"It's today, isn't it, Evelyn?" Esther asks me as I offer her a weak smile here in the castle gardens. A few shadows are hidden around the area. The ships are set to depart from the ports tomorrow, so today I'll mount my dragon and head for the harbors.
Shadows normally only have reach within the continent's territory, so they won't be coming with me. Though I can send letters to make requests of them, they won't be there to do whatever I want, since the shadows belong to the kingdom as a service to each Demon King. Simply taking them away isn't something they'd obey.
"Yes, it's today… I…" I feel strange right now. Once I say goodbye to Esther, we'll go months without seeing each other. And even though I'm angry and sad—very sad, mind you—because of her, I still love her. Parting from her like this feels odd, especially with Arial becoming more active.
