Chapter 58 Escapse from Arzenal and parting (?) with Hilda

Beside the tent, two girls embraced each other tightly. Lucia held Hilda close, comforting her as she wept. After a few minutes, Hilda's sobs subsided.

"Feeling better now?" Lucia gently lifted Hilda's chin with her thumb and index finger, meeting her gaze with a soft smile.

Hilda nodded, her eyes still glistening with tears. "Yeah... I think so."

"I'm sorry, Hilda. I didn't mean to upset you," Lucia apologized sincerely, her smile tinged with regret. She had intended to lighten the mood with a joke, but it had clearly backfired.

"It's okay," Hilda murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I guess I just... I wasn't expecting it."

"I understand. And I want you to know, I planned for both of us to go to the Misurugi Empire with Ange. I wouldn't leave you behind," Lucia reassured her, her tone earnest.

"Really?" Hilda's eyes widened in surprise.

"Of course. Don't you want to return?" Lucia asked, a hopeful smile playing on her lips.

Hilda hesitated before replying, "I do... but how did you find out about... you know?"

"Your secret? That's for me to know for now," Lucia teased gently, earning a playful pout from Hilda.

"Come on, let's not keep Ange waiting any longer," Lucia suggested, linking her arm with Hilda's as they made their way towards the mansion.

Upon reaching the room where two guards were supposed to be stationed. The door was ajar, and the guards lay unconscious on the ground.

Lucia entered the room. Her eyes scanned the scene before her, taking in the familiar figures of Ange and Misty, along with Momoka. However, her gaze soon fell upon two unexpected figures lying unconscious on the floor: Misty's maid and Emma.

Half an hour ago, Ange had arrived before Lucia.

"It can't be… Angelise-sama?" Misty's voice trembled with disbelief as she uttered the words.

Misty was all too aware of Ange's transformation into a Norma, a fact that had been broadcasted on live television. What should have been a joyous occasion had turned into a nightmare. The crown princess had become a Norma, and the queen lay dead. Even worse, the king had been apprehended, all because he had tried to shield his daughter's secret.

The absurdity of the situation weighed heavily on Misty's mind. How could it be that someone as powerful as the king, the highest authority in the empire, could be taken captive over such a trivial matter? The answer lay with Embryo, a deity-like figure whose decrees were considered absolute. To go against Embryo's will, even in the slightest, was tantamount to rebellion.

As Misty's gaze fell upon Ange, memories of their past encounters flooded her mind. She remembered a time when Ange had long, graceful hair and a beautiful, gentle smile. But now, that image seemed like a distant dream. Ange stood before her with short, blonde hair and an expression that Misty had never seen before – devoid of warmth, replaced only by annoyance.

"It's been a long time, Misty. Did you need something from me?" Ange's voice held a hint of indifference as she made her way to the sofa and took a seat.

Emma, unable to contain her outrage, interjected. "Wait! Is this how you address the princess?" Her voice was laced with anger, but Ange paid her no mind, brushing off the comment with disregard.

Misty, ever composed, addressed Emma with gratitude. "It's alright, Emma-san. Thank you for bringing Angelise-sama here. You may go rest now."

Emma, however, remained steadfast. "It's not a matter of importance, Your Highness. I will stay and keep watch over you. I fear for your safety in her presence."

Acknowledging Emma's concern, Misty allowed her to stay, taking a seat on another sofa nearby. Turning her attention back to Ange, Misty began to speak, determined to address the pressing matters at hand.

"I've been eager to speak with you, Angelise-sama," Misty began, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "When I saw you at the Baptism Ritual, I couldn't believe it. The composed, wise, and beautiful Angelise-sama, whom I've always looked up to, turned out to be a Norma. I thought there must have been some mistake. I had to come with the fleet to find out the truth."

Ange's irritation began to show as Misty continued speaking. Once, she might have been delighted by Misty's admiration, but now her priorities had shifted. She had accepted her identity as a Norma and had even found love. Nevertheless, she had come here because Lucia had urged her to, wanting to hear about the situation with the royal family.

