Last Chapter: Where the Sun Sets

The carriages bearing the emblem of House Aurelia raced down the bridge. It hadn’t been long since high tide, and a thin layer of seawater still stuck fast to the surface of the stone pavement. The sea spray kicked up by the wheels glimmered gold in the setting sun.

Palug gazed at the shrinking sight of Ynys Negesydd from the window. The island towered like a fortress, its deep shadow looming over the ocean. On this island were so many traces of an angel.

This was where she had tied herself down for centuries. A place where so many of her memories lay. A place that had once been the home she had always returned to.

“I was always destined to be forgotten. Even so, my new freedom doesn’t feel so bad. That very freedom is what lets me bask in the sorrows of parting,” she said to no one in particular.

The sun sank lower on the horizon with every passing second, painting the world in new colors on its way out. The sea around the island shone a vibrant gold, and the sky above flickered with fiery hues. More so than any other, the sight of the bright-red sun melting into the waves pulled at Palug’s heartstrings.

“Farewell, my God, my king, my people—and farewell, my prince.”

Her soft goodbyes faded into the salty sea breeze.

Tirnanog snorted. “Quit being so melodramatic, cat.”

“But I’m being abducted to the westernmost reaches of the land. I’ll barely be able to see August anymore. I’m so lonely I could die.”

The golden-furred cat squirmed and thrashed on the carriage seat. It had been ten minutes since they had set off, and they were still on the bridge that connected the island to the mainland. It was a bit early for homesickness.

“In another six years, I’ll enroll in the Academy of Magic in Lindis. Why don’t you come with me then?” Erika suggested.

“Eureka! I forgot about the academy!”

As if her powerlessness had been a complete act, Palug hopped up and down.

“She’ll probably be halfway useful in working out that prophecy of yours.”

Erika responded with a subdued nod.

“A prophecy? What’s that about? Is something about to happen?”

“I received a revelation of a potential future I would like to avoid. This revelation took the form of a vision from eyes that were not my own. The only place I saw was Lindis. It was set six years from now, and it only covered a very short span of time.”

“That’s quite a restrictive prophecy. How do you know if it’s going to be useful or not?”

“It already has been. I was able to predict this incident thanks to what I gleaned from the vision.”

“Though it didn’t contain a word about an angel like you lurking about.”

August would fall from his dragon in the tournament, and Erika would publicly humiliate him for it. Once cornered, August would fuse with the Beast of Contracts to gain dragon-riding abilities. Those were the only snippets of information on the Adventmas incident she had gotten from the game.

Why did it turn out like this, then? Erika asked herself. Come to think of it, the name of the case that was supposed to happen in six years was the Androphagi Angel Incident. I thought it was named so because it took place at the Feast of the Angel, but to think a real angel was out there eating people...

“So it’s just because you had a revelation? That’s all it took for you to try to save August? After so many near-death experiences? Just how much of a pushover can you be?!” Palug was practically snapping at her. Her fangs were bared, and her anger was on full display. A cat’s face could be surprisingly expressive.

“I have a proper reason. If I hadn’t stopped August from fusing with you, I would’ve been eaten alive. Slaughtered rather miserably by what was left of you after you’d used up all your power.”

Palug blinked, then blankly stared at Erika. After pondering the matter for a few seconds, she tilted her head quizzically. “In that case, just don’t enroll in the academy. Problem solved.”

“Urk. Now that you mention it, she’s right.”

“I did consider that, but... y’know, if I don’t, then someone else will just be eaten in my place.”

“Sure, maybe. I’ll give you that. In that case, shouldn’t you have used my miracle to avoid such a fate?”

“That also crossed my mind, but y’know, I already had quite a few reliable allies, so you looked like you needed it more than me.”

At this remark, Tirnanog and Palug exchanged a look.

“Hey, I think there’s something wrong with this kid.”

“Indeed. On this matter alone, I share your sentiment.”

They began whispering to one another, stealing frequent glances at Erika. She heard words like “unfathomable” and “gullible,” which didn’t sit well with her at all. It made her feel like they were chastising her for her thoughtless actions.

“So, erm, anyway, according to my prophecy, there are another five incidents that will result in my death. From here on, you might see Tir and I doing crazy things, but I ask that you please turn a blind eye.”

“It has to do with the life of my precious friend. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Hmm, I see. Right. If that’s how things are, you really do leave me no choice.”

Erika’s request and Tirnanog’s threat solidified Palug’s resolve. Hoisting herself up with vigor, she stood on her hind legs, tapping her right forelimb on her chest.

“I’ll lend a hand. The more the merrier, right?”

“I can’t ask you to do that. You should treasure yourself more.”

“Don’t count me out just yet. I’ll admit, I’m pretty weak at the moment, so combat is pushing it. But won’t you need someone who can act in a more refined and delicate way, unlike the serpent over there?”

Erika did need every bit of help she could get, so such a generous offer was mew-sic to her ears. Especially when it was coming from a fur-midable divine beast.

“Are you absolutely sure?”

“Yes. You saved my life, so I offer it to you.”

“Wait, that’s way too heavy. I don’t need your life.”

“Hmm, got it. I’ll help out a bit when I’m not busy admiring the blond hottie. That sound better?”

“Oi, cat, now we have the opposite problem.”

“Fine, I’ll try again. I-It’s not like I’m doing it for you. It’s all for my precious August, okay?”

“Sure. I don’t really get it, but that sounds about right?”

“Are you sure about that, Erika?”

While Tirnanog seemed quite fed up, Erika was smiling happily.

How can I lose when I have the largest dragon in the world and the strongest former angel on my side? It was a bit concerning that both were far from their full strength, but that was more than enough for now.

“Now that that’s settled, I’d like you to fetch me some clothes. There’s a limit to what I can do as a cat.”

“Got it. What clothes would you like?”

“Let’s start with two sets of men’s clothes, and two sets for women. The first of each should be like a merchant’s and the second like a noble’s. The most important thing I need is a set of boots that fit my feet just right.”

With that, Palug abruptly took on human form, holding out her legs as if to show them off. Erika hurriedly pulled down the curtain. She doubted anyone was watching, but she could never truly be sure.

“Don’t act so unsightly. If her pet cat isn’t properly disciplined, it is Erika who will face ridicule.”

“Oh, what a noisy snake.” Palug returned to kitten form and sullenly looked away.

“Can’t the two of you get along just a little better?”

“You want me to what? Even if you’re the one asking, there are some things in the world that just weren’t meant to be.”

“Hrm? But I’m always being so courteous to you.”

“What part of any of that was courteous?”

“At least show some gratitude. I could’ve easily killed you back there.”

“You’re going to regret that you didn’t.”

Carrying on with that foreboding exchange, the two phantasmic beasts raced around the narrow cabin interior. Erika watched over them warmly.

Their carriage raced on, scattering golden mist. The lonely cat was bound for a land where no one would know her. But she wouldn’t be forgotten again. She could surely make it, even in the distant west, where the sun sank beyond the waves.