#utdc

“I’m so happy you made it Naomi!” Ari said cheerfully “It’s been a while since we could hang out together!”

“I agree, it’s such a shame…” Naomi sighed.

Ari felt guilty, after all she couldn’t keep in touch as much as she could due to her new “social life”. Yet, she hoped Naomi wouldn’t know about that. 

“I would like to offer you an apology regarding this” Naomi interrupted Ari’s thoughts.

“You? Why?” Ari questioned her.  

Naomi left a tired sigh. 

“The truth is I’ve been very busy within my responsibilities to be able to send you letters” Naomi replied. 

“Is that so… then it couldn’t be helped. Please don’t worry about it” Ari tried to comfort her. 

“Still, I would like to apologize. Please accept them” Naomi insisted.

“Very well~”.

There was a tiny pause between them. 

“You won’t ask about the things that have kept me busy?” Naomi inquired.

“I mean… I suppose that they are confidential topics that I shouldn’t know” Ari replied, confused.

“You’re right but, aren’t you curious?” 

“I-I would be lying if I said I wasn’t” Ari admitted “But I think it is not correct for me to ask”.

Naomi smiled.

“You’re so honest and correct~” Noami praised Ari “Yet, it could help me to sort out my thoughts by talking it out with you”.

“Why me?”

“You’re my friend and I trust you”.

Ari felt touched by Naomi’s words and simply smiled. 

Naomi left a tired sigh and soon started talking.

“Remember what I told you about the Eagle clan job regarding the barrier? Also regarding the towers that surround our kingdom so that the barrier reaches every place in our empire?”

"Yes, I remember," Ari said. 

“However, the situation hasn’t been ideal. Just recently, the fluctuations have been more recurrent and are becoming a serious matter for us”.

(Wait! If the barrier comes from KarlHeinz, then…!) Ari’s eyes opened in realization. (Doesn’t this mean that these fluctuations means that his health is deteriorating!?). 

“We have no way to know what exactly is causing this, but I hope it gets fixed soon. In the meantime, we have already asked for reinforcements” Naomi concluded.

(Then no one must be aware of this fact!!) Ari got worried.

Naomi noticed that Ari’s expression on her face. Naomi smiled, as she spoke.

“Don’t worry Ari. I assure you that with some more magicians the barrier will be restored in no time. We are fully prepared to whatever emergency that may arise in the future, so worry not~”

Ari smiled, but deep down she knew better that that wouldn’t be true. 

(Now that I think about it, in the novel no one spoke about these incidents) Ari thought (These were subtable signs from KarlHeinz’s health slowly declining and no one seemed to notice or link these fluctuations with him. The barriers will cease to exist when KarlHeinz dies in Autumn… as well as Iberitia and everyone living there… even myself). 

But she knew better than she had no way to tell Naomi that as she had no proof and probably thought of her as some lunatic.

“I hope so too Naomi” Ari finally stated.

“Let’s change to a more pleasant subject, shall we~?” Naomi said cheerfully “How have you been? Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

“Not really. I’m doing well” Ari said as she took a sip of her tea.

“Really~? Is there really anything you’d like to tell me~?” Naomi said while taking her tea as well “Then I must have heard wrong since I heard you were having quite a social life~”

Ari shrugged.

“Oh, that? They’re exaggerating~” she lied “Just a couple of parties or reunions here and there~” Ari then took another sip.

“Really~? Then, how is it that I heard you have been accompanying certain young man to these ‘occasional’ gatherings~?”

Ari almost choked on her tea. She coughed and cleaned her mouth as she tried to recover. 

“Y-You knew!?” Ari asked. “I thought you d-didn’t care about listening to rumors”.

“I usually don’t care about them as I believe they are a waste of time” Naomi agreed. “However… when my friend’s name was mentioned I couldn’t ignore them”.

Ari tensed.

“I had really hoped you hadn’t listened to them… at least this time” Ari admitted.

“Rumors fly and it was a matter of time before I knew” Naomi shrugged.

Ari gulped discreetly, she had to come up with an excuse for Naomi to lose interest and let it be.

