The three boats docked at Saint-Noel Island’s harbor were of reasonably ample size. While they weren’t able to carry a whole carriage across the lake, they could fit around twenty passengers.
I’ve laid my bait. I just hope it’s enough to lure her here...
Mia had emphasized these boating expeditions in her opening speech, but had she actually hooked Orania? She wasn’t certain, and she let out a long sigh. “It really is quite hot today...and terribly bright out too.”
With Mia baking in the sweltering heat of the sun’s rays, sweat droplets began to form on her skin. She wiped her brow with a handkerchief as she eagerly anticipated her prey falling into her trap...but she didn’t have to wait very long for that.
Oho ho! Here she comes! All had gone according to plan. Orania was a bona fide fisherman—she wouldn’t waste her time fishing in beginner spots! If she was participating in the tournament, she’d choose to head off into the lake. At least, that’s what Mia had surmised, quite correctly.
She called out to her with a victorious grin. “Orania! I thought you would be here!” she exclaimed, all the while rushing toward the girl to prevent her escape. “Hurry on board! Let’s enjoy some fishing together!”
“U-Um... But...” Her eyes darted around as she checked the other fishing boats.
Mia grabbed hold of her arm. “Come on then, Orania!” she cheered.
The other princess simply sighed in defeat.
Mia finally breathed a sigh of relief once their ship had left the port.
Everything’s going to plan, at least so far.
Orania would be trapped until they returned to the harbor, which was quite the relief. The Ganudos princess eagerly listened as Santeri babbled about the fishing spot they were visiting, and it inspired an approving nod from Mia.
I’m glad she’s having so much fun, but...this will all be pointless if she ends up just fishing by herself. I think it’s about time I make my next move!
Mia glanced at the children of the SEEC program. Her strategy for this battle had been devised with salient advice from the Great General Anne—specifically that “Young lords love praise, and getting to use the skills they’ve cultivated even more... At least, that’s what I’ve read.”
And what exactly was her strategy?
“Could I ask you to help the children fish, Orania?”
Yes, this was her master plan!
Noble ladies love being praised for their skills! She’s bound to enjoy being asked to offer a helping hand! Probably, at least... was Mia’s thinking. Orania was likely hoping to spend some good, quality fishing time alone, but that ran counterintuitive to Mia’s objectives. We’ll need to chat if I want to get close with her, but she’s clearly been avoiding me. I’ll need to create the opportunity myself.
And for that, she decided to use the children. With Orania helping them, there were bound to be increased opportunities to chat, and the slight vexation of helping out beginners combined with the glee of getting to show off her own skills would help keep things relaxed.
Not to mention, having Orania interact with the kids in the SEEC program will help her realize the dangers of the path she’s chosen.
Mia believed that granting Orania the chance to interact with children from poor backgrounds would lead her to reflect on her own actions. Looking at Orania was like looking at her old self, and she wanted to tell the other princess the saving words others had failed to give her on the previous timeline: “You better fix your personality while you still can.”
Thus, Mia looked behind her ready to introduce these children when she was hit by a sudden gust of wind. The boat shook, but she planted her feet firmly on its deck to keep from stumbling.
“My, was that strong... Bwack!” Something whacked her straight in the face, eliciting a cry that sounded like the cry of a smooshed frog. Yes, this was the famous cry of Mia “Heroine” Tearmoon!
Caught off guard, she flapped her arms in the air before finally managing to remove the cloth-like object that had adhered itself to her face. “Wh-What is this...?”
It was an adorable hat!
“I-I’m so sorry, Miss Mia!”
Mia turned to the source of this voice to find Yanna, who was clearly panicked and as white as a sheet.
“Oh, so the wind knocked your hat off!” Mia placed the hat back on Yanna’s head, put her bangs back into place, and flashed her a smile. “These gusts are strong, so make sure you keep a hold of it, okay? It’s quite sunny out today too, so a hat is an absolute must!”
Mia once again fondly patted Yanna on the head. That’s when she noticed Orania was standing there as if she had seen a ghost.
Hmm? What’s with her? She offered an inquisitive glance, but Orania only averted her eyes.