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Chapter 17 - Chapter 17 – Last Day in Secret Sky City

Scene: Inside a room, Hima, Lal, Koshi, Ruyo, Hima's three guards, Mega (hidden in Lal's shadow), and Mera with TANK are present.

Lal (thinking): "Today is the last day… meaning we're leaving. And Princess Mera has called us here."

Mera: "So, Princess Hima, the alliance between the Secret Sky City and your kingdom is complete."

Hima: "Yes, Princess Mera."

Mera: "Here's a bag—it gives you permission to teleport. You must have seen the teleportation doors across the jungle. And besides this, these mana-powered cars are a gift from the Secret Sky City."

Scene: A car is parked in the room, visible through the window.

Hima: "Thank you, Princess."

Mera: "By the way, does your kingdom want to give any gift in return?"

Hima: "Hmm? What can a small kingdom like mine give the Secret Sky City?"

Mera: "Oh well… one thing is your personal guard, Lal."

Hima (tense): "! S… sorry, Princess, but I cannot give him!"

Mera (laughing): "Hahaha, I'm joking. But Lal is very powerful. I'm pretty sure if he stays loyal to your kingdom, no second-rate kingdom could defeat yours—even with a third-rate army."

Lal: "Thank you, Princess Mera."

Mera: "Lal, if you want, you can stay here a few more days and train under TANK to increase your power."

Lal: "Thank you for the offer, Princess, but… when we first arrived, Princess was attacked. At that time, there were about 20 soldiers, and only a few survived. My timing was perfect—I arrived in time to save the Princess. So it's my responsibility to protect her even when leaving."

Ruyo (thinking): "Does he think I'm weak? Well, it's true—if he hadn't come, neither the Princess nor I would be here today."

Mera: "I see… well, it's your choice. But Princess Hima, I want to tell you—my eyes have observed your guard, and he didn't refuse my request."

Hima: "Sorry, Princess."

Mera: "It's okay. I didn't mean it that way. But if Lal ever has a request, he can tell me—I'll fulfill it."

Lal: "No, no, Princess. I have no requests."

Mera: "I see… then if there's ever a request in the future, I'll fulfill one request for anyone under me."

Lal: "Thank you, Princess Mera."

Koshi: "Princess Hima, we should leave now, or it will get dark." (whisper)

Hima: "Um, hmm… okay, Princess Mera, we'll take our leave."

Mera: "Yes."

Scene: Hima and the others leave.

Scene: Hima and Koshi sit in the mana car; the others mount their horses, while Lal sits on Mega's back.

Ruyo: "Okay, let's go."

Scene: They start moving.

Scene: After some time, they reach a teleportation door and pass through it.

Scene: They arrive deep in the jungle.

Koshi: "Now traveling further will be easier, Princess."

Hima: "Yes."

Scene: The car starts moving, with everyone protecting it.

Scene: Later, night falls.

Scene: They stop in an open field and park the mana car. Two tents are set up—one for Princess Hima and Koshi, and one for Ruyo and Lal. Meanwhile, three soldiers stand guard.

Scene: Lal is shown thinking.

Lal (thinking): "Oh man… I can't sleep."

Scene: Lal stands and enters the tent.

Lal: "You three go rest. I'll keep watch."

Guard 1: "But sir—"

Lal: "It's my order. Besides, I can't sleep anyway."

Guard 2: "Yes, sir."

Scene: The three guards enter the tent while Lal sits by the bonfire.

Lal (thinking): "Hmm… how beautiful the night is."

Scene: The air is fresh and cool; the clouds are clear, and the stars are visible.

Lal (thinking): "I've never seen so many stars on Earth… wow!"

Scene: Inside Princess Hima's tent.

Hima (thinking): "I can't sleep… I'll just sit a bit."

Scene: Hima sits inside her tent.

Hima (thinking): "Huh? Lal?"

Hima: "So you can't sleep either?"

Lal: "! …Yes. But Princess, please don't suddenly call my name like that."

Hima: "Sorry, sorry! Hihihi." (happy face)

Scene: Hima sits down.

Hima: "Come, sit Lal."

Lal: "Um, hmm."

Hima: "Now sit properly."

Lal: "Okay… as you say."

Scene: Lal sits beside Hima.

Hima: "I have some questions… can I ask?"

Lal: "About me?"

Hima: "Hmm."

Lal: "Okay."

Hima: "Where did you come from? A few days ago, you appeared in the jungle and saved me, but I never asked your history."

Lal: "Hmm… I'm just a traveler searching for a good place to call home."

Lal (thinking): "I can say it like this."

Hima: "I see… and did you find that place?"

Lal: "Yes… hmm." (smiles)

Hima: "By the way, the name Lal is nice, but it sounds a little strange."

Lal: "What do you mean?"

Hima: "My full name is 'HIMA KAZAMA,' but that doesn't matter! Ah! I'll just say it—your name I don't like. I thought of a name for you… if you want, you can use it." (shy, fast tone)

Lal: "Okay!" (tense, shy)

Hima: "'MITY'—how about it?"

Lal: "Mity… that's a nice name. Alright, from now on my name is Mity."

Hima: "Really?"

Mity: "Yes."

Scene: In a room under the Secret Sky City, Rutu is captured with ropes.

Rutu: "Ugh! Once I get out of here, Hima… I won't let you go!"

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