2 [2] A Week

"It's been a week." Headmaster Rayuu grumbled, his hands on his hair.

Three hours after the Tantabin Mansion was set up in flames, a passerby reported the burnt building and everyone immediately took action. After a small inspection around the place, there was nothing for them to crack this case. All they know was the materials before the incident.

There was a Celebration Party for his students' graduation. Everything was going well and it sounded like they all had fun with the smooth flow of reports coming in on his Communication Device. But as he read the eleventh letter, there was a knock on his door telling him that there was a fire on the Venue where his students were supposed to be.

He didn't believe them at first but he still trailed behind and check out what kind of prank his students decide to pull out now. When he arrived to the mansion however, his heart shattered when he sees all that's left of the building was the charred foundation.

*Knock knock knock*

The Headmaster straightened his posture as he fixes his hair and desk. After clearing his throat, he called for the person to enter. A sad glint shimmered on his eyes when he sees who was the person from the other end, "Dame Rea..."

"Wh-why am I receiving condolence letters from the Teachers and Knights? Did something happen to Reese?" Her voice progressively got quicker. "D-did he do something stupid again? Don't worry, Headmaster Rayuu, I'll get that brain of his to follow the rules."

Rayuu lowered his head, "A week ago, the 645th batch held a graduation party in Tantabin Mansion. There was a fire, and the building was burned to the ground. None of the participants are found as of now."

She places her hands on his desk, "My brother is from the 643rd."

"Well is there someone you know that he might be close to in the 645th?" He asked softly, being very careful as to not entice a raging Knight.

Realization sparked in her eyes, "Cellie..." She collapsed on the chair, a hand on her forehead as she slowly takes in the information. Rayuu grabbed the box of tissues under his table and placed it beside the Knight. "What are the current leads in the situation..?"

Rayuu let out a heavy sigh, "Other than the fire being abnormally made, nothing else." His hands clenched into a fist. "Not even Elemental Traces."

"So they're all just... dead..?" Tears sprung in her eyes.

"Presumed dead. There is still ho—"

Rea groaned. She stood from the chair and began walking away from the Headmaster, "There you are again with all this hope bullshit. This is why casualties always befall on Willow Students..."

The Headmaster simply lowered his head, not having anything else to say otherwise.

———

She watches the approaching figure with interest. It has been a long time since she'd gotten any visitors, the only ones being her brother who brings her groceries and fill her in with how the world has been working. Not to mention she moves too much for people to actually find her.

At first, she thought that this was her younger sister. Because the wind told her that the approaching person had a bigger chest than a third leg. She was so delighted to see how her little sister has grown from these past few decades and from the countless of stories from Roy, she knows that her sister has grown up to be a fine young lady.

Her happiness dissipated when she was greeted by the familiar figure of the runaway princess from the Sierra Family. Her disappointment was immeasurable and her curiosity was peaked.

After ten minutes of observing what she was doing in her swamp. The Princess finally had enough wandering like a lost child that was three seconds away from death.

"Nana! Where are you!"

"None of your concern."

"I should have known you were there." She heard her mumble, "Can we talk? There are news that reached to me that I think will peak your interest."

"If it's about Animosence's Throne, then I'll have to pass. Even if the two of us are both nomads that taken a liking to the life of a mercenary, I will not give up my freedom for such title."

"I'm not here to convince you to take the position as Heiress back." The Princess takes a breath. "Your Family is presumed dead."

*ROOOOOAAAAR*

[A Weak Ground Golem has appeared!]

Remember when Nana mentioned she was three seconds away from death? That was what she was pertaining to. The swamp she was currently living in was a Rifted Area. So Monsters littered here and there.

She jumped from her branch and drew her swords. The blade pierced through its tough skin like butter. She landed safely on her knees and after flicking her blades from the dust, she sheathed it back to its scabbard. The Golem was cut in half, dissipating when it started to fall.

[Opponent Defeated! Knight Lumen gained 4833 EXP!]

"W-wow..." The princess commented in awe, looking terrified and enchanted.

"What do you mean my Family is presumed dead?"

The girl began re-telling what she'd learn. From the fire to the current lead, which was how the fire was abnormally created.

Nana lead them to her camp, her face tense as she continued listening while flaring her killing intent in pulses to ward off monsters.

As the princess finished her tale, an uncomfortable silence enveloped around them. Nana was busy taking in the information while the princess was afraid of the older woman, as she should be from her demonstration of strength.

Nana motioned for her to sit at the broken down log and the princess made herself comfortable. Nana pulled a pot away from the fire and place it on the rock she'd flattened. She pulled out two bowls from her CG's storage and began preparing them Lunch.

When she was offered soup, the princess gratefully took it and began taking small sips, humming in satisfaction at the warmth that enveloped her stomach.

"Thank you..." Nana glanced at her.

"For what?"

"For the food. It would be rude to not thank the person that made it would it?"

"...I guess not."

The Princess takes a deep breath, gathering as much courage as she could to say her next words, "Let me formally introduce myself. I am Zora Sierra, a striving mercenary of the Nine Regions."

Nana took her held out hand and gave it a little shake. "Navine Anna Animosence. A Travelling Mercenary of Three Regions." She said, giving her a weird look when Zora's face contorted to... something, as she takes a sip of her food. "How's the food?" She asked uncertainly.

"Delicious." Zora slightly bowed her head, "Please lend me the recipe later."

"Sure." Nana stands, "Only after you accompany me in a mission." She walks to the nearby stream and filled her empty bowl with fresh water where she took a big gulp. She filled her bowl again and splashed it on the campfire. The flames sizzling until only charcoal was left.

"M-mission? With me?"

"Yes." She grabbed Zora's bowl and stored the items back in her CG, not even bothered when she didn't wash it. "If I remember correctly, you know Cellie more than anyone in this world."

A crease formed between Zora's eyebrows, "But that doesn't make any sense that'll lead us to finding them..."

"You'll see... or more specifically, you'll remember."