That ...... Nia, please.
　Yeah, I got it. I've lived here since I was born.

　A month has passed since Cecilia arrived in Nova Lemuria.
　Her wounds have healed sufficiently, and her lost strength has returned with the daily diet. ......

　I asked Nia to give me a tour of Nova Lemuria.

　It's not weird, is it?　This?
　"Yes, I think it looks good on you.

　Nia complimented Cecilia on her outfit.
　Cecilia was wearing a very simple white dress.

　Cecilia was wearing a very simple white dress, because if she walked around in her usual medium outfit, all hell would break loose.
　Fortunately, Cecilia has not yet been recognized by the residents of Nova Lemuria.

　By the way, ...... is that okay with Nia?
　Yeah, what?
　The ...... horns, the tail...

　Cecilia glanced at Nia's horns and tail, and then asked.
　In Cecilia's memory, Nia was always anxious and frightened, and always hid her horns and tail.

　But now, she didn't even wear a hat, and her horns were exposed without a care in the world.
　And her tail was hanging from the bottom of her miniskirt.

　"Oh, do you mind?　I can hide it if Cecilia doesn't want me to.
　"No way!　You're being mean again. ......
　I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'm kidding, I'm kidding.　Don't worry. I'll be fine.

　Nia smiled at Cecilia. 　
　Cecilia rolled her eyes.

　It always amazes me how much my best friends grow up while we're apart.

　You've changed.
　"So has Cecilia. Come on, let's go.
　"Yes!

　Cecilia and Nia walked hand in hand.





　The first place they went to was the museum.
　The museum was decorated with numerous ornaments and paintings collected by the nobility, not to mention the imperial estate.

　The works of art are protected by thick glass cases and iron bars that have been enchanted to strengthen them.
　There is a high entrance fee, restrictions based on status, and a thorough luggage search.

　Wow, ......, that's amazing. It's a big ruby.
　"This must be from the royal family. It was a gift from a merchant in Syndira.

　One by one, Nia explained to Cecilia the origin of each piece of art.
　Cecilia complimented Nia each time.

　"You know a lot, Nia. That's great!
　"Not really.

　In fact, I went to the museum many times and researched hard for this day, but that's a secret.
　Only in front of Cecilia, Nia really wanted to show that she was cool and dependable.

　But, Nia, your Lemurian has gotten much better. I was surprised.
　I'm sure you'll be surprised at how well you can speak Lemurian." "Haha ......, I couldn't even speak Cyrillic back then.

　Nia smiled bitterly.
　Cecilia used to speak Cyrillic with Nia.

　Cecilia used to listen to Nia's accented Cyrillic without laughing.
　Now, Nia is speaking Lemurian to Cecilia.

　"Speaking of which, Cecilia's mother tongue is Lemurian, right?
　"Yes, it is. The official language of the Lemurian Patriarchate is Lemurian. However, if you step out of Lemuria, you'll be speaking Edelna.

　However, since there are still many Lemurian speakers in the former West Lemurian Empire, Edelna is not the dominant language.
　At least among the upper classes of West Lemuria, Lemurian is the official language.

　Cecilia, do you speak any languages?
　Is it me?　Well, ......, yes. I can speak Lemurian, Cyrillic, and Edelna without any problems. Cerda, Tretum, and Fullerling I speak only a little.
　Oh, ...... you're right Cecilia. I still speak only Lemurian and Cyrillic. Now I'm learning Farsi.

　You should at least know the language of your greatest virtual enemy.
　Hercule and Loukanos had told her that, and Nia had been working hard to learn Farsi.

　However, Cyrillic, Lemurian, and Farsi have different language systems.
　The former is a language established in the sea world, while the latter is a language established in the desert world.

　It was difficult for him to learn.

　Fars. I'd like to be able to speak it too. If I ask Lord Hercule, can he introduce me to a teacher?
　"...... is the language of the Holy Fire Church, is that okay?


　Isn't it inconvenient to teach Messianism to the Holy Fire people if you don't speak Farsi?
　That's true.

　Cecilia and Nia both have the same motive.
　Both Cecilia and Nia have the same motive: to learn the enemy's language and deepen their understanding of the enemy.

　But Cecilia probably doesn't think of them as enemies.
　To her, it's an object of salvation.



　Now then, the two of them head for the port.
　The port of Nova Lemuria, arguably the largest port in the world, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nova Lemuria after Hercule built a sewage treatment plant to solve the stench.

　"Wow!　There are so many ships here. And it smells like the sea.
　What's so interesting?
　You may be used to seeing them all the time, but I've never seen so many ships, and I rarely go to sea. I rarely go to sea. I only visit Edelna a few times at most.

