Joshuas heart was beating rapidly as he exited the Palace. His waiting guest was mesmerizing: waist-length, flowing light blue hair and eyes like gems plucked out of the heavens; a petite stature (less than 160 centimeters), and perfectly proportioned. Not beautiful like Charles, but charming and adorable.

Just like Joshua remembered. He hadnt changed.

Icarus?

Ah. Icarus pulled his gaze away from the stars and smiled at Joshua. Baron Joshua.

My word Cain gaped. My lord! Who is that gorgeous lady over there?

I dont know eitherI think my mind is playing tricks on me. Joshua shook his head, half-convinced he was hallucinating. He knew Icarus was pretty, but wasnt this a bit much? He looked just like a woman when he grew out his hair.

Was Icarus a woman all this time? He couldnt know for sureJoshua had never met Icarus before he traveled back in time, only heard of hisher?exploits. Hed always assumed that, in a country as patriarchal as Avalon, the Emperor-to-bes strategist would be a man.

Come to think of it, there are definitely more opportunities for a man in the Empire. Maybe thats why Icarus worked so hard even before I died.

Its been a long time, Baron Joshua.

Your hair

Ah Icarus touched the long locks while Joshua was still struggling with his inner turmoil. Does it look odd? Ive been growing it out for a while now.

No, no I mean, it looks good.

Icaruss face lit up.

Its just Joshuas eyes lingered on Icaruss body.

Yes?

A little too womanly.

Where are you looking? Icarus flushed, hands coming up to block Joshuas gaze.

My lord! Cain was enraged. How could you be so rude to the lady? He stepped forward while Joshua turned away, confused. Ah, miss Icarus. I have heard the rumors: the most brilliant strategist of the Academy and one of its top studentsI never knew you would be both brilliant and stunning!

Im sorry who are you, again?

I am Cain, Baron Joshuas knight.

So are you really a woman?

Well, is it important? Icarus seemed oddly irate. Do you have some hidden prejudice against women, Baron?

Does it look like it? Joshua replied.

Of course not. I wouldnt have come this far if you did.

Its an honor. He smiled.

I came here to fulfill my promise. Are you finally accepting me?

Huh? Whats this about? Cain managed to move past the fact that Icarus had ignored him and found that the conversation was moving in a direction that could be easily misunderstood. The master truly is a troublemaker! Arent the two most beautiful ladies in the Empire enough? Are you now going after the Academys brightest student, too? Isnt that a little too much?

Most beautiful women in the Empire? Icaruss gaze rapidly cooled. Baron Joshua, I believe you owe me an explanation.

Joshua broke into a cold sweat under Icaruss contemptful gaze.

Stop making the conversation weird, CainJust calm down and listen, Icarus.

But Im not making it weird Cain caught Joshuas stern look and backed off with his tail tucked between his legs.

Right You said you came to fulfill your promise?

Thats right. You didnt forget, did you?

Impossible. Joshua held out his hand with a smile. I would have gone to you if you hadnt come. Theres no one else like you.

Icaruss cheeks flushed again. Of course, Joshua was referring to Icaruss skillno one else knew them as well as Joshua did. But the way it sounded in Icaruss ears

They say a soldier has to refuse twice to find a master that knows their true worth. If I went to you, you might have had to ask three times.

Icarus grinned and took his hand.

Are you going to keep harassing me?

Cain stepped in and clapped his hands on their shoulders. Lets do well from now on, Military advisor.

Thats a nice title. Icarus gave Cain a dazzling smile.

So Shall we discuss our plans now? Joshuas eyes gleamed.

Plans? Cain and Icarus cocked their heads at him.

He nodded. Im thinking of meeting the Emperor and then leaving for Reinhardt.

The neutral city?

I intend to leave the Imperial Knights, like you.

Will the Emperor allow it? And what about the 11th and 12th Battalions if you leave?

Thats why Im meeting the Emperorthe 11th and 12th, too. Joshua grinned. Well meet again if fate wills it.

Cold-hearted.

Joshua let Cains words go in one ear and out the other.

As for you two, I have a favor to ask. Im really sorry, but Joshua grimaced regretfully as Icarus. I dont want you two to go to Reinhardt. Instead, I need you elsewhere.

What? What do you mean?

After all those years of separation, were going to split up right after we met? Really, my lord?

Please dont get me wrongits only for a few months, and Im asking because you two are the only ones who can pull this off.

Well Lets listen first, Icarus said after a long silence. Where do you want us to go and what do you want us to do?

I want you to go Joshua paused. ...to the Pontier family.

The Pontiers? Icarus and Cain blinked at him.

You see

Theta.

Yes, yes.

Did you hear what I said?

Code Zero will be joining the Master Battle, right?

Right. Ian nodded. You will represent the Magic Tower this Battle.

Eh? Theta leapt out of his chair. Why me? Theres no benefit in playing with those kids. The Master Battle has only had a wizard in it once, hasnt it?

Only the winner of the Master Battle has the privilege of facing the Nine Stars and Twelve Superhumans. And, like the ones who surrender in the middle of the Battle, you can learn something about the Masters. Theres two reasons you need to join: first, to learn more about Code Zero and locating the object; second Im getting old. Shouldnt I have at least one heir?

Tower Master? Thetas eyes widened.

Shouldnt my successor at least have credibility? Otherwise, our Tower would be ignored.

What do you

You already achieved the point.

You realized? Theta trembled.

Who do you think I am? I felt the subtle shift in mana around you for a long time now. In terms of pure magic, only me and Evergrant can rival youno other wizards. Theta.

Yes, Tower Master.

Go settle Jacks death. Remind the continent that our Tower still stands. Only you can do this. Are you up to the task?

Theta sighed. ...Ill try.

Its settled, then. Ian smiled contentedly.