Prince Ivan the Baby is the one who upset you.”

Ushua, quick to notice, seemed to have already observed and figured out everything about Ivan’s actions.

“……When did you notice all that?”

“The Genshaoti clan has a particularly keen nose.”

“About this matter….”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

Viare had been pondering. Should she ask such a favor of her close friend?

She was deep in thought, wondering if Ushua might be put in danger because of her.

“I want to help my sister. Let me do that.”

But then, she thought, maybe it was okay to lean a little on her friend, who cared about her more than anyone.

“……Ushua, there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Tell me. I’ll gladly help, no matter how difficult the request.”

Ushua, Viare’s only close friend, was considerate, allowing her to speak comfortably.

“On the coming Sabbath evening, could you take me out of the Duke’s residence?”