Vol 2 Chapter 156: Private Conversation
When the airship reached its maximum altitude, attendants brought out the main courses from the kitchen, marking the transition into the latter half of the banquet. Perhaps because the earlier discussions had been too explosive, the subsequent conversations became noticeably more subdued. Of course, it might also have been because everyone sensed that the banquet's central figure—Veronica herself—wasn't particularly engaged.
None of the Magical Affairs Court staff present were socially inept. Even the slower-witted among them knew better than to disrupt the atmosphere. Thus, the latter half of the banquet took on the tone of a typical corporate social gathering from the material world.
Various subordinates from the Magical Affairs Court approached Veronica with wine glasses in hand, offering compliments and flattery, which she reciprocated with the well-practiced social niceties that had become second nature to her. Amidst the clinking of glasses, the previously tense atmosphere gradually softened.
Apart from occasional mentions of operational details, no one brought up topics like profit distribution or mutual scheming. They chatted about Magical Affairs Court gossip and high-society scandals instead. An outsider might have mistaken this for a harmonious gathering of friendly Magical Girls.
Eventually, the banquet concluded on a pleasant note where all guests appeared satisfied. Until the very end, no one asked for Veronica's opinion on the operation or any instructions. Even Emerald made only casual, aimless jokes, as if she hadn't been the one who used a quarter of Rune Norrey as bait earlier.
But Veronica understood clearly—this wasn't indifference. They were simply choosing this method to await her response.
Before leaving, the last person to approach Veronica for a toast was Folding Crane Orchid. Unlike the earlier grandiose speeches, this toast was deliberately arranged when everyone else had withdrawn, leaving just the two of them.
"Lady Cornflower."
She bowed slightly and lowered her voice: "If everything said earlier was what I, as the Director of Permanent Education Selection of the Magical Affairs Court, should say, then now I wish to convey some personal thoughts."Raising her wine glass, she paused: "Regarding your earlier question about my true opinion on the proposal to 'nominate you as Scepter of Gems.' Officially speaking, the magic nation needs a Scepter of Sapphire, the Magical Affairs Court needs a leader, and we employees need someone with real authority... But personally, I don't have particularly strong feelings."
"My rationality tells me you're the most suitable candidate for Scepter of Sapphire, the one most likely to wield this power responsibly. But my emotions also tell me that doing so would inevitably cause you to lose certain things along the way."
"I've only been in this nation's power structure for less than twenty years. In that time, many Magical Girls from my cohort might still struggle with basic flower cards, even distressed by how many marks are on character cards. Yet I've already risen to the position of Director of Permanent Education Selection."
"Many would say I have a natural talent for politics, that my abilities let me surpass others. But I know the truth—I initially entered this workplace, this officialdom, with certain goals and dreams, climbing relentlessly to fulfill certain aspirations. Yet upon reaching this position, I found myself utterly changed from who I was at the beginning."
"Have you heard of the 'Ship of Theseus'? A ship constantly gets damaged during its voyage, with parts continuously replaced until every single component has been changed—is it still the same ship?"
"The current me compared to my past self is likely like those two ships." Folding Crane Orchid's expression remained neutral, but Veronica could sense genuine confusion and contemplation rather than mere melancholy: "Those worn-out, replaced 'old parts' are what I meant by 'things you'd lose.' Though they'd be substituted with new components, the original pieces would be gone forever."
"Looking back now, I can't even remember what functions those 'old parts' served or how they influenced my past self. But undoubtedly, as they were discarded, I—the Magical Girl called Folding Crane Orchid—gradually became a completely different individual."
"If possible, I'd prefer you not walk this same path."
"Perhaps your willpower is stronger than mine, your convictions nobler. Perhaps you could resist environmental corruption, even become someone who changes the environment... I entertain such fantasies to convince myself you're suited to be Scepter of Gems."
"But ultimately, I find I can't. I feel compelled to voice my concerns—I worry that if you become Scepter of Gems, you too might gradually cease to be yourself."
"Please believe that in this nation, this world, many wish for you to change, but just as many hope you won't. I genuinely respect the current you and wish to pledge loyalty to this version. But if we must push you into the Scepter's position... I'm conflicted, because I don't want you to change too much."
"So if you have any dissatisfaction with our work or opinions about earlier topics, I truly hope you'll tell us rather than remain silent. Because otherwise, I'd feel uneasy too."
"I should emphasize—we pledge loyalty to you in the truest sense, not to the position of 'Scepter of Gems.' Meaning if you genuinely detest these matters and refuse the position, we wouldn't retract our oaths. Rather, in that case, please share your new goals with me—with us—so we may better serve you."
"That's all I wished to say. I hope it serves as genuine reference rather than obliging you to accommodate our 'group's' objectives."
Having said this, Folding Crane Orchid drained her wine glass and gave Veronica a somewhat inscrutable smile.
Yet this thorough explanation only left Veronica more perplexed.
"Complete loyalty to me? Not to the Scepter of Sapphire?"
Since her companion had lowered her voice, clearly not wanting attention, Veronica followed suit: "Why? What's the point? Setting aside this 'former Scepter of Sapphire candidate' identity, I'm just a nominal Inspector Envoy from the Investigation Court with no real ties to your Magical Affairs Court or even the Research Court."
Folding Crane Orchid's smile deepened.
Instead of explaining immediately, she set down her glass, then gradually straightened her already tall frame with newfound solemnity.
Then she raised her hand, palm outward, to her temple.
"Rosam ducat, Luna servet."
In flawless national accent, she spoke words Veronica knew all too well:
—"May you obtain what you desire in whatever form. Blessings, Commander."