《Ferris Perspective》.

　I walk silently through the slums.

　It is just after midnight. There is no sound of noise, so everyone has probably gone to sleep.

"Lina, are there any reactions in the area?"

No. No. There is no sign of the hostile within a one-kilometre radius.

　Lina, walking next to me, replies.

　She is now on the lookout with a black shadow over the area.

　The Black Swan and the Duchy Swordsmen.

　　　　Our aim and Reis's aim are the same Milly.

　It wouldn't be surprising if we meet up with them right now.

We've got to hurry. Before they can get to her first."

"Yeah. ......"

'What's the matter?　You're not being very clear".

"It's ...... nothing."

　Lina's question is answered with a shake of the head.

　No. It had been nothing.

　It's a big problem for me.

　I have to keep Millie safe.

　That is absolute.

　If she falls into the enemy's hands, many people will be sacrificed and many lives will be lost to the demon god that manifested.

　But my steps were heavy.

　It's an order from Kaim, who swore in his heart that he would give his all.

　I can't refuse, and refusal is not an option.

　So this is a problem that I have to solve.

"Where is Millie's residence?"

"This way."

　I walk through the pitch-dark slum as my memory leads me.

　I have been away from this place for a long time.

　But the memories do not fade away.

　Because happy memories come back to my mind like a prayer and ...... helpless regrets stick to me like a curse and won't go away.

"Here we are "

　I stopped in front of one tent.

　It was a dwelling with a reddish-brown frame and tattered fabric.

　It was a wretched but standard housing in this part of the region.

　The house I lived in was about a size bigger than this one, and not much different.

'I'm sorry it's so late at night. Milly, are you there ......?"

　I lightly tap the cloth at the entrance to the tent.

　A rustling sound of clothes rustling was heard from inside the tent.

'...... yes.'

　Eventually, one of the girls woke up, rubbing her eyes.

　Pushing the cloth up over the tent doorway, she came out, a girl about the same height as me.

　She had fiery red hair and eyes of the same colour.

　Her small body was clad in a plain, one-piece, jumper-skirt-like outfit.

　The season is winter.

　She shivered and opened her eyes when she came outside, as if she was freezing in her light clothes.

　Perhaps her sleepiness had instantly gone away. I have done a bad thing.

　But fortunately or unfortunately.

　Her sleepy eyes instantly awoke, and her eyes, used to the darkness, looked surprised when they caught sight of me.

'Ugh no way. ...... Ferris?'

'Yes, it's ...... been a while'

　The girl's eyes widened in astonishment - in front of Millie, I nodded.

　But I could not give her a smile.

This is because this was far from an emotional reunion.