　Cecilia said happily.
　Nia, who was born and raised in Nova Lemuria, could not understand.

　It's almost noon, so let's eat. I have a specialty that I want Cecilia to try.
　"A specialty?

　Cecilia was taken by Nia to the pier.
　There were a lot of stalls there.

　I can smell the fish cooking. ......
　"That's right. All the stalls here are cooking mackerel.
　"Mackerel, sir?

　Cecilia tilted her head.
　Of course, Cecilia knew about mackerel and had eaten it.

　But even if you say that mackerel is a specialty, it doesn't ring a bell.
　If you say that seafood is a specialty of a port town, that may be true. ...... Cecilia didn't know if it was something that Nia would go to the trouble of asking her to eat.

　I've got a friend here, like I told you.

　Nia spoke to one of the stall owners.
　The shopkeeper bowed lightly.

　"This is Nia. The girl behind her is your friend Cecilia?　She's cute.
　Thank you for this .......

　Cecilia bowed.
　Apparently, this shopkeeper does not discriminate against the Nightmare race.

　Two.
　Yes.

　After receiving the money from Nia, the shopkeeper took out a long, thin loaf of bread, split in half, and put some onions and lettuce on it.
　He then poured some lemon juice over the mackerel that was cooking on the griddle and placed it on top of the bread.
　The mackerel was then placed on a piece of bread. Finally, an olive oil-based dressing was poured over the mackerel and placed between two pieces of bread.

　He wrapped it in a linen cloth and handed it to Cecilia.
　While Cecilia was puzzled, the owner finished making Nia's portion as well.

　"What's this ......?
　"A mackerel sandwich. It's a Nova Lemuria specialty. I eat it regularly. The taste varies from store to store, but this one is the best.

　With that, Nia pulled Cecilia's hand and led her a short distance away.
　Eating in front of the restaurant would be a nuisance.

　Let's eat.
　Isn't there a ...... place to sit or something?
　"We'll eat standing up. We eat standing up, looking at the sea.
　Standing up!

　Cecilia was surprised, and Nia bit into her mackerel sandwich as if to show her a good example.
　Cecilia followed her example and took a bite.
　It was her first time eating a sandwich, and her first time eating standing up.

　"How is it?
　It's delicious. ...... Bread and mackerel go well together, don't they? The dressing and the acidity of the lemon are perfect. The vegetables are crispy and delicious.
　I'm glad you like it.

　They finished it in a flash.
　One sandwich is too little for two people who eat a lot.

　"There's another specialty. Let's go.
　"Yes, I hope so.

　Cecilia walks with Nia through the city.
　Nia stopped in front of one of the stalls.

　This is ...... meat?　It's pretty big.
　It's a stack of mutton. You point the meat on a metal rod and roast it slowly over a fire while rotating it. When it's done, you cut it off with a knife. That kind of cooking.

　While explaining to Cecilia, Nia showed her two fingers and handed the money to the owner.
　The owner handed the finished dish to Nia, seemingly unconcerned about any customer, even if they were a demon (Nightmare).

　Nia handed one to Cecilia.



　It's called "gyropita. It's meat and vegetables in a round loaf of bread with dressing on it. It's delicious.

　Nia said and bit into it in front of Cecilia.
　Cecilia scanned her surroundings and discreetly put the gyropita in her mouth.

　It's delicious. The meat is nice and fragrant.
　It's also good for your health, since you get vegetables.

　Now, after all that hot and fatty food, you want to eat something cold and sweet.
　So Nia asked Cecilia to join her for dessert.

　"What now?
　"This time it's interesting. Cecilia can order it for you.

　Nia pushed Cecilia back.
　A sweet smell tickled Cecilia's nostrils.

　Ice cream?
　"Yes, I do. Just one, okay?

　Cecilia handed over the money and ordered an ice cream.
　The shopkeeper stretched out a stick to scoop up the ice cream.

　"Wow!

　Cecilia's eyes rolled back in her head.
　Cecilia rolled her eyes, for ice cream in Cecilia's knowledge did not stretch.

　The shopkeeper put the ice cream in a cone and handed it to Cecilia on a stick.

　"Thank you, ....... Huh?

　The cone quickly disappears from Cecilia's hand.
　The owner rotates the stick to get it out of Cecilia's hand just as she grabs the cone.

　"Oh, I can't grab that .......

　Cecilia tries again and again to catch it, but she fails each time.
　The shopkeeper, pleased with Cecilia's reaction, continues to perform.

　However, no matter how innovative and interesting the performance is, ......
　However, even though the performance is innovative and interesting, it can get boring if it is too persistent.
　Halfway through the performance, Cecilia also became bored with the persistence.