“The duke Kino from Rottisen, huh?” Naomi said and after a brief pause she spoke again “I don’t like him”.

Ari opened her eyes in awe. Naomi had never openly expressed a dislike towards someone. She could guess so by the way she interacted with them, but everything kept being respectful. 

“H-How so? Do you know him by any chance?” Ari asked.

(If Naomi knew something, maybe I can use that to my advantage!).

“That’s my point: I have never heard of him before” Naomi replied “And that makes me doubt him. Ari, due to my position, I know every single member of the nobility. They are part of my responsibilities as I have to interact with them at some point, therefore I have to know about them to maintain diplomatic relationships. Not just nobles here in the Makai, but I also know the most important members of the foreign nobility. Yet, I’ve never heard of the existence of the duke of Rottissen”. 

Ari didn’t know what to say. If she dared to say something wrong, Naomi could know about Kino’s secret identity and complicate things more. She had to cover up for Kino.

“Is he your lover by any chance?” Naomi interrupted Ari’s thoughts.

“I-I! W-Well! I-I mean! We are still getting to know each other!” Ari said blushing.

(I wish I could explain to her the type of situation I’m stuck in…) Ari thought ashamed.

(For what I learnt, here in the world of the novel something as ‘boyfriend’ doesn’t exist. Apparently, the closest to it would be ‘lover’, but having that title means a step closer to becoming a fiance!).

Naomi looked at Ari and left her tea cup on the table. 

“I don’t like it…” she repeated.

“Y-You don’t have to worry about it Naomi!”

Naomi sighed.

“I would have preferred you to go out with someone I knew. That way I could have given you useful advice in order for you to make a good decision. For example, if you had chosen Sir Tersul… Sure, he looks like a gentleman, but he’s addicted to gambling. Or maybe if you had chosen his highness the fifth prince, I would have warned you about his famous whereabouts with various ladies. Something as fidelity isn’t in his vocabulary…”

Ari giggled, yet Naomi went serious.

“Yet his grace… I know nothing. It makes me feel uneasy”.

Ari felt moved, having such a great friend like Naomi moved her heart deeply. Naomi was never mentioned in the novel, so Ari suspected she wasn’t someone of importance and most likely ended up as Kino’s victim at some point in the novel. Although she greatly appreciated her, she had to keep her as far as she could from all this issue… to keep her safe.

“Don’t worry Naomi… I mean it when I tell you I’m fine” Ari smiled at her.

Naomi sighed once again.

“I trust your intuition, so I’ll respect your decision and won’t push it further. Still, I would like to advise you to be careful with his grace. Since no one seems to know about him, I can only offer you this much advice”.

Ari nodded and so they changed the topic. 

Some time later, they finally said their goodbyes and parted in different directions. 

As Naomi had just entered her carriage, it started moving. Naomi was deep in thought regarding the conversation she had today with Ariadna. 

(Duke Kino from Rottisen, huh? Sounds fishy…) Naomi thought seriously (Besides… Why does that land’s name sound familiar? I’ll have to look into this further…)

Soon she heard a light knock by her window. She opened it and one of her soldiers looked at her with urgency.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but your presence is urgently required back to the Eagle territory” the soldier said “The barrier is going through a new fluctuation right now”.

Naomi opened her eyes, surprised. 

“What? But it stabilized just hours ago!” Naomi exclaimed.

“The messenger just came to inform us ma’am” the soldier replied.

“Very well. Then let us hurry back, we’ll use a magic portal to arrive as soon as possible. Hurry everyone!” Naomi ordered and all her soldiers went back to work.

Naomi sighed.

(This can’t be normal. If this continues there’s no way we can keep it a secret much longer. And we haven’t received any reply yet from the imperial palace. Just what is going on?) Naomi thought as her carriage hurried. (I need to take care of this before anything else. I’ll need to put Ari's situation on hold. I hope I’m wrong about it and not to worry Ari unnecessary).

Naomi’s carriage took the magic portal and soon vanished, taking their preoccupations with them. 

As Ari was getting ready for the party she was heading out to, she kept thinking about her conversation with Naomi the previous day. 

