Chapter 343 - Sanjouno Haruhime
On the city wall, a figure with her back to them caught Mahiro's eye like a striking painting. Her flowing blonde hair danced lightly in th
On the city wall, a figure with her back to them caught Mahiro's eye like a striking painting.
Her flowing blonde hair danced lightly in the breeze, shimmering under the sunlight, a radiant vision of Orario's famed Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein.
She stood gazing beyond the city, lost in thought, unaware of their approach.
"Ais!" Tiona's exuberant shout shattered the serene moment.
Ais flinched, turning slowly. Her delicate face held a peculiar expression—guilt, like a child caught misbehaving, dreading a scolding.
"Mahiro, Tiona, how did you find me?" Ais asked, her tension easing slightly upon seeing only them.
"Mahiro brought me here," Tiona replied cheerfully.
"Mahiro?" Ais tilted her head, puzzled by how he'd known her whereabouts.
"Just a hunch," Mahiro said, smiling. "Felt like you might be here. Maybe we're in sync."
Ais averted her gaze, a faint pink dusting her cheeks under the sun's glow. "Okay," she murmured, avoiding his eyes.
"No fox girl around…" Tiona said, scanning the area with a hint of frustration. "I knew Ais wouldn't steal anyone. Ishtar's lot is just stirring trouble."
"Um…" Ais' voice faltered, her guilt palpable.
"Come on, Ais, let's head back," Tiona urged, grinning. "We were worried sick when you vanished overnight."
"Sorry…" Ais said, lowering her head in apology.
"But… I did take the fox girl from the Ishtar Familia," she admitted, her voice soft but heavy with remorse.
Tiona's expression froze, conflicted. Ais' confession defied her image as the stoic Sword Princess who'd never do something so rash.
"Sorry for the trouble," Ais said, head bowed like a scolded child.
"She's in there, isn't she?" Mahiro asked, nodding toward a corner tower on the wall. Orario's vast ramparts featured such guard posts at intervals.
Ais nodded. "I let her rest inside."
"Let's get her and return her to Ishtar. Finn can handle the negotiations," Tiona said, relieved.
Ais opened her mouth but hesitated, unable to find words.
"You don't want to give her back, do you?" Mahiro asked, reading her reluctance.
"Mm," Ais replied softly, her tone betraying her unwillingness.
"I get it," Mahiro said, stepping closer to gently pat her head. He sensed her unease.
"Leave it to me," he said, his warm smile reassuring.
Ais didn't pull away, leaning into the comforting gesture. His calm voice melted her anxiety, instilling a quiet trust that Mahiro could handle anything.
"Call her out. We'll meet Finn and the others—they're scouring the streets for you," Mahiro said.
"Okay," Ais agreed, nodding without protest.
"Your bond with Mahiro's getting tight!" Tiona teased, pouting. "I'm jealous. I couldn't get you to budge, but one word from Mahiro, and you're all in."
Ais' cheeks flushed deeper, and she quickened her pace, hurrying into the tower to fetch the fox girl.
"It's really her…" Mahiro muttered, eyeing the girl Ais brought out.
Sanjouno Haruhime's hair rivaled Ais', crowned with fox-like ears and a fluffy tail that begged to be touched.
About seventeen, she stood tall in a red kimono, its bold hue exuding an aristocratic grace.
Her beauty, though not quite divine like Ais, was close, her emerald eyes striking yet lifeless, lacking the spark even Ais' doll-like gaze held.
"What's your name?" Mahiro asked.
"I am Sanjouno Haruhime. You may call me Haruhime, sir," she said calmly, her demeanor that of a refined noblewoman, unshaken despite her situation.
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