In the underworld of Uruk, within the seven trials set by the goddess Ereshkigal, there was once a question:
"Beside you stand three women. Answer: Which one is your truest love?"
Later, Ereshkigal explained that the gate itself wasn't under her direct control but was an automated trial that only posed questions based on the visitor's presence. In other words, the correctness of certain answers depended entirely on the inner perception of the person being questioned.
At that time, Shiomi had given an answer that was enough to open the gate. Yet, in his heart, half a sentence remained unspoken.
That unsaid part was about Touko Aozaki.
Shiomi had often wondered what he would say if the question in Uruk's underworld had involved Touko.
The answer, he thought, would be: "Touko is the wind I can never hold onto forever."
In fact, it was true—Touko's actions and mannerisms were as fleeting as her Magecraft, much like the 'wind.'
Had Skadi discussed Touko after Shiomi entered the palace, she would have been surprised to find that her own feelings matched Shiomi's exactly.
The Bleached World, the Incineration of Humanity.
A mere year after losing contact with numerous friends and family once more, Shiomi found himself more concerned about Touko's safety than during the actual Incineration of Humanity. He suspected that her sudden appearance as an envoy at Chaldea had left a lasting impact on him.
That feeling of gaining something only to lose it again, then regaining it once more, had haunted his heart ever since.
Until this moment—
"Seeing the planet like this, I wondered if Chaldea might be safe. Looks like it really is."
Though surprised by the unexpected yet somehow inevitable reunion, Touko remained calm. She raised her hand to greet Shiomi.
Then, Touko was startled.
Because Shiomi suddenly embraced her.
Though they had been five or six meters apart, he had appeared before her in an instant, wrapping his arms around her.
"What a passionate reunion greeting."
Touko couldn't help but feel exasperated. As she raised her hand to wave, her gesture shifted into a hug in return. She gently stroked his back and lowered her voice, teasing him affectionately:
"I'm not surprised you reacted like this when we met under these circumstances. But in front of all these outsiders, especially with those people by your side... Are you really okay with this?"
"Even if I get punished later, it's fine," Shiomi whispered in her ear. "Seeing you safe and sound makes me happy…"
He tightened his grip slightly, as though Touko might turn into a wisp of wind and vanish to some unreachable place.
"Let me make this clear upfront—if anything happens, I won't be able to save you," Touko teased, her tone warm.
"You can let go of me now. We'll talk later. Otherwise, I'll get dragged into this mess with you…"
Behind him, Morgan and the other two women's gazes felt like tangible beams of light. Even through Shiomi's solid frame, Touko could sense their stares.
"How surprising—Miss Touko is actually so close to Shiomi-sensei." Ophelia muttered, her expression a mix of astonishment.
Her position told her she shouldn't concern herself with such things, but as a human, no matter how much she tried to suppress it, she couldn't help but be drawn into the gossip unfolding before her.
But before Shiomi could release Touko, his ear was yanked.
Morgan and Scáthach pulled him back from both sides. Wincing in pain, Shiomi could only rub his ear and admit defeat.
Meeting his gaze was Touko's familiar expression—gentle, yet with a hint of schadenfreude.
"Hm... he really is someone to be reckoned with, this Tenkei Shiomi..." Skadi's gaze shifted subtly. "I thought she was an acquaintance of yours, which is why I had Thrúd bring her here. Never imagined he'd be so... reckless."
"This is my personal matter, and none of your concern, Goddess Skadi," Shiomi's tone softened, carrying a hint of casual stubbornness.
Skadi replied, "Originally, I had to imprison this Caster who wields the Primordial Runes because Touko Aozaki refused to cooperate or submit. Now that this situation is no longer necessary, I'll set you free."
As she spoke, her wand traced a light arc through the air. The Runes, previously invisible, suddenly glowed and vanished after detaching from Touko.
This explained why Touko wasn't wearing any shackles.
Skadi only needed the Runes to bind Touko, preventing her from using her Magecraft.
"Finally, I can tinker with Magic Circuits again," Touko flexed her wrists. "Never imagined I'd cross paths with a goddess from the Age of Myths and a Valkyrie."
"Didn't suffer too badly?" Shiomi asked.
"No abuse, just locked up," Touko shook her head.
Shiomi visibly relaxed, then turned to Skadi. "For freeing my old friend, I must thank you once more. Whatever fate awaits after Valhalla's trials, my gratitude remains unchanged."
"No need to rush. Traveling to Valhalla requires some preparation," Skadi said. "I permit you to stay within the castle tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll escort you to Valhalla to face the trials left by the great god Odin."
"Allowing these people to stay in the royal castle..." Ophelia voiced her unease.
"There's no need to fear. Though Chaldea and the Crypter are adversaries, Kadoc, as the defeated party, is currently confined within our headquarters," Shiomi flashed a bright smile, his gentle tone hinting at future declarations of war. "You'll be reunited with him soon enough."
Then Ophelia sensed the Spirit Form Saber stirring, attempting to manifest and join the fight.
Yet Sigurd's Spirit Origin remained gravely wounded. By simply regulating the flow of magical energy, Ophelia could suppress Saber's actions and thwart her intent.
"Teacher..." Ophelia felt a sense of uncertainty within. She too pondered her course of action.
Even contacting Kirschtaria for support might prove futile. The Alien Apostles were even less trustworthy.
"Oh, likely tomorrow, the Chaldea warship will arrive in this vicinity, following the signal trajectory I left behind," Shiomi said, arms crossed. "I recall you were on good terms with Mash while at Chaldea. Why not take this chance to meet? It'd be awkward if you boarded the ship only to find things strained."
"... Ophelia was at a loss for words, her expression growing increasingly tense."
"As for this child you brought..." Skadi didn't ask about Shiomi and Ophelia's conversation but instead turned to Gerda, who stood there nervously awaiting her fate. "It was a mistake not worth pursuing. I'll forgive you. It was those Valkyries who lacked flexibility."
...