After eavesdropping on the conference and the private meetings, Amara felt lost and isolated. She didn’t know what Amin was planning with Celene, and even if she knew, she was well aware that she was powerless to do anything about it. Although she didn’t doubt that Amin had informed someone, as the evidence was pretty clear on that matter, she still wondered whether he really had been planning to help Celene conquer the world.

Eager to speak with him, Amara had used Farsight to check up on him several times. But she grew bored watching him sleep, so she directed her sight outside the house to watch the people on the street. 

As she did, she could tell that what had played out during the conference had spread like a wildfire, and some were discussing it openly in groups. Some of the people she saw were tense, others were curious; most were confused. They had been living in the holy city for a decade, and now they were facing a war and the rumours that the goddess they had prayed to was a demon. Most of course were skeptical of the rumours, pointing out that the barrier which could be seen extending to the sky was the product of magic that no mere demon could hope to produce.  

Amara suddenly noticed how a group that were discussing the rumours on the street quieted down. Following their gazes, she saw two priestesses walking down the street.

Ah, it’s Cara and Yannie. 

Seeing the two short women walking down the street while holding hands, Amara couldn’t help but smile. They must be happy after getting married. 

Yannie had short black hair, and was smiling brightly as if the behaviour of the people on the street didn’t bother her. Her partner had curly brown hair that reached her shoulders, and seemed more withdrawn as her smile was more faint. 

Watching them, it didn’t take long for Amara’s smile to drop. ...Shit. What’s going to happen to them now that the church is in trouble? Are they going to get into trouble too?

So soon after getting married? This is bullshit.

Amara felt frustrated and worried about the situation once again. As they took a turn into one of the alleys and stopped by one of the houses to unlock the door, Amara first intended to continue listening to the group before she realized which house the priestesses had stopped by. 

Hold on…

Checking the house they stopped at again, Amara’s jaw dropped. They’re the ones who live there?!

But...they’re priests! Why didn’t they tell Campbell about Amin?!

“Can you check if he’s awake?” Yannie asked as soon as the couple had entered the house and closed the door.

“Alright, Yannie.” Cara replied and had soon opened the hidden trapdoor and disappeared underneath the floorboards, a lit candle in hand. 

Amara watched how Cara arrived downstairs. She stopped next to Amin and tilted her head as she looked at him for a while, watching his breathing expressionlessly. 

He doesn’t wake if you just watch him, you know.

After watching a little longer, Cara put the candle down away from Amin. Next, she picked up the bucket and held it above him, slowly pouring its contents over Amin’s face.

What the...

“Pffft!” (Amin)

While Amin was coughing and spitting after rolling on his side, creaking was heard as Yannie came down the stairs. “He’s awake?”

“Yup.” Cara replied. 

While Amin was wiping his wet face with his hand, Yannie came to a stop next to them and as her gaze went between the wet man on the floor and the bucket in Cara’s hand. “...I said to check if he’s awake. Not to wake him.”

Cara shrugged. “He’s awake now though.”

Yannie grinned and shook her head before huncing down, picking up the healing potion that was left on the floor and handing it to Amin. “Drink.” 

Amin gave her a confused look. After a few moments his eyes became clearer, as if he remembered something or otherwise understood the situation, because it didn’t take long for him to accept the potion and empty its contents. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Yannie said with a smile. “After all, the ransom we will get for you is more than enough to cover it!”

...What?

Amin stared at the smiling woman blankly, before turning his gaze to the unsmiling Cara and then back again. “Figures.”

“What’s with the serious look? Tsk.” Yannie clicked her tongue as she stood up. “I’m just  messing with you! How are you feeling? Any headache?”

Amin tilted his head and was silent for a while. “...Yeah.”

Yannie let out a sigh and looked at Cara. “I told you that you hit him too hard.”

“He deserved it.” Cara replied flatly. 

Amin frowned and looked at Cara. “You’re the one who hit me?”

“Yup.” (Cara)

“And we’re sorry about that.” Yannie added with an apologetic smile. 

“No we’re not.” (Cara)

“Cara!” Yannie exclaimed.

“What?” Cara pouted at her and crossed her arms. “He deserves it. He’s a pervert and he interrupted our honeymoon.”

...Pervert? Please, Amin’s as innocent as they come.

Amin raised an eyebrow. “You’re still on a honeymoon? It’s been months since you guys were wed.”

“If we’re still in the phase, it’s still a honeymoon.” Cara replied seriously and glared at him. 