(There’s no doubt that these fluctuations are signs that KarlHeinz’s weakening by the day. At this point, the story will follow its original curse) Ari thought as Mia was styling her hair by her mirror (We are just 2 months away from the Star’s festival and therefore the prediction of the oracle…).

“All done my lady! You look stunning!” Mia exclaimed.

“Thank you Mia,” Ari said as she rose. 

She headed to the carriage waiting for her by the entrance of her home. Once inside, it made its way to her already designated encounter point with Kino. When she arrived and both made their way to the party, silence always prevailed. It was clear that they took the ‘business only’ by heart. Ari sighed at the uncomfortable atmosphere between them. She had tried to start a conversation with him several times before, but they had died soon after they had started. It was clear that Kino refused to speak beyond the necessary… not to mention he wouldn’t speak about his plans at all with her. 

(He’s unapproachable. He’s also very cautions around me and he doesn’t trust me at all) Ari thought gazing at him from across her seat, while he was looking out the window (If I could only know what he’s looking for at the moment and I managed to get it for him…. then I could have some chance to get him to trust me).

The carriage stopped and both descended.

(I need to find out what: it can be information or maybe an object or maybe getting closer to a specific noble… if I manage to get it for him first! He might think of me as useful!).

They entered as they were announced. Soon Ari felt the guest’s stares and somehow she had gotten used to them at some point. They walked together and slowly they were greeted by various guests.

(I guess I have to start by sticking with him at all times to find it out) Ari thought.

Yet, at some point, as she was greeting some ladies that greeted her, she lost sight of Kino. Ari made her best effort to be by his side, yet he sneaked somehow every time. At some point, Ari ended up by herself by the dance floor.

(I can’t believe it! Is he doing it on purpose!? Why can't I remain by his side!?) Ari thought frustrated, looking everywhere for Kino. (He’s a sneaky jerk! Like a hummingbird flying at high speed from flower to flower! I can’t keep up with him!).

Ari’s eyes couldn’t find him anywhere. In late parties, he would leave her by herself and disappear not to be found by her until the end of the party or after some hours if she was lucky. 

(If this keeps happening! I won’t make any progress at this rate!) Ari groaned, still looking around. Suddenly, she felt someone touch her shoulder making her go back to her senses. 

“Lady Ariadna! It’s been a while!” a group of young ladies she had met at Lady Mindel’s party, Lady Shabel being one of them.

“Oh my~! You’re right! How have you all been?” Ari asked them.

(Oh dear, what a bad timing…) Ari thought as she smiled at them.

“It’s a pleasure to have encountered my lady!” lady Shabel exclaimed.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Ari said, and started talking about meaningless things. 

Although Ari was secretly looking around for Kino and as soon as she would spot him she’ll excuse herself to go directly to him. 

At a certain point, the music changed and all the ladies started leaving in search of a partner to dance or being asked to dance by a brave gentleman. In the end, lady Shabel, a lady called Linda and Ari remained with no one asking them to join them for a dance.  

“Where is his grace, my lady?” Lady Linda asked curiously “I thought he would come to take you for a dance by now”.

“A-Ah! His Grace had some business to attend with other guests at the party and had to retire for a while” Ari invented an excuse.

“Oh! If it was for work, it can’t be helped~” Lady Shabel replied understandingly. 

“I agree. Sometimes my father would take the opportunity to make business at gatherings such as this one” Lady Linda agreed.

Ari thanked they believed her lie, while she kept looking around for him. Yet when she laid her eyes on the dance floor, she forgot her search for Kino as she focused on the dancing couples. They swung around in sync with the music, somehow they were so coordinated that Ari thought of those movies back on her world replicating a ball like the one she was seeing herself. They all danced like they were professional dancers with a lot of practice for the big event. Ari always felt her heart beating fast with emotion at those scenes, but seeing it with her own eyes felt surreal. Since she was little, things like balls, dresses, princesses and anything related made her wish she was there. Even in the tight situation she found herself in, she wished she could join them… everytime. 

(Even if I was asked to dance I don’t know how to do it. Maybe the original Ariadna knew as she was a noble since birth, but not me. I can’t risk making a fool of myself) Ari thought, yet her eyes never left the dance floor. (Besides, if I happen to dance with someone else, I can make Kino angry with me).

