The blue sky overhead was completely gone, replaced with a layer of ash-colored cloud.
It was early morning, and the constant gray above was beginning to reflect in the people’s faces as they walked the streets.
However, one particularly noisy—or rather, energetic—young woman was determined not to let the melancholy weather keep her down.
“It’s time to keep our promise to Shakti and patrol the city!” the flame-haired maiden declared. “We’ll catch all the bad guys!”
Alize was accompanied on this occasion by Lyu, wearing her usual mask to hide her face.
“I doubt they’ll attack another factory so soon after the last,” she said, “but I suppose it couldn’t hurt to keep an eye out.”
“Absolutely!” Alize beamed.
The two began their patrol. Patrols were one of the many duties the members of Astrea Familia took upon themselves these days. In this age of darkness, crime and corruption were rife, and the Evils weren’t the only ones they had to look out for; even ordinary people could fall to dark temptations. It was important that strong enforcers, and in particular, adventurers, take to the streets and keep an eye out for any wrongdoing.
Of course, keeping the peace was primarily the role of Ganesha Familia, who acted as the self-appointed city watch. However, Lyu and the others often took part as well. After all, no one could deny that the girls of Astrea Familia had the city’s best interests at heart.
“There doesn’t seem to be any pattern to the attacks,” said Lyu, “but the first and second districts seem to have suffered the brunt of the damages.”
“This area is the heart of Orario’s magic item industry,” said Alize. “I heard they’re managing to hang in there for now, but it won’t be long before the remaining factories are completely overwhelmed.”
The two had teamed up to patrol the northeastern quarter of the city. The other girls were elsewhere, patrolling other districts in the hopes of warding off any further attacks.
In addition to making the rounds, Lyu and Alize also questioned civilians. Alize was terrifyingly adept at getting people to open up, so she was perfect for the job. The only problem was that she talked the ears off anyone willing to listen, regardless of whether it seemed relevant or not. While she focused on canvassing the populace, the relatively unsociable Lyu kept a vigilant eye out for anything or anyone that seemed out of place.
As their investigation proceeded apace, the clouds above grew thin, eventually giving way to the orange glow of evening. It was at this time, while the pair walked down an ordinary little side road, that Lyu mentioned what had been bugging her ever since that morning.
“…The city feels lifeless,” she said. “Orario is supposed to be the capital of the world, but who would believe that after taking a walk through these streets?”
“Everyone we meet looks sad, the shops have barred windows to deter thieves…” Alize agreed. “No one feels safe or like they can relax, and it’s affecting them inside and out.”
People walked the streets with their eyes cast downward, or they would leap at shadows, peering nervously over their shoulders. The usual clamor that filled the streets, of peddlers hawking their wares, was completely absent.
“The Evils have everyone spooked,” said Lyu, the frustration apparent in her voice. “They’re all on guard for whatever might happen next. Despite our best efforts, people don’t feel any better. What can we do?”
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Alize’s brow. “If nothing else, this is definitely an improvement,” she said. “Remember how bad it was when we first met?”
It’s been three years already. Three years since Alize saved me and led me into Lady Astrea’s care…
It had happened not long after Lyu had first arrived in Orario. To an elf who grew up in the forests and didn’t know her streets from her avenues, the Labyrinth City was a maze that lived up to its name. However, for all its size, the place seemed like a ghost town, and the face of every passerby was dark and stormy. In those days, the Evils did as they pleased, and public order was essentially non-existent.
At the time, Lyu had not yet received her Falna and was accosted by dangerous kidnappers. A good-looking elf girl like her was bound to fetch a princely sum on the black market.
However, it was none other than Alize who had come dashing in to save the day like a fairy-tale prince.
“I couldn’t believe how unreasonable you were back then,” said Alize. “After I saved you, you still looked at me like you’d bite my hand off, like a stray cat!”
“I—I did not! I-it’s just, I’d only recently left my village, and I was a wreck…Anyway, I—I wasn’t behaving that way on purpose!”
“I still remember what you said to me, you know! After I chased off Jura, you said, ‘If you only saved me to satisfy your own ego, don’t expect a reward. Hmph.’”
“Aliiiiize…!”
Lyu could only whine in response to her captain’s unflattering imitation. It was obvious even through the mask how embarrassed she was to see her awkward past reenacted. Even the very tips of her long ears were beginning to turn red, and Lyu hoped the ground would just swallow her up so she wouldn’t have to hear any more.
“He-hem! Oh, I know all about your weaknesses, Little Miss Leon! But I think you’re wrong about one thing.”
“Hmm?”
Lyu was taken off guard by Alize’s sudden shift in tone. She lifted her gaze, but at that very moment, a girl on the street called out to them.
“Ah! It’s Astrea Familia!” she cried.
“That’s right, we’re Astrea Familia, champions of justice!” declared Alize, turning and striking a pose. “And you must be little Leah, that girl I helped the other day, no?”
“That’s right! You remember me!” The girl beamed, hugging the teddy bear in her arms.