　When she was completely bored, the shopkeeper handed her the ice cream easily, as if he was satisfied.

　What's that ......?
　"It's a speciality, so there's that.
　It's disrespectful to God to play with food.
　Cecilia was enjoying herself until halfway through. Well, I'm going to get some too. It will probably take a long time, so you can eat first.

　Cecilia saw Nia off and sipped her ice cream.
　The taste was surprisingly normal.






　After eating the ice cream, the two of them looked out over the city from the hill, watching the sun set.
　The marble houses glowed with gold.

　Nova Lemuria is a big city. Nova Lemuria is a big city, very different from the desolate city of Lemuria.
　Well, it's the home of the Emperor.
　"...... Lemuria is also the home of the Medium, though.

　Cecilia let out a sigh.
　I'm not sure what to say.

　"Um, ...... Cecilia?
　It's okay. In fact, the medium has no power. I have authority but no power. I am the leader of the Sacred World and Hercule-sama is the leader of the Secular World. But still, Lord Hercule is amazing. Seeing this city made me realize that. In both Lemuria and Edelna, the streets are filled with vagrants and orphans. And they're filthy. But this city has very few people and it's very clean. You're amazing, Hercule.

　Cecilia's cheeks were slightly flushed.
　Cecilia's cheeks were a little flushed, and not just from the setting sun.

　Cecilia is .......

　Nia asked a little reservedly.

　How do you feel about her?
　I like her.
　"As a, uh, ...... human being?
　"As a human being and as a man.

　Cecilia said simply.
　Then she turned to Nia and bowed.

　The reason I didn't tell you about my correspondence with Hercule is probably because I was jealous of you at the time. At the time, I hadn't been able to sort out my feelings, and I was just kind of disgusted with you. ...... But now I can say it clearly. I like you, Hercule, and I was jealous of you. I'm sorry.
　I'm sorry." "No, no, no, no, no, that was my fault too, or rather my fault.

　Nia waved her hands and told Cecilia not to apologize.
　The story returns to Hercule.

　"Does Cecilia want to marry you?　Wasn't there a medium who married you in the past?
　"Yes, I have. But not now.


　Why?
　"Because I have no intention of becoming Lord Hercule's puppet.

　Cecilia said firmly.

　I like Mr. Hercule as a man. I like him as a man, I respect him as a politician and a soldier, and I respect him as a man of culture. But he is the Emperor and I am a medium. I do not intend to be her puppet or vassal. This is my responsibility as a medium.

　You don't have to think so hard, do you?

　Difficult ......? But I personally want Hercule-sama to approve of me, and I want to make him squeal.

　Cecilia smiled mischievously.
　Cecilia laughed mischievously, but her expression quickly returned to seriousness.

　Cecilia smiled mischievously, but quickly returned to seriousness. And if I were to have a male-female relationship with Hercule-sama now, I would definitely be ridiculed. It would mean a loss of authority for the medium. I cannot sully the history and authority of Messianism that has been accumulated by successive generations of mediums. Besides, the loss of authority of the mediums would mean the loss of the Emperor's authority. It seems that Lord Hercule is not all-powerful. He seems to underestimate the authority of the mediums. Hercule has a bureaucracy and a standing army to hold down the country, and that power is certainly powerful. But ...... is not enough to hold the country together. The authority of the medium is essential to the world order. She's too good. That's why you can't see her. You don't know why the Lemurian Empire made Messianism its state religion, why it used the authority of the medium, and why successive emperors, your father, have continued to uphold it.

　Cecilia reached for the moon, which was slightly faint.

　I don't mean to be irreverent and say that the emperor's right is the moon and the medium's right is the sun ....... But at the same time, emperorship is not the sun and mediumship is not the moon. She thinks she is the sun, doesn't she? Well, that part is attractive and I like it. ...... But that's not the same thing. We should not be in a relationship where one of us shines on the other, but rather we should be mutually illuminating and enhancing each other. That's the way it has to be. That's why I'm going to say exactly what I think is wrong.

　Cecilia said, and smiled at Nia.

　I'm sorry, that was a long story.
　I'm sorry, it's a long story." "No, I was the one who brought it up in the first place. ......

　Nia shook her head.
　Cecilia turned her back to the city and looked back at Nia.

　It's time to go home. Thank you for today. It's been a pleasure. I'm sure you'll be glad you did. ...... One of these days, I'm going to give Hercule a run for his money, so look forward to it. If you can do it, I can do it. No, I'll do more than that.

　With that, Cecilia began to walk.
　Nia stared at Cecilia's back.

　Her back seemed to be very far away.