The dance piece came to an end and a round of applause followed. Ari resumed looking for Kino, but got distracted by a sudden commotion on her surroundings.

“Oh my! Could it be…?” someone said.

“I don’t believe it!” someone else said.

“What is she doing here?” Lady Linda asked incredulously.

“I never thought someone like her would attend an event like this,” Lady Shabel added.

Ari followed their direction and by the entrance she saw that a new guest arrived at the party.

A beautiful lady was slowly descending the long stair by the entrance. Her long straight hair looked like strands of gold fluttering behind her. She was wearing a deep wine dress, richly decorated with details in black. When she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, she made a little bow with her head to viscount and viscountess Weiter, the hosts of the party, that were there. They reciprocated as they thanked her for joining them. She nodded and focused once again to the rest of the party and slowly made her way through them. They moved aside as she walked, somehow intimidated by her mere presence. 

“I’m shocked she’s here” Lady Linda commented, her voice almost a whisper.

“I agree. This isn’t the type of party she would attend” Lady Shabel agreed with lady Linda as well in a whisper.

“Who is she?” Ari said, realizing late that she thought it out loud.

“You don’t know who she is, Lady Ariadna!?” both ladies exclaimed looking at Ari surprised.

Before allowing her to answer, Lady Linda spoke.

“She’s her Grace Sabine Tachihara! The heiress from the Vibora clan!”

“Not to mention she’s currently the one that leads all trends in the empire. Whatever she wears or says is for sure turning into the next trend in the coming days”. Lady Shabel added.

“Everyone wishes to be part of her group or at least be on her good side. If someone dares to offend her or making her angry, it will be a social suicide! She can turn everyone against that person and it would be almost impossible to recover from it”.

Ari looked at Sabine as she kept walking. She passed exactly in front of Ari and the ladies and for a fraction of a second, Sabine seemed to look towards her direction and Ari could have sworn her eyes seemed cold and almost hateful. Was she looking at her? Did she imagine it?

Sabine kept walking across the center of the ballroom. 

“Oh dear…” Ari heard Lady Shabel mutter and Ari looked towards the direction she was looking. 

As people were moving away from her, someone didn’t move. Ari opened her eyes, surprised that that somebody was Kino. He was distracted by a conversation he was having with a man Ari didn’t recognize. Ari also saw that man looked behind Kino and closed his mouth in astonishment. Kino must have wondered the reason for that behavior and finally turned around to find himself face to face with Sabine that was forced to stop by this. They both look at each other, like analyzing each other. They looked like two beasts measuring their strengths. Everyone at the ball seemed to stop breathing, Ari could hear some worried whisperings around her wondering what would happen next. Some whispers claimed that Kino was being reckless by not moving aside on time, while others wondered what yould be Sabine’s next move. 

After what seemed like an eternity, they simply smiled at each other and bowed at each other. 

“Your grace” she greeted him.

“Your grace” he reciprocated.

Everyone was astonished and Ari could guess Kino achieved something big. 

“I finally have the pleasure to make your acquaintance your grace” Sabine continued.

“The pleasure is all mine” Kino gave her a charming smile.

“I look forward to having a conversation with your grace in the near future” with another bow Sabine walked past Kino and continued her way.

As soon as Sabine disappeared, everyone seemed like they were holding their breath and finally were allowed to breathe. Soon whispers could be heard everywhere, but Kino was unbothered and resumed his conversation with the gentlemen around him that joined him once again, but Ari could tell they were somehow more lively after what had happened, most likely proud from Kino’s achievement. 

“Her mere presence is intimidating” Lady Linda commented.

“I can see that…” Ari said, but was more impressed as to how Kino handled it. (It felt like a scene from Mean girls if you ask me) Ari laughed internally.

“I still can’t think of a good reason as to why her grace would attend a party like this one” Lady Shabel said.

“Whatever the reason she might have had… I’m so glad I came as well! Is it better to experience it than to hear about it, don’t you think?” Lady Linda replied excitedly. 