"Is that all you wish to know?" Ange interrupted, her tone betraying her impatience.

Misty faltered for a moment before replying, "Y-yes? Ah, yes."

Ange sighed, her frustration evident. "It's true. I am a Norma, and that's the end of it. Are you satisfied now?"

Misty's response was hesitant. "Yes..." she muttered, feeling a sense of defeat wash over her. She had come seeking the truth, only to be met with confirmation of what she had feared. It was as if her determination to uncover the truth had been in vain.

Emma, who had been itching to scold Ange, remembered Misty's earlier instructions and held her tongue, though the words lingered unspoken on her lips.

"May I ask you a question as well?" Ange inquired, and Misty nodded in agreement.

Ange delved into inquiries about the state of the royal family, and what she discovered left her utterly shocked. The king had been executed only a few days prior.

"Executed?" Ange echoed, her disbelief palpable.

Misty confirmed solemnly, "Yes, for deceiving the people. The Misurugi Royal family's fate is now uncertain."

Ange's mind raced with concern for her sister, Sylvia. If Misty's words held truth, Sylvia's life was in grave danger. Ange couldn't shake the memory of Sylvia's pitiful expression after the accident that had left her unable to walk. It was Ange's mistake, and Sylvia had borne the consequences, relying on a floating chair for mobility ever since. The guilt weighed heavily on Ange, compelling her to protect her sister at all costs.

"Sylvia..." Ange murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She recalled Sylvia's plea for reassurance, urging Ange not to fret and to continue taking her outside. Despite the pain she felt, Sylvia remained resilient, but Ange couldn't bear to see her suffer any longer.

With determination burning in her heart, Ange resolved to help her sister escape the impending threat. However, she knew that once she fled Arzenal, returning would be impossible, and staying within the country would pose its own risks.

Ange contemplated seeking refuge on the island where she had met Lucia, a place free from dragons and enemies. With careful planning and preparation, she could carve out a new life there, away from the turmoil of the empire.

"Hey, Misty," Ange called out, her gaze fixed on Misty.

"Y-yes?" Misty responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Can you help me?" Ange's request hung in the air, catching Misty off guard.

"Help?" Misty echoed, confusion evident in her expression.

"Yes, help me escape from here," Ange requested, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Though taken aback, Misty didn't refuse. However, before she could react further, Emma stood up abruptly, adamantly declaring her opposition. Ange, unfazed, swiftly moved into action. With a precise strike to Emma's neck, she rendered her unconscious, causing the maid to shriek in terror and faint as well.

"Kyaaaa!" The maid's cry pierced the air, alerting the guards stationed outside the room.

In a flurry of movement, two female bodyguards rushed in to protect Misty. Ange wasted no time, engaging them with lightning-fast strikes. Dodging their attacks effortlessly, she incapacitated them with calculated precision, leaving them sprawled on the floor.

As chaos erupted around her, Misty remained surprisingly composed, unperturbed by the unfolding events. Unlike other mana users who might have succumbed to panic, Misty remained resolute.

"Aren't you scare?" Ange asked to Misty because Misty didn't appear to be scare.

"I believe Angelise-sama won't hurt me." Misty reply with confident eyes.

"Pff…ahahaha…" Ange laugh as Misty still believe that she didn't change even after seeing this kind of violent behavior of her.

"It's Ange now. Call me Ange." Ange said to Misty and Misty nodded.

Then moment later they heard the foot steps and turn to look at the door and saw Lucia who also look at them.

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In the aircraft dock, amidst the hustle of loading guns and supplies, Lucia, Ange, Momoka, and Misty worked diligently. Yet, Ange's expression betrayed her inner turmoil.

"Why is she here?" Ange muttered to Lucia, her gaze fixed on Hilda with undisguised disdain.

Ange couldn't fathom why Hilda was coming with them. Hilda had always been a source of trouble, particularly for Ange, who harbored lingering resentment towards her. The memories of Hilda's past attempts to harm her loomed large, casting a shadow over Ange's trust.

