"You should know what comes next. After all, the order to arrest us was yours, oh mighty～ Great～ Guardian～♪" Ellie's voice was calm, almost teasing, as she stood before Cocolia.
Cocolia's face darkened, her expression unreadable. But Ellie didn't flinch.
After a long pause, Cocolia snapped, "Send out my orders. Imprison the guilty. Expand the search. Find the rest of her accomplices."
She turned her back, refusing to look at Ellie again.
As the Silvermane Guards stepped forward, Ellie tilted her head. "Wait a minute～♪"
The guards hesitated, glancing at Cocolia.
"Don't listen. Take her away," Cocolia said coldly.
Ellie smiled. "No need to be so harsh. If a prisoner struggles, it's not easy to escort her～♪"
Suddenly, the guards found their feet encased in pink crystal. They panicked, raising their halberds to strike, but Cocolia waved her hand. A pulse of invisible force shattered the crystal.
She turned, eyes sharp. "One more trick, and I'll kill you myself."
Ellie's smile didn't waver. A floating crystal flower hovered beside her. "If I die, this flower breaks. My companions will know. And I wonder what your lovely guards will face then～♪"
Cocolia sneered. "Then I'll take it and make sure it doesn't break."
Ellie's grin widened. "Go ahead. Try it～♪"
Cocolia hesitated. She didn't know what Ellie was hiding, but she wasn't willing to gamble.
"Speak," she said finally. "Let's hear what else you have to say."
Ellie's voice softened. "Let me tell you a story. Once, a group of little white rabbits wandered through endless snow. Lost and afraid, they met a weasel with a lamp. The weasel promised warmth, food, and shelter. The leader of the rabbits followed. Later, their bodies were found scattered in the snow. The end～♪ Next time, I'll charge for the sequel."
Cocolia was silent. Her eyes flicked to the window.
"Take her away," she said hoarsely.
Ellie didn't resist. She let herself be escorted, her expression serene.
"Trial's over. Everyone out," Cocolia ordered. The guards filed out.
Alone, Cocolia whispered to the air, "Is what she said true?"
A voice replied, "Why would I lie to you?"
"You better not."
Silence.
—
Ellie was escorted by a short, bespectacled Silvermane Guard—Pela.
"Wow, Miss Silvermane Guard, you're so cute～♪" Ellie chirped.
"Shut up! Prisoners don't talk!" Pela snapped.
"Oh, don't be shy. Complimenting others is a virtue～♪"
Pela gritted her teeth. This girl is impossible.
"If you speak again, I'll gag you," Pela warned.
Ellie paused for two seconds. "So what's your name? I'm curious～♪"
Pela groaned and stuffed a handkerchief into Ellie's mouth.
Peace at last.
—
Later, during meal delivery, another guard removed the gag.
Ellie smiled sweetly. "Tell me your name, beautiful escort～♪"
From outside, Pela shouted, "I can't stay in that prison another second!"
Ellie sighed. "Too bad. She looked so cute when she was angry～♪"
—
Meanwhile, in the lower levels of Jarilo VI…
"Damn it! Sister Ellie didn't come down!" March groaned.
Like the original tale, Sampo had led them through the Fragmentum. Ellie had stayed behind, saying she had other plans.
Danheng placed a hand on March's shoulder. "She'll be fine. I've seen her serious side. She's quite strong."
"I hope so…" March murmured.
—
Back in the prison, Ellie sat quietly.
"To the air," she said, "Don't worry. I never act without a plan. And with my strength, I'll be fine～♪"
She paused, then added softly, "If you're worried about this planet… even a beautiful girl like me might cry."
She smiled at the bars. "Alright. I'll leave them to your care. Don't get too excited～♪"
Her eyes sparkled.
"I'm looking forward to it…"