“I agree! The rest of the ladies will be so jealous when they hear about~! I can't wait for our next gathering!” Lady Shabel agreed.

Yet Ari remembered that stare Sabine had given her. She also wasn’t quite sure if she had to admire Kino’s nerves of steel or question Kino’s sanity. In any case, she had to find him, she couldn’t go home like she always had with no progress on her plan… or any plan she had made anyway.

She excused herself and went to find Kino, only to spot him just in time taking some stairs open to the guests to the second floor. She hurried after him and when she arrived to the second floor, she lost sight of him. The second floor merely consisted of a huge corridor with an incredible set of large window-like doors that led to small balconies for guests to use for a brief pause to have some fresh air. Something that just made sense since Ari well knew that viscount and viscountess Weiter enjoyed hosting various parties every couple of weeks. As an introvert herself, she thanked having somewhere to escape to when she felt like charging her “social battery”. As Ari walked looking for Kino, she heard some noises coming from the last of the balconies on the right side of the hall. She peaked and found Kino, but she discovered Kino wasn’t alone: Sabine was with him.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, your grace, I’m glad to have encountered you this evening” Ari heard Sabine said.

“Heh? And what is that I perhaps owe the pleasure for her grace to look forward to have a word with me?” Kino replied.

“Rumors spread fast and wide in this empire, it was a matter of time for me to hear about you. I must say that what I heard has picked my interest”.

(Then what the ladies said is true!) Ari thought surprised (If she’s aware of Kino’s existence our rumors have made it to the higher circles). 

“I have to say that it is quite an honor to have caught the interest of a lady such as her grace,” Kino replied, clearly satisfied. 

“Is not something easy to achieve, considering that I’m hard to impress”.

“I wonder what I can do for her grace to keep her interest longer”.

(Could it be that Sabine is interested in Kino in a flirty way?) Ari wondered (I mean, she isn’t really the first, but a duchess as Sabine!? Was this a thing in the novel? I can’t remember–).

“Lady Koizumi?” a nearby voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Y-Yes!?” Ari jumped and turned to look around to find Viscount Weiter in front of her.

“I’m terribly sorry to startle you my lady” he apologized with a sympathetic chuckle for Ari’s reaction.

“N-Not at all my lord!” Ari quickly composed herself and bowed to greet him “I was simply distracted”.

“I see” the Viscount replied “Are you enjoying the party my lady?”

“Oh! Definitely! The selection of music and the decorations are wonderful! It’s clear that everything was planned with the utmost care!” Ari praised.

“I’ll let my wife know your thoughts, my lady. I’m glad it was of your liking”

“Please do, my lord. Plus your hospitality has played a great part as well!”

“You’re so very kind, my lady” Viscount Weiter said with a pleased smile “I was actually looking for his Grace, have you perhaps seen it?”

Ari paid extra attention to his words.

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing to worry, at least not as far as I'm concerned” he said “Is simply that he asked for a moment to have a word with me and is just until now that I’m finished greeting all guests that I can spare him some time”.

“I see!”

(This is my chance!) Ari thought.

“I thought you might know as his partner where could he be”

“As a matter of fact, I do know where to find him, my lord!” she answered “I’ll go and tell him myself, so if you'd like you can wait for him in one of the balconies and I tell him to go and find you”. Ari replied.

“Wonderful! Then, tell his grace I’ll be waiting on the last balcony on the other end of the hall for more privacy”.

“Sure! Meanwhile, my lord should use this time to have some fresh air himself while waiting!”

“What a great idea! You’re so kind, my lady” Viscount Weiter said and turned around and left.

Ari turned around as well and, after a deep breath, lightly knocked on the balcony’s door where they kept talking. After a brief pause, she entered.

“Excuse me…Oh! Your graces! I hope I’m not interrupting!” Ari faked surprise as she entered. 

“Not at all~” Kino replied, but Ari had a glimpse of Sabine’s face to notice she wasn’t happy with her interruption “Were you looking for me?”

“I was, thankfully a servant saw you coming here and I was able to find you” Ari replied.

“Did you need something?” Kino asked.

