The Star Spire in the Nebulis Sovereignty.
It was the closest garden in the world to the sky. Alice reclined absentmindedly on a
pure-white bench in the hanging garden that smelled of dewy flowers.
"..." She held an empty watering can, already finished with her daily chores. She was
splayed out in the chair as though she were all out of strength.
Was that a look of annoyance on her face?
They had passed by each other just as she thought she had finally found Iska.
She had witnessed him diving into the vortex, not heeding Rin's warnings to stop. Alice
had plunged in after Iska, thinking she'd finally run into him at last.
"That astral energy is to blame. I can't believe it peaked and surged right at that
moment…"
There had been a turbulence in the astral energy that had been so great even Alice
couldn't control it. That must mean the astral spirit had risen so much that it had been
incredibly close. And in its aftermath, Alice and Iska had been separated once again.
…When we got blown up to the surface, we were pulled apart by the impact.
…Which means Iska must have gotten out of there. So at the very least, he's safe.
But this meant their promise to settle matters had all come to naught.
"Ugh, seriously. Out of all things. I can't believe the astral spirit got in my way! Truly
horrible timing!" Alice hollered as she waved the watering can in circles. "I thought
we'd finally meet again. Iska, I'll have a battle with you next time. You better stay alive
until you fight me!"
Plus, she'd missed another chance to return the borrowed handkerchief.
That's what was on her mind.