But then, something unexpected happened. Hilda approached Ange, her usual aloof demeanor softened by a rare apology. It was a gesture Ange never anticipated, coming from someone as prideful as Hilda. And yet, amidst the chaos of preparation, this unexpected moment of vulnerability left Ange stunned.

In the aircraft dock, Lucia, Ange, Momoka, and Misty bustled about, loading guns and supplies. Ange's expression soured as she watched Hilda join their efforts.

"Why is she here?" Ange whispered to Lucia, her gaze fixed on Hilda with disdain.

Lucia, aware of the tension, exchanged a glance with Ange. Despite Ange's reservations, Lucia nodded subtly, signaling her acceptance of Hilda's presence. Reluctantly, Ange conceded, knowing Lucia wouldn't have approved otherwise.

Hilda, perhaps sensing Ange's unease, approached her with an unexpected apology. Ange, taken aback, couldn't help but question Hilda's sincerity. However, Hilda explained that this might be their last chance to speak before parting ways, a sentiment that softened Ange's resistance, if only slightly.

As they worked, Hilda shared crucial information about the transport aircrafts' security measures. She emphasized the importance of timing in accessing the aircrafts without triggering alarms or causing damage. Ange, begrudgingly acknowledging the necessity of their collaboration, agreed to work alongside Hilda.

Meanwhile, in the commanding room, a green-haired Norma girl eagerly anticipating the festival turned her attention to the newcomer who had just entered.

"Commander!" the green-haired girl exclaimed, leaping to her feet and snapping a salute.

"You'd like to enjoy the festival too, wouldn't you?" Jill remarked to the girl.

"W-well…" the girl stammered, her desire to join the festivities evident. After all, it was the one festival as well as the only free day they had each year.

"Go ahead and enjoy it," Jill insisted, surprising the girl.

"Really?!" the girl exclaimed, her face lighting up with happiness.

"Yes. I'll cover for you," Jill confirmed.

"Commander…" the girl's eyes welled with emotion, touched by Jill's unexpected kindness.

"What are you waiting for? Go on, or I'll change my mind," Jill teased, as if she might leave at any moment.

"W-wait! I'm going! Thank you, Commander!" the girl exclaimed joyfully, rushing out of the room and towards the festival.

Jill watched the door close behind the green-haired girl, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Taking her seat, she gazed out at the dawning sky, her anticipation growing. Lucia's instructions from the previous night echoed in her mind: prepare the ship 'Aurora' for the imminent battle against Embryo. Today, they would make their escape.

Excitement surged within Jill at the thought. The day she had longed for was finally within reach. With the Villkiss rider and other allies by her side, and most Norma aware of the revolt plan and prepared, their preparations were nearly complete.

After a moment, Jill forced herself to calm down and rose from her seat. Leaving the command room temporarily vacant, she stepped out into the corridor.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and night descended, the festival neared its end. The races had concluded, and anticipation hung in the air as the winner was about to be announced. Suddenly, fireworks erupted into the sky, filling it with bursts of vibrant color. Accompanied by the deafening explosions of fireworks, the atmosphere was electrifying.

"Right now!" Hilda's voice rang out as she stood near the wall of the dock.

Earlier, Hilda had been clutching the handle that could release the arrest gear holding the transport aircraft. The handle required a key to open, but after years of clandestine training to bypass locks, Hilda had finally mastered the skill. She had been waiting for the moment when the fireworks would illuminate the sky, signaling the perfect time to act.

With a determined pull, Hilda released the arrest gear, allowing the aircraft to begin moving. She sprinted towards the aircraft as its back door swung open.

Ange stood poised at the back entrance, as if expecting Hilda's arrival. Meanwhile, Lucia engaged in conversation with Misty, who seemed captivated by her presence. Ange had confided in Misty about her feelings for Lucia, and Misty's curiosity about Lucia only seemed to grow as she observed the affection between Ange and Lucia.

Hilda dashed towards the aircraft, her heart pounding as it began to pick up speed for takeoff. Despite her desperate efforts, she couldn't reach the back door in time. Ange observed Hilda's frantic attempt to board, her initial impulse to leave her behind warring with her newfound leniency, prompted by Hilda's earlier apology and Lucia's apparent desire to include her.

