Lucia Celebrates Their Reunion

Mounting the horse that we were lent, we set off on the road towards Foristarn. If they left this morning, we would definitely be able to catch up. Believing that, I desperately clung to Sir Celes as we rode ahead.

Since we were going full speed, the ride wasn’t easy. All I could do was grit my teeth so I wouldn’t bite my tongue. And Sir Celes held me close, so I wouldn’t fall off the horse. We were going so fast, I couldn’t look up. I was amazed that Sir Celes could look forward at this speed.

I didn’t know how long we’d been going, but about when I lost feeling in my hands...

“There...!” I heard a hoarse voice by my ear. I had to close my eyes as we sped up even more. “Commander...!”

Sir Celes called for Commander Agliardi. I could hear the sound of horses ahead of us. As we got closer to them, I opened my eyes, and at the same time, Sir Celes pulled hard on the reins.

Looking up, I saw the Commander’s face. We hadn’t been separated that long, but I’d missed it.

“You’re alright!?” he exclaimed.

“Yes, neither of us are injured.”

While I dimly watched them talk, I suddenly came back to my senses. If the Commander is here, then...

“LUCIA!” I heard someone scream. My head shot up, and I saw Miss Maria running towards me holding her skirt up, her hair a mess.

“Miss Maria!”

“Lucia! Luciaaa!” The moment I slipped down off the horse was the same moment she jumped towards me. “Lucia, I’m so sorry, Lucia! Thank goodness you’re alive...! You’re alive!”

Miss Maria sobbed like a small child, and clung to me when I touched her slim shoulders.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Miss Maria.”

“I’m sorry, I did something horrible. I’m so sorry!” she sobbed.

“It’s not your fault. I’m fine. We’re both fine. You must have been scared. It’s okay now.”

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry...”

“You don’t need to apologize! But have you been eating properly? You seem thinner. Have you been sleeping?”

While she cried, I noticed she wasn’t in her usual pretty dress. Instead, she was in a shorter, easier to move in dress and short boots. Her long black hair, down to her waist, was tied in a high ponytail with a red ribbon.

“Lucia!”

“Kyuwah!”

Sir Gaius came up from behind Miss Maria. On his shoulder was Shiro, flapping his wings eagerly, with a red ribbon tied around his neck. While Miss Maria still clung to me, Sir Gaius patted me on the head. Then, Eric popped his head up. “Lucia! I’m so glad you’re okay! Oh, I’m happy about the Captain, too.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you. I’m back now,” I said.

Lord Reynard came up with the carriage too, while we were celebrating. “Miss Lucia, Sir Celestino, you’re safe!”

Turning his attention to him, Sir Celes replied, “Lord Reynard, I apologize for being late.”

“There’s no problem, Sir Celestino. I’m just glad you’re both safe...!” Lord Reynard had always acted so calm normally, but his dark eyes were tearing up behind his glasses. Surprisingly, he was easily moved.

At that moment, the carriage door opened. And His Highness exited.

“Celestino, Lucia. It’s good that you’ve returned,” he said, calling out to me.

“...Your Highness.”

Sir Celes kneeled in front of the prince. I followed his example. Not knowing what we should say, a silence fell over the group. All you could hear was Miss Maria’s small sobs.

“...Let’s keep going to our next camping spot. There should be some open space ahead. We can talk there.”