“Actually, I came to tell you that Viscount Weiter is free now and is waiting for you in the balcony by the end of the hall”

“Ah~, then I can’t keep him waiting. If you’ll excuse me~”.

Kino left, leaving Ari and Sabine. Ari looked at her and felt the sudden change of the atmosphere. Sabine opened a fan to cover her face, not allowing Ari to read her expressions any longer.

(Kino you jerk, you didn’t introduce me to her!) Ari thought annoyed.

“Allow me to introduce myself with your grace: my name is Lady Ariadna Koizumi, youngest member of the Koizumi family” Ari introduced herself as she was of lower rank between them.

Sabine nodded. Ari felt uncomfortable in the awkward situation before her. After what felt like a long time, she spoke:

“I’ve heard about you”.

(You could have said so sooner!) Ari thought. (Ugh… This is so awkward! I want to leave!).

“It’s an honor, I hope only good things!” Ari tried to joke.

“Maybe…” Sabine answered coldly “but that doesn’t change the fact that is… annoying”.

Ari opened her eyes in surprise, taken aback by her words.

(Did I hear right?)

Ari could only look at her confused, but Sabine simply started walking towards the entrance behind her.

“If you’ll excuse me” and with that Sabine left.

Ari stayed there even after a couple of minutes trying to process what had happened.

(What was that!? Did I do something wrong? What did she mean by that?) Ari then felt angry (So the look she gave me before wasn’t my imagination!)

Ari took a deep breath and let it go. 

(You won’t always be liked by other people… maybe she was just not in a good mood?) Ari said as she shrugged (Besides, I have other things to worry about).

Ari then entered the mansion and went directly to the other end of the hall where some gentlemen were having a private conversation.

(I have to find out what Kino is after. I need to try to be a step ahead of him!) Ari thought as she hurried. 

As she approached the balcony silently, she listened as both gentlemen chatted. 

“I’m afraid that as much as I would like to help his grace, I’m unable to do so” she heard viscount Weiter said.

“It’s hard for me to believe it, as you are well informed in all the affairs regarding the internal market,” Kino said. 

Ari really didn’t have the background of their conversation, but kept listening.  

“Is true, but what his grace is asking is beyond my capabilities. Rather than involving the market, I think that’s a topic more fitable for politics'’.

“Not even if I double the current offer?” 

There was a brief pause, clearly Viscount Weiter was contemplating the offer.

“Something as offering such a large supply of magical weapons… enough to fully equip the Imperial Army: Are you saying that your land has a higher production capacity than the North Kingdom?”

Ari gulped. 

(If Viscount Weiter knew that, in fact, Kino does have that capacity…) Ari thought, remembering the events of the novel.

Viscount Weiter sighed and the sound of footsteps was heard closer to the entrance.

“I seriously can’t help you, your Grace” Viscount said “You have great talent, I’ve heard of it and I’ve seen proof of it just now. If you continue like that you’ll have a bright future ahead. However, I don’t possess the resources or contacts to provide you with the information you need. My sincere apologies, I hope you find what you’re looking for”.

“It can’t be helped then” Kino concluded “Thank you for your time then”.

“We can sign the contract another day,” Viscount said. “However, with the original offer only”.

“You can keep the second offer, it doesn’t make a difference anyway”.

“There’s no need, the double offer was in case I could be of any help. I won’t rest if I take advantage of his grace. Now if you’ll excuse me”.

Ari heard those footsteps again, so she hid behind some curtains and waited until she was sure the Viscount was gone. 

As she left her hideout, she heard Kino grunted, clearly angry that things didn’t go as we wanted.

“What a waste of time” Kino dropped the kind act “How is it possible for a business man like him not to know anything regarding the north border?”

(The north border? Could it be…?) 

Kino took a deep breath and spoke in a serious tone:

“I know you’re there”.

(Dammit!) she thought, entering the balcony.

“Well, if it isn’t you~” Kino spoke mockingly “Bad habits die hard, I see~”.

“It wasn’t my intention” Ari replied apologetically.

“May I remind you that this habit of yours got you in this situation to begin with~?”

“I know”.