Amin blinked as Yannie tilted her head and nodded, seemingly agreeing. Seemingly remembering what Cara had called her, he retorted. “I’m not a pervert.”

“You were peeping.” Cara replied. 

“Cara, I told you...do you really think he was peeping? He was injured and bleeding out.” Yannie said with a smile as she looked at her.

“Yeah.” Amin agreed. “I wasn’t peeping.”

“But you’re still a pervert.” Cara retorted and glared at him. “You steal panties.”

“Pffft!” Yannie covered her mouth with her hand.

Amin’s face reddened as he exclaimed. “I do not!”

“You do!” Cara exclaimed and unfurled her arms to point at his face. “Three years ago, when Princess Louisianne was visiting the Alarice Kingdom, you broke into her chambers and stole her panties!” 

“Pfffft!” Yannie clutched her mouth as she gripped Cara’s shoulder with her other hand, her shoulders shaking as she leaned against her partner.

...WHAT?!

Amin covered his red face with his palm as he spoke in a low voice. “I was ordered to get them. They weren’t for me.”

Riiight. Of course, that’s how it is.

“Oh, I see. Of course!” Yannie said with a twitching lip as she tried to stop them from rising, together with the periodic convulsions that shook her body. “Mhm!” 

“Liar.” Cara said coldly.

“Pffhahaahah!” Yannie burst out laughing as she couldn’t hold it anymore, wrapping her arms around Cara’s neck as she giggled. 

Amin covered his face a second time as he muttered. “...I’m gonna kill him.”

“Oh, please, don’t be like that!” Yannie exclaimed with a grin. “There’s no need to sully something like this with murder!”

Amin sighed and stood up with an unamused expression. “If you’re done, I’m leaving. Thanks for the help, I’ll do what I can so that you get rewa-”

“Whoa-whoa-whoa!” Yennie stepped in front of Amin. “Not so fast! There are people everywhere out there, looking for you!”

Amin’s expression darkened. “So?”

“So!” Yannie poked his chest. “You stay here and lay low for a while. Capeesh?”

Amin glared at her silently before letting out a sigh. “Fine.”

“Great!” Yannie replied with a bright smile and cocked her head. “So, who was it that tried to kill you?”

Amin averted his gaze. “That’s none of your business.”

“Yes it is! Come on, just tell-” (Yannie)

Amara glared at Amin through Farsight. Make A Call: Amin.

Amin suddenly flinched inside the basement. [...Amara?]

[Why don’t you answer me then. It’s very much my business, isn’t it, mister pantysnatcher?] 

Amin fell silent and turned his gaze towards the ceiling, taking a deep breath as he turned towards the wall and banged his head at it with a painful groan. 

“-don’t act like I’m annoying! I just want-eh? What’s wrong?” Yannie cocked her head and put a hand on his shoulder with a look of concern. “Don’t do that! Do you want to have a headache or something?”

“...A headache would be preferable.” Amin muttered and out a long groan. 

[Rude!] (Amara)

Letting out a sigh, he turned and slid down with his back against the wall. “It’s Amara.”

“Woah! She’s here?!” Yannie exclaimed. “Hi Amara! Thanks for last time!”

A wry smile spread on Amara’s face. [No problem.]

“She says you’re bothersome.” Amin replied expressionlessly. 

“As if!” Yannie said with a bright smile and wrapped her arm around Cara. “How could we be a bother?”

[Yeah, Amin! How are they a bother?] (Amara)

[I hate you. All of you.] (Amin)

[So touchy!] Amara grinned. [Is it because I happened to remind you of something? Perhaps a part of your past? A secret so dark, that-]

[Shut up!] Amin’s voice snarled in her mind as he grit his teeth.

[Alright! Alright!] Amara let out a sigh as she realized he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. [But I’m serious. Who wanted to hurt you? I have a lot of questions I need answers to.]

Amara realized that she had completely forgotten about how suspicious she had been towards Amin. She felt as if the person that was colluding with Celene to conquer the world, and the person that was her prophet, were two different people.

Amin let out a sigh and looked at the two women in the basement. “Can I have a moment with Amara?”

“Ahuh!” (Yannie)

“Mhm.” (Cara)

“...Without you staring at me.” Amin added as the two remained where they stood. 

“Tsk.” Yannie clicked her tongue before pulling Cara with her. “Come up when you’re ready, we’ll fix you something to eat.”

Cara gave Amin one last glare before she went up the stairs with Yannie. 

