"I guess everything worked out."
Maria and I were currently walking around the banquet. We could see many groups clustered together, and even pairs discussing, however, we didn't care much for anyone but each other.
Neron and Serah were busy attending to guests and discussing with the important folks around, so I didn't want to concern him with any distractions so far.
Besides, we would eventually have a little after-party between our small circle, so it was all good.
"I finally made up with Ana, and just recently, Lemi too." After telling her all about my experience in the Root, and about what ultimately happened to Emilia, my daughter was finally willing to give our relationship a shot.
"I'll try to start out as friends, and see if we can progress from there."
Speaking of Emilia, after my entire death experience, I realized that there was no longer any reason to hang on to the past or cling unto all that my previous life had been in order to live a new one.
'I've chosen to spend the rest of my life with Maria. That's all that matters.' I smiled at her clueless face as we kept walking and discussing.
There was one thing, though…
"I am still worried about Karlia. It's been three months and we're yet to find any way to reach her in the Nether Realm."
Utilizing all the Arcanas, I could most likely use [The World] to travel to the Nether Realm, but with Karlia's current trajectory unknown, it would take forever to sort through the nigh-infinite realms that existed there.
"The Automatons you sent there as probes completely lost contact with you, right? You're trying your hardest." Maria tried to soothe my heart.
However, despite how much she tried to encourage me, the thought still ate at me.
"I haven't tried my hardest. Not yet."
If I were really desperate, I would have plunged myself into the Nether Realm while damning the consequences, in order to find Karlia.
But could I really do it? Could I throw everyone and everything I currently knew just so I could go on a search that could ultimately yield fruitlessness?
Not even Aether knew what would await me in the Nether Realm, and its infinite branches.
'I can't abandon Maria and everyone here, neither can I put them in danger.'
As a result… I was stuck.
"I'm not giving up, though." I smiled at Maria, feeling her soft hands nudge me on my shoulder.
"That's the spirit. Hehe."
Her short laugh tickled my heart, and the heaviness within me slowly dissipated.
"So, are you ready now?"
She was referring to what we had already discussed beforehand—the 'thing' I was going to do at this wedding.
"Of course. I'm still quite nervous." I responded, a bead of sweat forming on my forehead.
"Don't worry. It won't be that scary."
Based on my last experience, I knew her statement was utterly false. Still… I had to put my trust in the girl I had chosen for myself… right?
Plus, who could resist her adorable face—especially when she let out that soft smile?
"Alright, then. Let's go."
*
*
*
Just as Jared and Maria moved to their respective destinations, several other people were engaged in discussions.
One of these conversations was between two fairies.
They stood in a corner, speaking in an obviously secretive fashion as they discussed out of sight. Thanks to their minuscule height, this wasn't a very difficult feat to accomplish.
Still, who would have thought that these two would be discussing alone?
Jane Ursula and Beruel.
"So, what do you say? I really need your assistance with this project. If I had your expertise, as my assistant, we can do many amazing things."
Jane was currently smiling broadly at the white-haired, male fairy.
Beruel wore a neat suit, a mix of white and gold, while Jane's outfit had a dazzling splendour of silver. Sequins and glitters were dusted all over the dress, making it exquisite.
Honestly, it had been imposed on her by her female acquaintances.
"For you to request my help, you must be quite desperate. How important is this project of yours? No, it's not only about its importance. It must be something very complex and technical. Why else would you require assistance?"
Beruel's whisper was well expressed by his facial expression. While he rubbed his bare chin, he looked at Jane's restless expression.
"Why me? Don't you think you should let Jared know about thi—"
"No! Jared can't know!"
"Why…?"
"I-It's a surprise! Yes! It's a surprise project."
"But I'm a blabbermouth. Why would you trust me to keep my mouth shut if it's that secretive?"
"I'll make you keep your mouth shut."
Beruel instantly gulped. He knew Jane wasn't bluffing about this, and there were also many ways she could actualize her words.
"I am choosing you because you've managed to convince me that you're not scum. At least, not anymore. I didn't want to believe it before, but perhaps I'm willing to give you another chance. A chance to prove yourself."
Beruel's eyes widened when he heard this. His heart raced, and his cheeks reddened instantly. He never could have imagined that he would hear Jane utter those words to him.
It felt like a dream.
"So? What do you say?" She smiled, stretching her hand as she awaited his sure answer.
"I… I'm sorry, I can't."
Jane's expression instantly devolved into shock and her eyes widened beyond their usual size. Beruel had refused her offer, though his expression showed that he didn't want to.
"May I ask why?"
"I… I made an earlier commitment to Ana and I intend to make good on it." He finally spoke in a murmur.
His head was hung low and his cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment. He really wanted to go along with Jane, but how could he give in to his selfishness and go back on his promise?
"You really have changed." Jane suddenly gave a different smile as she stared at Beruel. "How interesting…"
Beruel felt a rush of warmth in his heart and he felt like bursting with such great excitement when he received her compliment.
Jane actually thought he was interesting?!! How awesome!
"I understand. It's very understandable." She nodded slightly and began to fly away.
"There's no need to feel bad, Beruel. It's fine. I hope you find satisfaction with Ana. She's a brilliant girl, so support her well."
Beruel felt his heart drop as Jane flew off. He wanted to say something, but a lump was stuck in his throat. He couldn't find the right words to utter.
"W-will you be okay? Who will you ask to help you out with it… with the project?"
Jane paused in her flight and gave him a confident look. Her eyes were gleaming with such energy that he found himself unable to look away.
As her peach-coloured hair danced in the wind, Beruel was reminded why he found Jane Ursula so captivating and absolutely enthralling.
"I'll just have to do it myself."
With that fine statement of finality, she zoomed off and Beruel watched her in a daze.
"Haa…" He could only sigh in wonder.
'She really is amazing..'