Standing next to each other, they saw far in the distance.

“So, how much did you listen?” Kino inquired.

“J-Just the last part” Ari replied.

“Great, just great” Kino sighed exasperated. “Just forget you heard anything”.

“I-Is there any way I can help?” Ari dared to ask.

“Another bad habit of yours: minding in other’s business. No, you can’t help” Kino turned around with the intention to leave.

Ari grasped on the balcony concrete trying to calm herself.

(I have to try something! I need to try to cross that line he’s putting between us, otherwise I won’t be able to make it!) Ari thought desperately (Those that don’t risk, don’t win!)

“I-Is pretty hard to introduce products into the Makai right?” Ari finally said nervously “Let alone cross the border… Well, or so I-I heard”.

She heard Kino’s footsteps stop. Ari dared to turn her head and saw he had turned his head around.

“What?”

“Y-Yes, after all the Makai is p-protected from external t-threats” she proceeded carefully “Is specially though in the northern barrier”.

“And that is…?” he inquired.

Ari was a nervous wreck, she had to keep going.

“T-The magic barrier of course” she declared. “It was made purely with the purpose to protect our empire”.

“You are telling me nothing new” Kino finally said and was about to leave when Ari once again said.

“Security these days has increased considerably, don’t you think?”

“Security has always been strong”.

“But you know the reason behind it?”

Kino squinted his eyes, not really answering which Ari could dare to think she had guessed it.  

“Are you suggesting you know it?” Kino said in a mocking way.

“I do, in fact, know” Ari answered to his remark, sarcasm in her tone.

“I doubt it~” Kino shrugged, “so far, I have eyes and ears set on the north barrier, the reason behind it is confidential, someone as you knowing is…”

“Then, I suppose you already know about the fluctuations of the barrier” Ari finally said, somehow annoyed that Kino kept underestimating her.

Kino’s eyes opened so slightly.

“Fluctuations? In the barrier? That’s impossible” Kino said “That would mean the Makai is vulnerable to an attack any time a fluctuation lasts long enough for an army to invade”.

“Why do you think it has been kept as a secret or at least to just a few?” Ari questioned.

Kino went silent for a minute.

(Bingo! So there was something Kino didn’t know!) Ari thought satisfied.

“Fluctuations can be fixed sooner or later, even if what you said sure is interesting… doesn't make any much of a difference to me" Kino concluded to which Ari felt disappointed. 

But backing off… wasn't an option anymore.

"That’s a shame really, you seem to go after big things"

"Which I deduce you can’t provide. Such a shame, better luck next time~"

"But, what if the fluctuations meant something bigger?"

Ari had his full attention and Ari had to place everything on the bet if she wanted to make a change.

"Bigger as?"

"Do you know where exactly the barrier comes from?"

"The towers" Kino answered with no hesitation "they are spread wide in the Makai"

"True, but not quite" Ari said "they amplify the magic so it covers the Makai as a whole”. 

“I can hardly believe that” Kino replied “The towers must have a source of its own to produce enough magic to cover just a fraction of the land and where that ends the other tower close by would cover the next part and so on”.

“I understand your logic, but here in the Empire it is possible” Ari answered calmly. “The source is what really matters".

“Are you suggesting that something so powerful exists that is only required one of its kind to sustain the whole Empire and even better to be kept in only one place?” 

"Actually, rather than imagining something… you should be thinking of someone".

"The source comes from someone and not something?" 

Ari could tell Kino was confused, she had nailed what kind of information he was really after. It was understandable that it was something hard to believe, it was hard for her as well at first. However, everything made sense… at least for her with what she knew from the novel. She was given an advantage and she had to use it wisely.

"Magic reflects the state in which the porter is at. Can you imagine the severity of the situation?"

Kino was silent, Ari was expectantly waiting.

After what felt like forever, Kino spoke in a serious tone.

"Who is it? Who is producing all the magic enough to protect an empire and for it to only be distributed by the towers?" 

Ari looked calmly at him, although she was a nervous wreck on the inside. It was time to use what she knew in her favor and assume the consequences that would come with them.

"No other than his Majesty the Emperor KarlHeinz".