Left alone, Amin was silent for a while as he stared in front of him. Amara could sense the fragment of a memory - pain in the chest, combined with the image of an arm that was extended to his chest. And with the image, was an overwhelming feeling of shock.

[So...who was it?] Amara asked quietly.

[I…] Amin fell silent for a long while. As if he made up his mind, he suddenly let out a sigh and held his forehead. [It was my teacher.]

Amara raised an eyebrow. [Your...teacher? What’s his name?]

[It’s Teacher.] Amin replied.

[That’s not a name.] (Amara)

[He doesn’t have one.] Amin let out a sigh. [At least as far as I know.]

Amara’s eyes widened as she realized something important. [Hold on. If it was your teacher then...doesn’t that mean he’s from the Alarice Kingdom? Is it your mother?!]

Amin’s face contorted as Amara exclaimed loudly. [I don’t know. He could have acted independently. He could have betrayed the queen.]

Amara crossed her arms as she felt the stay, conflicted emotions that accompanied his response and asked skeptically. [It doesn’t sound like you believe that, though.]

Amin covered his face with his hands as he let out a long, shaky sigh. [I don’t know.]

Amara knit her brows as she felt both confused and sad. [But it makes no sense. If it was your mother-]

[Amara.] Amin interrupted her with a weak voice. [Please.]

As the realization that the man in the basement was crying dawned on her, Amara felt as if something was tugging at her heartstrings. Shit. What can I do? I can’t even give him a hug-

[Just give me a moment.] Amin said in a small voice. 

Feeling the tears of her own welling up in her eyes, Amara let out a sigh. [Alright. Call me when...you know. Or if there’s anything I can do.]

[...I will.] (Amin)

 

 

_______________

 

 

 

Amara didn’t have to wait long before Amin ended up calling her, asking her about everything that had happened in his absence without mentioning what had happened previously. After giving a short summary, she inquired in turn whether or not he had any ideas about what Celene’s plans were. But since Andrew had already managed to figure out what her plan was, she was more interested in the reason behind them. 

[No.] Amin said thoughtfully. [I have no idea...really? Conquering the world?]

[Seems like it, anyway.] Amara replied and let out a sigh. [So...you and your mother aren’t close?]

[If we were, would she have tried to have me killed?] Amin replied sourly.

Amara scratched her head awkwardly. [...I guess not. But...she seemed worried about you.]

Amin snorted skeptically. [I’d say it's more likely she’s worried that her plan to kill me went awry.]

[You don’t know that.] Amara replied to comfort him. But she knew the words were hollow, because he could very well be right. [Like you said, it’s possible that your teacher did it independently.]

Amin knit his brows and was silent for a while. [Amara. Have you lied to me about anything?]

[Like what?] Amara asked with a wry smile. [I understand that you’d doubt whether Fluffles really is as clingy in her sleep as I’ve claimed, but sorry. All true!]

Amin snorted before he replied. [No. I’m talking about...well. About who you are? The armistice? Or how you view demons?]

Amara cocked her head in confusion. [No. Why? Are you doubting me?]

[Not really, but…] Amin let out a long sigh and leaned his head back against the wall. [It’s something the queen asked me. She wondered whether you’ve lied about anything.]

Amara frowned. [Why would she do that?]

[I don’t know.] Amin crossed his arms. [I may not know the queen, but I...know her. She doesn’t do anything without a good reason.] 

Amara shrugged. [Campbell agrees with you on that point.]

[So if she was behind it, then she had a good reason for trying to kill me. At least, she believes she does.] Amin stared at the opposite wall inside the dark basement. [That includes the plan to conquer the world, if there is one.]

[Well, I can’t see any.] Amara muttered. 

[That’s because you’re...you.] Amin replied with a grin.

[Are you calling me stupid?] Amara’s eye twitched as she looked at him through Farsight. [Well then, mister pantysnatcher. What oh-so-good reason can you come up with?]

[I’m not a...that!] Amin protested before shaking his head gently. [And I don’t know. Others always did that kind of thinking for me.]

[Yeah, I can tell.] Amara grinned. [And as a result, you’re now an acknowledged thief of ladies’ underwear.]

 

_______________

 

 

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the-” (Yannie)

“Don’t say it.” Amin cut her off with a dark expression. 

“Hmm? What?” Yannie tilted her head with an innocent smile. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

While looking at her, Amin let out a sigh. “Sure.” Muttering under his breath, he sat down on the bench opposite to the two women. “I’ll never hear the end of it.”

