Shinji Matou at Your Service

Perhaps because this was the Moon Tower, or because Touko had lived at the Iselma family for a while and was relatively familiar, Silver Princess appeared much more relaxed than Golden Princess, speaking more directly.

"I have a request."

"For Silver Princess to come alone at this time, it must not be a simple request."

At work, Aozaki Touko exuded a different aura. This aura emanating from her soul and life experiences was something even Silver Princess's beauty couldn't overshadow.

"Yes, I know this is difficult, which is why I've come to ask Miss Aozaki."

"Well then, tell me what you want me to do, and what the payment will be. If it's suitable, I might accept your commission."

Touko's frankness and ease brought a slight smile to Silver Princess's face. For a moment, even the wall lamps seemed to brighten.

"I'd like to request your assistance in our escape."

"Your escape? You and Golden Princess?"

After a brief hesitation, Silver Princess nodded: "Yes."

"Running away just after stepping onto the stage, your father will go mad. What could make you go to such lengths?"

"..."

Hearing Touko's question, Silver Princess fell silent.

It wasn't that she refused to answer, but something too heavy had sealed the beautiful woman's lips.

Touko didn't speak, quietly waiting.

Finally—

"We have no choice. Father has already gone mad. We must protect ourselves."

"..."

Silence fell again, this time it was Touko's turn.

Not because she didn't understand, but because she did understand, and so she was silent. As a master in human body magecraft, she knew better than anyone how hard-won this beauty was, and the risks behind it.

"I see, the Iselma's magecraft has entered a dangerous area, hasn't it?"

"Yes."

Silver Princess struggled to give this answer, the same answer as Golden Princess.

"If this continues, either I or Golden Princess will die sooner or later, but Father hasn't realized this."

"That's normal. Any magus, seeing their family's long-cherished wish about to be realized, would find it hard to maintain rationality. And this rationality is often the key to success or failure."

Touko sighed deeply.

"I understand the reason now. Let's talk about the specific approach and payment. If you're asking me to be your babysitter, I'm sorry, but that's impossible. I've just gotten rid of the Sealing Designation not long ago, and I don't want to taste being hunted again."

"We won't ask you to go that far. I couldn't afford that payment anyway." Silver Princess shook her head with a bitter smile.

"I just hope you can provide some defensive tools."

"That's not a problem. I happen to have a suitable creation for you two. If the payment satisfies me, I could even secretly escort you out of Iselma territory."

"Thank you in advance, Miss Aozaki."

Silver Princess bowed deeply, her face showing obvious joy.

"Regarding payment, how about an alchemical doll from the Catherine the Great? Although it's somewhat broken, I think it should be attractive to you."

"Indeed very attractive. However, if you can answer one of my doubts, I can forgo any payment."

Touko said, waving a finger in front of the girl's eyes. The girl quickly inquired.

"Please ask."

"Why is Golden Princess more beautiful than you?"

"Eh? What did you say?"

Touko's question surprised Silver Princess.

"Playing dumb won't work. I don't know if other magi can see it, but differences in the human body can't escape my eyes. For example, you — actually can't see."

Although there are many magical methods to replace eyes, Touko still noticed the abnormality in Silver Princess's eyes at a glance.

"Your eyesight is astounding."

Silver Princess sincerely admired.

"But, as you've seen, I can't see, so I can't answer your question."

"I see, that's truly a pity," Touko said with slight dissatisfaction.

"I'll make some minor adjustments based on your magical energy. It should be ready by tomorrow morning at the latest."

"At that time, I'll have my maid Regina come to collect it. The payment will be brought along as well."

"Well then, pleasure doing business with you."

"Pleasure doing business with you too."

With that, the young woman stood up, ready to leave.

"Wait a moment," Touko called out to her. "

One last question. Do you think you can escape? You should know that your beauty is already very close to the Root. It wouldn't be strange if you connected at any time. The Clock Tower won't stand idly by such a possibility, and even the Secret Judgment Division might get involved."

The worst outcome would be a Sealing Designation. The dead end for magi is considered to be limited to one generation, unprecedented and unrepeatable. Although strictly speaking, Golden Princess and Silver Princess weren't magi, the Secret Judgment Division had precedents of dealing with non-magi, so the possibility still existed.

"Regarding this point, you'll know tomorrow morning."

Silver Princess ended tonight's conversation with a mysterious smile.

Watching the young woman's retreating figure, Touko also revealed a strange smile.

"Interesting, interesting. Today's young people really can't be underestimated."

"That's why I think your statement that the more beautiful a person is, the more dangerous they tend to be, makes sense."

Shinji crawled out from under the bed, meeting her inquiring eyes.

"You said earlier that Golden Princess came to find you guys? Also for escape?"

"Yes. The reason was the same as what you heard, except they hope to seek shelter with Waver."

"Today's Velvet indeed has that ability, but having the ability doesn't mean he's willing to shelter them. Do they have enough bargaining chips?"

"They didn't mention bargaining chips. Waver said he wanted to confirm Silver Princess's thoughts, and Golden Princess invited him to her room tomorrow morning."

"Again tomorrow morning?"

Touko's eyebrows furrowed.

"There's something wrong. But refusing the invitation means losing the initiative. This pair of twins isn't simple."

"They're not simple indeed, but still a bit naive."

Hearing Shinji's words, Touko couldn't help but glance at him.

"Do you know something?"

"I know a bit more than you."

"Which part?"

"The secret of Golden Princess's beauty."

"Really? Tell me quickly."

Touko instantly lost her composure. She was that kind of person — interested in things she'd do even without payment, uninterested in things she wouldn't do no matter how much money was offered — except when she was broke.

"This is a big secret related to the rise and fall of the Iselma family. It wouldn't be fun to tell you directly unless you — hehehehehe..."

Shinji laughed as he got closer, his laughter sounding more and more evil.

"Stop fooling around. I have to work overtime tonight to make final adjustments to the product."

Touko casually pushed Shinji's face away.

"It doesn't matter whether you adjust it or not. Their escape is doomed to fail anyway."

Shinji approached again and was pushed away by Touko again.

"That's not okay either. A promised commission must be completed. That's my principle."

"Ahhh, if I had known earlier, I should have kicked Silver Princess out just now."

"Could you have done it?"

"What's so hard about it? She might charm others, but she can't charm me. You charming me would be more likely."

"This big sister needs to work. I'm not in the mood now. If you have nothing else, you can go back."

Touko waved her hand, giving the order to leave.

"I'm not going back. I'll sleep here tonight. You're working anyway, so the bed is mine."

Kicking off his sneakers onto the floor, Shinji directly fell onto the bed. "Ahh, smells good. Has the scent of orange(Touko)."

"You— Fine, do as you like."

With Shinji insisting on being unreasonable, Touko had no good solution and could only watch him occupy her bed.

"Good night."

"Ah, good night, litt— Shinji."

Originally, she was going to use her usual nickname little brat. But hearing that familiar good night, she changed her words.

Every night during their travels, he would say good night to her like this. Now finally hearing it again, her heart felt warm.

Perhaps, this feeling is what's called home.