As the aircraft accelerated, Hilda managed to clamber aboard with Ange's assistance, panting heavily from the exertion.

"Why didn't you slow down?" Hilda gasped, frustration evident in her voice.

Ange, still reeling from memories of Hilda's past misdeeds, met her gaze squarely. "I haven't forgotten what you did," she began, recalling the incident involving underwear sabotaging her para-mail's engine, an act that nearly cost Ange her life.

"And the harassment from your group," Ange added, her tone tinged with resentment.

"But because of that, I met Lucia," Ange continued, her expression softening slightly. "So, I've decided to let bygones be bygones."

Hilda fell silent, chastened by Ange's words, as the back door of the aircraft began to close.

Hilda's admission hung heavy in the air, her true motives laid bare. Despite her claims of loyalty to Zola, she knew deep down that her actions were driven by self-preservation rather than genuine affection. "Sorry about that… I just wanted to go back to mama…" Hilda confessed truthfully as Ange walked past her, momentarily halting her footsteps before continuing on as if unaffected.

Ange paused briefly at Hilda's words, a flicker of emotion crossing her face as memories of her own mother resurfaced. But she quickly pushed them aside. The past was behind her now, and she had found a new sense of purpose and belonging. Dwelling on old wounds would only hinder her progress. With a determined resolve, Ange reaffirmed her commitment to moving forward, embracing her newfound strength and resilience. For her, survival was paramount, a decision she made long ago during her darkest days at Arzenal.

As the back door of the transport aircraft sealed shut, propelling them towards the Misurugi Empire, Ange's gaze hardened with determination. Meanwhile, back at the dock, a flurry of activity ensued as girls rushed forward, among them a woman in officer attire who nearly stumbled in shock. It was Emma, the same officer Ange had incapacitated earlier, now confronted with the reality of Ange's departure.

As soon as Emma regained consciousness, she rushed to Jill, panic evident in her voice as she relayed the news of Ange's kidnapping of Misty and pleaded for Ange's arrest. Although Jill had been aware of the situation, she played along, feigning ignorance and even dismissing Emma's concerns as a joke. However, it was clear that time was of the essence, and they hurried to apprehend Ange, only to find that the aircraft had already taken off.

"Princess… Misty…" Emma's voice trembled with emotion as she slumped weakly, overwhelmed by the realization of Misty's abduction.

Meanwhile, Jill's lips curled into a slight smirk as she gazed up at the sky where the aircraft had vanished. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a hint of satisfaction in her demeanor.

"Let's report back the situation and accept our limitations," Jill advised Emma, her tone resigned yet determined. Emma nodded helplessly, acknowledging the futility of their efforts.

"And we need to prepare for what lies ahead," Jill added, turning to her trusted companions who had served various roles in Arzenal. Among them was Jasmine, an elderly woman who had once been a commander before assuming the role of a shopkeeper. Maggie, a woman of similar age to Jill, was a skilled surgeon who had played a vital role in the operations of Arzenal.

Both women nodded in understanding as Jill's intentions became clear. Without hesitation, they sprang into action, rallying the Norma girls and issuing orders in preparation for "Libertus," the long-planned revolt they had been meticulously organizing for years.

Unbeknownst to Emma, she continued reporting the situation to her superiors within the empire, unaware of Jill's true intentions. Emma's trust in Jill remained steadfast, rooted in her belief that Jill always followed orders without question. She never entertained the possibility of a revolt, as it had never been part of their discussions or plans.

As Emma relayed the events to her superiors, she remained oblivious to the covert conversations and preparations taking place around her. Her focus was solely on fulfilling her duty and maintaining order, unaware of the brewing rebellion unfolding right under her nose.

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"Well, I guess this is it," Hilda said to Ange and Lucia as she sat on the motorcycle with a sidecar.

It had been three days since they escaped from Arzenal. Most of the time, they had been on aircraft, and just a while ago, they landed in the forest. They left Misty inside the aircraft as she needed to return to her empire. Misty was tied up to show that she was really kidnapped and not helping them. Misty had become quite attached to Lucia on the aircraft as she talked with her. 