[Of course not.] Amara replied with a grin.

“Nor should you.” Cara glared at him across the table as she looked up from her bowl of soup. “Pervert.”

Amin covered his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and meeting Cara’s gaze. “How did you know I broke into her chamber?” 

“I was there. I saw you.” (Cara)

Amin frowned as he looked at her. “...Really?”

“Really.” Cara replied before she added mercilessly. “You’re so bad you didn’t even notice.” 

“Ahem!” Yannie cleared her throat audibly as she leaned between them to cut off where the conversation was going. “She used to be the princess’ shadow escort.”

Amin’s eyes narrowed as he met Yannie’s sincere smile, before turning his eyes to Cara. “You’re a shadow?”

[What’s a shadow?] Amara asked curiously.

[Assassins and the like, in the service of a country.] (Amin)

“Was.” Cara replied as she dipped her spoon into the soup she was eating, giving Amin another angry glare. “I was reassigned.”

“Cara is still quite upset about it.” Yannie leaned towards Amin and whispered. “She blames you for it.” 

Amin frowned. “How is it my fault?”

“Because you stole Lady Louisianne’s panties!” Cara exclaimed and slammed her palms onto the table, spilling the soup from her bowl all over it. “You made her embarrassed! And I received the blame, because they say I let it happen!”

“...Didn’t you?” Amin asked hesitantly.

[Uh-oh.] Amara braced herself internally, thinking that she might be needing a new prophet soon. 

“My orders were to protect her, not her underwear!” Cara howled with a red face. “Then, when I said I would get them back, they didn’t want me to! And then I was reassigned!”

“It’s okay, Cara.” Yannie wrapped her arm around the steaming girl next to her and smiled. “Because you were reassigned, we ended up meeting, didn’t we?”

“...Hmm.” Cara gradually calmed, a faint smile spread on her face as she leaned her head against Yannie's shoulder. 

Amin looked at Yannie. “What about you? Not from Favier I take it?”

Yannie patted Cara’s hair as she shook her head with a smile. “Bavara.” 

Amin raised an eyebrow as he looked between the two. “So what are you two both doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Yannie cocked her head. “Same as you. To infiltrate the church and find out what we can about Amara. I’ve been here for...well, pretty much since the armistice. Cara ended up coming after...you know.”

As Cara nodded her head with her cheek against Yannie’s shoulder in agreement, Amin looked between the two. “Since you’re from opposing countries, how did you…?”

“Oh! It’s such a great story, actually!” Yannie exclaimed brightly. “You see, I’ve been sneaking into the Lord’s office about once a month since I got here. Then, one time-”

“We infiltrated the same night.” Cara interrupted. “We fought. I won. She fell in love.”

“Cara, you’re ruining the story!” Yannie retorted before shaking her head with a grin. “But, yeah. That’s what happened. Though, I think you’re the one who fell in love.” Yannie said with a teasing smile. “Since you ran away when-hmpf!”

“I won. Therefore, you fell in love first.” Cara said expressionlessly as she looked at Amin. “You agree.”

“...Yeah. Sure.” Amin replied with a stumped look as he looked at Yannie, clearly considering her the person to talk to out of the pair. “Since you’re working together, does that mean that you have defected? Or are you simply cooperating?”

The two girls looked at each other before looking at Amin. Yannie pulled Cara’s hand away from her mouth, revealing the smile that had broken out on her face. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“We’re defectors.” Cara explained flatly. “Now we’re double agents.”

“Double agents?” Amin raised an eyebrow. “So who do you serve now?”

Yannie’s smile rose higher. “Why, Amara of course.”

Eh? Amara blinked as she wondered whether she heard right. When did I get spies?

“We’re her shadows now.” Cara added flatly.

“...Because she wed you?” Amin frowned in confusion.

“Yep.” Yannie took a deep breath to prepare herself. “Right! So, you know how people like us are kind of hard to be accepted anywhere, yeah? And if people find out, you’re either sent to the priests or get the priests sicked on you. Possession, demonic corruption and all that crap.” Yannie pointed at Cara as she leaned forward while whispering. “She blames you, but she forgets she was acting a little bit too close with the princess.”

“Helping her bathe should be completely normal duties for a shadow.” Cara muttered moodily.

Yannie raised an eyebrow with an amused smile. “See? She has some strange blinders when it comes to what is and what isn’t part of her job.” After patting Cara’s head, she continued. “Anyway, where was I? Right! Although we had met, we didn’t have any real future to settle down, you know? Even if we defect and run away together, two women living together will raise eyebrows over time. Which again, will either get us sent to the priests or get the priests sent for us, and we’re back at square one.”

