Souta, Meliora, and Pikonota traveled without rest.

  They passed through arid lands, where the wind cut like blades.

  Through foul swamps, where creatures whispered in the waters.

  Through poor villages, where the people looked at them with fear.

  And through mystical forests, where the light seemed alive.

  Mel, the little bee familiar, recorded everything in her **recording book**, with childlike enthusiasm.

  Until they arrived at the **Village of Arven**.

  The marketplace was a vivid contrast:

  Stalls of colorful fruits, shining fabrics, spices that perfumed the air.

  The people spoke loudly, negotiating, laughing, arguing.

  Souta and Pikonota were already in a quarrel.

  — *This price is a robbery!* — Souta grumbled.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  — *Robbery is what you do with everyone’s patience.* — Pikonota retorted.

  Meanwhile, Meliora stepped away.

  — *I’ll just buy something quickly…*

  She stopped before a flower stall.

  The petals were crystalline, reflecting the light like little suns.

  Meliora smiled, enchanted.

  Then, a soft, trembling voice came from behind her:

  — *I-I… also like these flowers…*

  Meliora turned.

  A young woman with bluish-purple hair, melancholic eyes, timid posture.

  She seemed out of place in the crowd.

  — *Ah… hello.* — Meliora smiled.

  — *You like them too?*

  The young woman blushed.

  — *Y-yes… b-but… I never buy them… I always think… they don’t suit me…*

  Meliora laughed softly.

  — *Don’t say that. Flowers suit anyone.*

  The young woman looked away, nervous.

  — *Y-you’re too kind…*

  — *What’s your name?* — Meliora asked.

  The young woman hesitated.

  — *N-nad… Nadane.*

  Meliora smiled.

  — *Pleasure, Nadane. I’m Meliora.*

  Nadane widened her eyes.

  — *M-Meliora…? Wh-what… what a beautiful name…*

  Her voice trembled so much it seemed comical.

  Meliora laughed again.

  — *You’re funny.*

  The two walked side by side through the market.

  They talked about flowers, books, and sweets.

  Meliora felt strangely comfortable.

  *“She’s strange… but I feel something familiar in her.”*

  Meanwhile, Nadane thought in silence:

  *“She’s so… warm. If she knew who I really am… she would hate me.”*

  From afar, Souta watched.

  His eyes half-closed, suspicious.

  — *Hmph… that new girl… smells like trouble.*

  Pikonota munched on an apple, indifferent.

  — *Or smells like romance, Mister Spoon.*

  Souta sighed.

  — *I’d rather face a demon than deal with romance.*