Septimont.
A city-state that shares the same roots as Ragunna, yet diverged onto a different path due to their differing views on faith.
Among its many spectacles, the Grand Arena Tournament is hailed as one of Solaris-3's most renowned events.
Ray had long heard of the tournament's fame and always wanted to witness it firsthand.
Unfortunately, work kept him perpetually tied up, never allowing the time.
But this time...
Perhaps, on this business trip, he could finally see for himself if the legendary arena tournament truly lived up to its reputation.
"Should have everything packed, right?"
Ray stood in the center of his room, his suitcase ready. As agreed with the Second Young Miss, today was the day they set off for Septimont.
He hadn't been idle since returning. Yesterday, through Carlotta's referral, he visited the Montelli family's private hospital for a comprehensive checkup. The results showed his physical condition was entirely normal.
As for Anby...
The nature of their bond remained an unsolved mystery.
The only certainty so far was that they had formed some kind of symbiotic relationship.
But what price this symbiosis might exact, no one could say.
After all, there had never been a precedent like this before.
"Maybe check one more time?"
Ray murmured to himself. Though this was a business trip, he couldn't be sure how long they'd stay in Septimont.
At least traveling with the Second Young Miss meant he wouldn't have to worry about basic necessities.
So, his luggage was simple: just a few changes of clothes and Anby's snacks, the generous stash Carlotta had bought for the little creature.
For some reason, the Second Young Miss seemed quite willing to spend on Anby.
Could it be... she also had a soft spot for cute Echoes?
Well...
To be honest, Anby was pretty adorable.
It wouldn't be surprising if the Second Young Miss doted on it a little extra.
Just then, his terminal vibrated with two notifications, one from Carlotta, and one from Phoebe.
[Lovely weather today. Got everything packed? We're setting off soon.]
[I bought you a coffee. It's waiting at the pier. Come quickly.]
That was the Second Young Miss.
[Mr. Ray, are you there?]
[Miss Marguerite and I were helping at the orphanage today and made lots of Ragunna-style pastries.]
[We have quite a few left... I'd like to give you the ones I made myself, as a thank you for your help before.]
[And yes, there's a portion for Anby too.]
That was Phoebe.
Two distinctly different styles.
But...
Pastries made by Phoebe?
That was interesting...
Her cooking skills probably weren't bad, right?
Well, it didn't matter.
Even if they weren't great, he'd have to say they were delicious after all, it was the young lady's sincere gesture.
A handmade gift carried its own special meaning.
Besides...
If they really turned out to be inedible, well... there was always Anby.
Believe in Anby's stomach.
Then, Ray replied to them.
[On my way.]
That was for the Second Young Miss.
[Pastries made by Phoebe herself? I look forward to them.]
[I'm about to head to the pier. If it's convenient, we can meet there.]
[Anby also asked me to thank you, it's practically spinning in circles with anticipation.]
That was for Phoebe.
...
...
In the Ragunna afternoon, sunlight bathed the white walls in honeyed gold.
A sea breeze, carrying its salty tang, wound through the twisting streets, filtering through lush foliage to cast dappled shade on the windowsills.
Carlotta held a cup of coffee with a hint of citrus, a habit she had gradually cultivated since becoming a part of the Montelli family.
The rich espresso base blended with the subtle, sweet aftertaste of citrus. This touch of brightness balanced the bitterness, achieving a pleasant harmony.
It suited those about to face tense moments, and equally those seeking relaxation after tension.
Like this moment, for instance.
As an young lady of the Montelli family, Carlotta's life afforded little time truly her own.
Ever since she took the pistol symbolizing responsibility from her grandfather's hands, she had moved through the shadows of Ragunna in the name of "Montelli."
Leisure like today, unburdened by family affairs or missions, was something she had scarcely ever experienced in the past.
Officially, she was traveling to Septimont to oversee family business.
But in reality, it was her grandfather's way of giving her a chance to catch her breath, to rest for a while.
And Carlotta naturally understood her grandfather's intention. In the past, she might have politely declined, choosing instead to immerse herself in the daily life of an Executor.
But now...
A sense of self was awakening within her.
Perhaps the girl needed a part that belonged to "Carlotta," separate from "Montelli."
This wasn't to say she was abandoning her family duties.
It was simply that a true Montelli would not define themselves solely by the family name.
Carlotta Montelli, she would always be needed, she would never be abandoned again.
And having moved past that particular constraint, she was sufficiently free.
Of course, she wasn't ready yet to reveal more of the parts that belonged solely to Carlotta to others with one exception: Ray.
Despite their differing statuses, he was different from the rest. He didn't deliberately distance himself because she was a Montelli, nor did he insincerely draw near. He always maintained a reassuring, perfectly balanced distance.
Though their relationship was a facade, if they had more opportunities to interact in the future, the fictional bond between "Opal" and "Cat's Eye" might quietly transform into something real.
As for what their relationship would become by then...
The girl buried a seed of her own anticipation deep in her heart.
"Miss Carlotta?"
It was then that a serene, gentle voice called from behind.
Carlotta tilted her head slightly to see a lovely young woman with golden hair, Phoebe.
They had met a few times before. Their relationship wasn't exactly close, but neither were they strangers.
And now, because of Ray, their paths seemed to be crossing a little more often.
"Phoebe?" A flicker of surprise passed through Carlotta's eyes.
Though the earlier misunderstanding had been cleared up, as the Second Young Miss of the Montelli family, she naturally wouldn't dwell on such trivial matters.
That was true, provided she viewed everything solely through the lens of her family's interests.
But the person standing here currently was, more than Montelli, a girl named Carlotta.
That faint, lingering trace of discomfort in her heart, she couldn't fool herself about it.
Still, that didn't mean she would take her feelings out on Phoebe.
"Good afternoon, Miss Carlotta. May the Sentinel bless you."
A serene smile graced Phoebe's face as she gave Carlotta a gentle wave.
"Good afternoon," Carlotta returned with a polite smile. "Is it your day off today? What brings you to the pier?"
"Ah, no," Phoebe shook her head lightly. "Mr. Ray asked me to meet him here."
Carlotta: "?"