She might become bent as well. Anyway, Lucia didn't want Misty to feel like a disaster after the fight broke up. Lucia knew that even though the empires and humans in this world were good, they still had their dark desires. It's just that no one dared to act on these things because they were afraid of the god, also known as Embryo. Embryo had taught them to hate Norma, and it worked. All humans in this world hated Norma, and the world became peaceful. Norma were a necessary sacrifice for the world of Mana.

When Aura, the first dragon Salamandinay and the dragon people were trying to save, is freed, all mana will be cut off, and all mana users will become normal people, just like Norma. If that happens, the world will become a killing field, much like a zombie apocalypse world. The only difference would be that there are no zombies.

From what Lucia currently knows, Embryo is disappointed in mana users as he finds them boring. That's why Lucia is sure that Embryo won't interfere when things go awry. However, Misty is a likable character, and Lucia doesn't want Misty to be in that kind of situation. So, she gives Misty the communication device that the androids created, which can make calls and check locations. Of course, it wouldn't work if they were in different worlds. Lucia plans to rescue her and let her live with the dragon people.

Currently, Hilda was saying goodbye to Lucia and Ange, who had just climbed down from the motorcycle, which could accommodate three people. During these days, Hilda had become closer to Ange as they chatted with each other, mainly because of Lucia.

'It was quite enjoyable,' Lucia said, and Ange nodded in agreement.

'It was...' Hilda smiled faintly. She didn't want to leave Lucia either, but she had always wanted to go back to her mother and had done all she could for this moment. So, she decided to go back home. Of course, Lucia knew that Hilda would be heartbroken when she got home because of her beloved mother, but Lucia didn't stop her.

Hilda needed to know the truth as well, and Lucia would take her back anyway. She would heal her later, as currently Ange and Hilda were comfortable talking to each other now. After a moment of silence, Hilda started the engine.

"Good luck, Lucia, Ange," Hilda said.

"Good luck, Hilda," Lucia replied with a smile.

'We will meet again anyway,' Lucia thought to herself.

"Um, good luck to you too," Ange said, also smiling.

They parted ways as Lucia and Ange headed into the capital city of the Misurugi Empire, while Hilda headed to her old home.

Within the serene confines of the Babylonian garden's gazebo, Shizuka, Yuriko, Rika, Saya, and Saeko gathered around a poker table, enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. Their laughter blended harmoniously with the gentle rustle of leaves, creating a sense of serenity.

"I find it quite surreal, being here, playing poker amidst such beauty. It's almost as if we've been transported into a tranquil dream," Shizuka remarked softly, her gaze drifting to the surrounding greenery.

Yuriko, her demeanor calm and composed, reflected, "Indeed, it's a serene oasis. And to think, both Shizuka and I find ourselves expecting. It's a pleasant surprise, considering Lucia mentioned the odds were against us."

Rika, her playful nature subdued but present, added with a serene smile, "Well, I suppose I'll need to catch up in the motherhood department. It seems I have some work to do."

Saya's eyes sparkled with quiet joy as she shared her anticipation, "I'm looking forward to becoming a big sister. It's a gentle happiness that fills me."

Saeko, her curiosity piqued by Shizuka's consistent luck, gently inquired, "Shizuka, I can't help but wonder, how do you manage to achieve royal flushes so effortlessly?"

With a serene smile, Shizuka shrugged modestly, "Perhaps it's just chance smiling upon me. Or maybe there's a quiet luck that follows me wherever I go."

As the game continued and the conversation flowed smoothly, Saya brought up a thoughtful question, her voice calm and contemplative, "I've been thinking... what should we call the baby? Should I consider her my sister or daughter, since she'll be born to my mother and Lucia?"

A peaceful silence settled over the group before they erupted into soft laughter, a harmonious symphony of friendship. "That's an interesting dilemma," Rika pondered. "But I'm sure we'll come up with a solution"

The rest of the girls also nodded in agreement and started chatting lively again, their bond strengthened by the mutual understanding they shared.

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