Manaka Sajo had never imagined that her thirty-seventh year would begin so wonderfully.
She had met someone she genuinely wanted to raise a child with—someone to share a future, to nurture and grow alongside. Then, they arrived in this so-called den of demons, where the two of them could enjoy some time alone.
Novia had even saved those who might have otherwise died. He was neither arrogant nor indifferent, but a gentle person—like the morning sun. Granted, Manaka would've preferred if he showed her a sharper gaze or was a bit more forceful with his actions, but this kind of kindness wasn't so bad either.
Overall, she found being alone with him so joyful, so fun. It felt like a date, a vacation—each moment brimming with romance. If only it could go on like this, slowly, one day at a time. But—
That woman! That purple-haired girl!
Manaka grit her teeth, glaring at the girl ahead, who was currently fighting with Ether Lines. Her hands curled into fists on either side of her face.
It was clearly their first meeting, and yet after just a bit of completely unladylike crying, she somehow ended up standing beside Novia like it was the most natural thing in the world. She even held his hand! Damn it, I never even got to hold it that long...
That wicked woman knew exactly how to take advantage of Novia's kindness. A manipulative alchemist with glasses! She must've had some nasty plan involving those Ether Lines. And that look—winking one eye while keeping the other open—that was clearly a challenge, mocking her for being thirty-seven!
Sure, her younger sister also wore glasses, but she wasn't nearly as sly. Manaka had to protect Novia. What she felt for him wasn't something as simple as "love." To her, he was like air, like hydrogen, like moisture, like light, like a soulmate—someone she absolutely couldn't live without.
"Ah? What are these? We didn't have any of this stuff on the first level when it was just me and Novia."
Manaka sat primly atop a crystal golem that Novia had just defeated. She looked up at Sion first, then tilted her head cutely as she glanced toward Novia, who was still clearing out beasts.
Around them lay fragments of the recently shattered golem, glittering like gemstones. Crystals scattered across the ground shimmered faintly with residual magical energy.
"It's because this is a special Subspecies Holy Grail War. Servants without Masters need things like this to maintain their mana. I'm surprised you didn't even realize that."
Sion responded coldly. After earlier events, she had more or less figured it out—she was the reincarnation of Dean Shiali, and Novia was likely the reincarnation of that Novia. She couldn't let the same tragedy from two thousand years ago happen again. Especially now that the strongest dragon and the Roman Emperor were no longer around.
Still, the fact that Manaka Sajo was already thirty-seven and still talking in such a cutesy voice and acting so girly... it was deeply irritating.
"Hmph~" Manaka kicked her legs lightly atop the golem's head, her tone still syrupy sweet. "That really does sound tough. A Servant without a Master. Good thing I've had Novia by my side the whole time. I should probably thank him for protecting me so much."
"You're thirty-seven! Don't you think this is a bit much?"
"Wow, the wisdom of Atlas! The daughter of Atlas herself! You're so full of yourself. Just don't come crying for sympathy later, okay?"
Manaka still wore her smile—gentle, cheerful, and bright—like a girl chatting in a garden, her soft lips parting as her voice flowed effortlessly from her throat.
Sion met her gaze and immediately stepped closer, lips parting as well.
"Maybe I should re-evaluate the magecraft of the Clock Tower and the Sajo family."
"Fine by me, you unladylike woman."
Magic shimmered at Manaka's fingertips, while Sion tugged sharply at her bracelet, stringing it with fresh Ether Lines.
And so, Manaka Sajo became a conduit of magical circuits, while Sion Eltnam Atlasia became a fully-operational, high-speed thought engine.
One was the Princess of the Root.
The other, the next head of the Atlas Institute.
Then, both Manaka and Sion turned their heads.
Behind them, Novia stood calmly, watching the two of them.
"Waaah, Novia, she tried to control me with the Ether Lines! I didn't want to fight, I swear, I was being obedient."
"Wait, you liar! You're the one who provoked me, you old hag!"
Novia didn't respond to their bickering. His body, infused with the four magical forces of the Subspecies Grail, emitted a warm light—light that physically materialized in the dungeon and quickly illuminated the entire area, freezing both girls in place.
"...W-Wait, what is this treatment? Isn't this moving too fast? I mean, I don't mind, but I was kind of hoping we'd do this kind of thing in a room first..."
Strangely enough, Manaka was delighted to be restrained by Novia. She had long yearned to see him act a little more assertively—sharper eyes, stronger presence—so this was exactly what she wanted.
"Seems like you have some bizarre preferences. Is this what happens when you stay a shut-in for too long?"
Sion didn't seem to mind being bound either. Instead, she kept her voice sharp and accusatory.
"I've observed your behavior multiple times. There's no doubt—you're devious, you alchemist of Atlas."
"Same to you, you fake-loli hag trying to act cute at thirty-seven."
Sion snapped back, clearly unable to keep her usual composure.
"Heh. If it weren't for Novia, I would've shut your mouth from the start."
"Thanks for the gesture, elder. I was planning to lose an arm to hold my ground anyway."
"Manaka. Sion."
Novia spoke, smiling. His tone was calm yet absolute. At once, the Princess of the Root and the alchemist fell silent.
"I don't think there's any reason for the two of you to fight. Wouldn't it be better to get along? Am I wrong?"
Faced with the silver-haired boy's question, the purple-haired and golden-haired girls exchanged glances—and then, a bit awkwardly, nodded.
The light summoned by Novia faded. The bindings disappeared. Manaka and Sion continued staring at each other, while Novia stood squarely between them.
Their gazes crossed.
Novia's eyes were calm and gentle, without the slightest trace of deceit, doubt, or conflict.
"Whether it's Manaka or Sion, to me, in my heart, you're both the same. And so are the two who aren't here right now. That won't change. Because no matter who it is—there's not a single one I want to, or am willing to, let go of."