Shinano's words echoed in Illustrious's mind—
"If you're unwilling, then go back to where you came from!"
At that time, Illustrious had clenched her fists, struggling internally. Pride, identity, and stubbornness all clashed within her. But in the end… strength won.
"I… I'll do it," Illustrious had said through gritted teeth.
And that decision led to everything that followed.
Back in the present, inside the room of the Biyun Grand Hotel—
Illustrious snapped out of her memories as Atago stood beside her, arms crossed, clearly impatient.
"Are you done reminiscing?" Atago said coldly.
"Yes, yes…" Illustrious quickly nodded.
Atago glanced at the unconscious Fiona on the bed, then at the half-written marriage form still lying nearby. Her eyes darkened slightly.
"We don't have time. The longer we stay here, the worse it gets."
Saratoga stretched lazily. "Captain's right. If the royal guards find out the princess got knocked out, we're all in trouble."
Essex adjusted her gloves calmly. "And judging from the situation, we'll be labeled as criminals immediately."
Illustrious swallowed. "Then what should we do?"
Atago turned around sharply, her long hair swaying behind her. "We leave. Right now."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Then—
"Run?" Illustrious asked carefully.
Atago shot her a look. "What, you want to stay and become someone's Empress?"
"Absolutely not!" Illustrious immediately shook her head.
"Good. Then stop asking obvious questions."
Saratoga grinned. "Heh, looks like we're doing a jailbreak in reverse."
"We haven't even been jailed yet," Essex corrected.
"That just means we're being proactive," Saratoga replied proudly.
Atago ignored their banter and began issuing orders.
"Pack everything. Only essentials. We move fast."
With a wave of her hand, her rigging space flickered open, swallowing her belongings instantly.
Essex followed suit, lightning-like energy flashing as her items disappeared one by one.
Saratoga whistled as she tossed things into her rigging space. "Ah, efficiency. I love it."
Illustrious stood there awkwardly.
"…I haven't packed yet."
Atago didn't even look back. "I already did it for you."
"What?"
Illustrious turned—and sure enough, her luggage was neatly stacked nearby.
"…That's actually kind of touching," she muttered.
"Don't misunderstand," Atago replied flatly. "I just don't want you slowing us down."
Illustrious smiled anyway.
Before leaving, Illustrious hesitated.
She looked back at Fiona.
Despite everything… Fiona was still lying there, vulnerable, completely unaware.
Illustrious sighed softly.
"No matter what… this is partly my fault."
She walked over, gently pulled the blanket up, and covered Fiona properly.
"…Sorry," she whispered.
"Are you done?" Atago's voice came again, colder this time.
"Coming!"
Illustrious grabbed her hat, adjusted it quickly, and ran toward the door.
The four of them exited the room swiftly.
Their footsteps echoed faintly in the quiet hallway.
At the reception, Atago handled the checkout with a calm expression, as if nothing unusual had happened.
Moments later—
They were gone.
Outside, the harbor breeze greeted them.
The sea stretched endlessly ahead.
Atago didn't hesitate. "Illustrious."
Illustrious nodded.
"Got it."
Blue light began to gather.
Cubes of energy formed in the air, assembling piece by piece—
A massive silhouette emerged.
The Illustrious-class Aircraft Carrier.
"Everyone, board quickly!" Illustrious called out.
Without delay, Atago, Saratoga, and Essex rushed up the boarding ladder.
The moment they were all on deck—
The ship surged forward.
Thirty knots.
Straight toward the open sea.
Behind them—
Free Iris grew smaller and smaller.
And ahead—
Only uncertainty awaited.
Three hours later…
Fiona would wake up.
And everything would change.
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