The journey to the capital took six days. Arya walked calmly through the forest, carrying Dina who was still asleep in his arms. Her wounds had healed thanks to healing magic, but exhaustion was still evident on her face.
Arya glanced at the girl. "Still asleep, huh?" he murmured softly.
Dina smiled faintly—though her eyes were closed. She had actually been awake for a while but didn't want to let go of the warmth from Arya's embrace.
(Arya…) she thought in her heart.
"If you're awake, can you walk on your own?" Arya asked directly this time.
(He noticed?!) Dina was shocked inside.
"Put me down already! I'm heavy, you know!"
"I'M NOT FAT!!" Dina suddenly yelled, her voice ringing loudly right beside Arya's ear.
"DON'T YELL NEXT TO MY EAR!" Arya shouted back.
"My body is still tired, okay? Can't you carry me until we get to the capital?" Dina pleaded, her cheeks slightly red.
"To the capital? I'll be dead by then."
"Just carry me for three more days, okay? Three days!" Dina whined cutely.
"Haaah... alright," Arya gave in. (Turns out taking care of a kid is harder than fighting.)
"That's better!"
They continued their journey. After walking for a day, they decided to rest.
Arya opened his magical storage. "Here's your favorite meat. There are also cakes and fruits."
"Yay! Thanks! Where's the juice?"
"The juice stock's out."
"What?! You drank all my juice?!"
"You drank it yourself!"
"Huh? Me? When?!" Dina was confused. "Make some more, please!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll make it." Arya pointed to a pile of fruit. "But I'll use these, okay?"
"No! Those are my fruits!" Dina rushed to grab all her fruits.
"Then what should I use?"
"Here, take five." Dina handed over a few fruits with a stingy expression.
Arya sighed. "Fine."
He activated his makeshift magic blender. A few seconds later, the juice was ready in a transparent container.
"Here, it's done. Do you want it poured into a cup or drink it straight from here, Your Highness?" Arya asked while bowing mockingly.
"Y-Your Highness?!" Dina blushed. "Pour it into a cup!"
"Here's the juice, please enjoy, Your Highness."
"Thank you very much, my servant," replied Dina in a playful formal tone.
(This girl...) Arya grumbled inwardly.
"Yum yum! It's so good!" Dina exclaimed. "Hey, servant, can you give me a massage?"
(Be patient, Arya. You're a professional. Don't get provoked...) "Yes, Your Highness." He began massaging Dina's shoulders.
"Hoaaa~ life is good! Press harder! I can barely feel it!"
"Alright. Like this?"
"Now that's more like it! You're great at massages!"
"Hey, Your Highness. Have you gained weight recently?"
"I'M NOT FAT!!"
After resting, they continued their journey. And yes—Arya still carried Dina for three days as he promised. Until finally, they arrived at the capital's gate.
"Hooo... so this is the capital?" Arya looked ahead.
"There are so many fancy houses, but it's in stark contrast with the slums next to them..." said Dina quietly.
It really was like that. The grand homes of nobles and rulers were neatly lined up. But on the other side, fragile slum settlements stood. Starving people, beggars filled the streets, and a foul stench pierced their noses.
"Haaa... even in the heart of the kingdom, it's no different," Arya muttered.
"Yeah…"
Suddenly, Arya's communicator beeped. Beep beep.
"Gamma, huh?" Arya activated it. "Hello?"
"Hello, big bro! Where are you now?" Gamma's cheerful voice came through.
"Hello, Gamma!" Dina immediately snatched the device. "It's been a while since we talked! How are you?!"
"Big sis Dina? I'm doing great! How about you?"
"I'm great too!"
"Give it here." Arya took back the device.
"Hey! Why'd you take it?"
"We'll meet soon anyway." Arya continued, "Gamma, we just arrived at the capital. Where are you?"
"Alright, I'll come there, big bro! Wait for me!" Click—the communication ended.
A few minutes later, a girl with long hair came running toward them.
"Big bro! Hey!"
"Gamma!" Dina welcomed her and immediately hugged her tightly. "It's been so long! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too, big sis! Hehehe!"
Arya smiled watching the two of them.
"Let's find a place to eat. Any recommendations?" he asked.
"There is, big bro! Follow me! It's my regular spot—the food is super delicious!"
"Really? How delicious?" Dina perked up.
"Just wait and see!"
They arrived at an eatery. Gamma immediately placed an order.
"Excuse me, sir! We'd like to order!"
The waiter handed over the menu. "Please choose."
"Woah! Everything looks delicious! I want this, this, this, this, and this!" Dina pointed at almost everything on the menu.
"You haven't changed at all, big sis! Hahaha!" Gamma laughed.
"Yeah, that's just how she is," Arya chuckled too.
"Shut up, you two!" Dina pouted.
A short while later—
"Here's your food, please enjoy," said the waiter as he served the dishes.
"Thank you very much! Let's eat!" Dina exclaimed.
"Let's eat!" said Arya and Gamma in unison.
As the meal began, Arya leaned toward Gamma. "Let's get to the point. You know your identity in Seven Eclipse has been discovered, right?"
"Huh?! Discovered? What do you mean, big bro?!"
"We fought Jupiter before. He mentioned there's a traitor in Seven Eclipse—and mentioned you. He said Noctis told him—that means the king must already know."
"But... if they knew, why am I still safe?"
"Ever heard the saying 'false information is deadlier than ignorance'? They're deliberately letting you stay."
"So... so my mission failed?" Gamma's voice trembled.
"Ar!" Dina glared at Arya. "How could you say that to Gamma who's been fighting alone?"
"I didn't mean to hurt her." Arya looked gently at Gamma and stroked her head. "In fact, I'm grateful you're safe. That's why—I'm asking you to leave now before they make a move. And… thank you. I'm proud of you."
"Gamma really is amazing! She's my little sister after all!" said Dina as she hugged her.
"Thank you…" Gamma lowered her head, tears falling. "I just wanted to help you… because you saved me from those slave traders…" She began sobbing. "Thank you for saving me…"
"Huh?! Why are you crying?!" Dina hugged her tighter.
Arya only smiled faintly. "That means… we're even."
"Even?"
"If you feel indebted because we saved you… now you've repaid it. You sacrificed yourself to infiltrate the enemy's base and gathered valuable intel. Now... forget the debt. Be our equal comrade."
Dina nodded as well. "You're our little sister, Gamma. Don't feel so burdened. Welcome back."
Gamma wiped her tears. "Yes, big sis… I'm home."
Arya smiled gently.
From a corner of the eatery, someone was watching from afar.
Venus stared toward them. So... Reisa-chan is actually part of Exone... she thought to herself, her expression unreadable.