“But because of Amara, we can be as we are.” Cara said quietly. 

Amara smiled as she was happy that she had, although impulsively, helped them in a way that had meant a lot for them. But at the same time, she felt anxious for their future. [Do they know what the guys at the mansion are saying?]

After Amin repeated Amara’s question, Yannie rolled her eyes. “Of course. We didn’t even have to investigate to find out the gist of it. Lots of declarations of war and hate against Amara and the church, yeah?”

“Stupid prince.” Cara added expressionlessly. “But it doesn’t matter. We’ve found our purpose.”

Yannie nodded with a smile. “Each other, and helping Amara.”

Huh. Amara frowned as she realized something important. Hold on, why didn’t they tell Campbell where you are? If they say that they are on my side…

[He’s going to be under watch for a while. They probably thought it’s better not to approach him so they don’t lead anyone to me.] (Amin)

“Speaking of Amara!” Yannie exclaimed and suddenly leaned over the table. “How does that whole prophet thing work? Is she with you all the time, or…? Does she see what you see?”

Amin shook his head. “I need to call on her. But when she chooses to, it’s like she’s in the room. At least, she can see us as if she were here.” Gesturing at the end of the table where there was no seat with his thumb, right where Amara’s view into the room was, he added. “Right now, she’s somewhere around there.”

[Huh.] Amara raised her eyebrow in surprise. She knew that she could transmit what she was seeing, since she had used it to show Amin drawings of magic circles and other things. But she had no idea to what extent the image would get through unintentionally.

As Yannie looked where he was pointing, she looked straight at - or more accurately, through her. It was obvious that she wasn’t going to be able to meet Amara’s gaze, but she smiled nonetheless and waved. “Hello!”

“Hello.” Cara waved as well from behind her.

Amara grinned. [How nice. Hello!]

[They can’t hear you.] (Amin)

Yannie smiled as she turned back to Amin. “Did she reply? Of course she did!”

“Amara’s nice.” Cara agreed flatly.

“Yeah!” Yannie smiled brightly as she glanced at her before looking back at Amin with a serious expression. “So, who attacked you? It was people from the Alarice Kingdom, wasn’t it?”

Amin’s expression darkened. “How did you figure that out?”

“Well...” Yannie twisted her lips as she hesitated.

“You were crying like a baby.” Cara said mercilessly. “A baby that’s been abandoned by his mother.”

Damn...she really hates him, doesn’t she?

Yannie’s mouth fell gaping, before she closed it and gave Amin an apologetic smile. “Sorry. She really doesn’t have a lid.”

Amin was silent until he snorted and averted his gaze. “It’s fine. I guess I was, anyway.”

Yannie frowned anxiously. “...Any idea why?”

“No.” Amin let out a sigh as he shook his head. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Well, that sucks.” Yannie shook her head. “Well, there goes your last place of refuge. If the queen was behind it, then everyone is after you. Those who ain’t will be...well, Amara’s followers in the church. Those who won’t get bought, anyway.”

“You’ll be targeted as soon as you go back to the church.” Cara interjected. “You’ll need to stay in hiding.”

Yannie nodded with a grim expression. “I know a smuggler who could get you out of the city, but…they’ll probably be checking anyone leaving the city as long as the conference lasts. Probably for a while after too.”

“Are you saying I should stay here?” Amin raised an eyebrow.

“Well, you’ll need to hide somewhere?” Yannie smiled as she hugged Cara. “Besides, we can help with your protection.”

“You’ll need it.” Cara muttered reluctantly. 

Amin glanced at Cara. “You’re telling me you’re fine with it?”

When Yannie looked at her as well, Cara pouted. “...It’s for Amara. Not you.”

Yannie smiled at Amin. “I guess that settles it. You’re staying here, until the situation calms down. We’ll consider our options when we can.”

“There goes our honeymoon…” Cara muttered sourly.

Amin turned his eyes from the moody Cara to Yannie and nodded reluctantly. “Alright. I apologize for intruding.”

“It’s fine!” Yannie said with a bright smile. “You are more than welcome to stay in the humble abode that is our cellar!”

Cara’s eyes lit up. “Now we can find out more about Amara.”

“True!” Yannie gasped and covered her mouth as she realized something. “She could tell us more about how she met Lady Ezme!”

Amara burst into laughter as she saw Amin’s expression contort.