astesi

That requires self-determination, and no end of effort.

But I think you can handle it. Can't you?

Uh... Yeah!

Will you be visiting the bookstore tomorrow afternoon?

Uh-huh.

Then do wait for me there. We can talk once you've bought the magazine.

Okay!

You should be going now; no doubt Gavial's been griping about where her aide went off to.

You think? Okay, later!

Thanks, Astesia!

You're welcome.

Huh... was that a friend?

Mhm.

Hm...

Have you washed your face yet?

Mhm!

Even though you can't see?

I had someone to be my eyes for me.

Figures. It's only been a day, and there's already a line outside your door.

Hmph...

Well then, what do you want to eat today?

The sun has set, and after a long day Astgenne falls asleep by her sister's side.

Astesia enjoys the peace of the darkness as she awaits the light.

Ast—

(Whispers) How are your eyes, Astesia?

(Whispers) Feeling wonderful, thanks to you.

(Whispers) Then I'll be taking the bandages off now.

The doctor cuts away Astesia's blindfolds.

Then she wipes off the remaining ointment with a cotton swab.

(Whispers) Congratulations on making a full recovery, Operator Astesia.

(Whispers) I've dimmed the lights. You can turn them up again once your eyes adjust.

(Whispers) Refrain from drinking, spicy foods, and strenuous activity.

(Whispers) I've also prescribed you some eye drops. Your sister has the prescription.

(Whispers) I appreciate it.

(Whispers) ...I'd also like to have a chat with you this weekend, if you have some free time.

(Whispers) I think I could use a shrink.

(Whispers) Anytime. Have a pleasant evening, Dr. Folinic.

(Whispers) You too.

The doctor leaves. Astesia slowly opens her eyes, and sees her sister sleeping by the bed, alongside her own notebooks on the stars.

She opens them. The writing on the last few pages resembles her own, but not quite. Astgenne had made detailed notes on the stars last night.

There were some mistakes in the markings, and some misspelled stars.

But what does it matter?

Astesia closes her eyes and gazes towards the night sky beyond the window.

There are no stars there. Even the moon has been obscured by the dark clouds, with not a single ray shining through.

But there are stars. There, in her own eyes.

They shimmer and shine.

Trimounts, Columbia

I don't think there's anything else that needs changing.

Good work, Genne.

Just doing my job.

All I did was provide the basic data model and do some testing.

You did all the framework and the content within.

The Astrological Research Association forum is in one week.

That hole in the skies over Trimounts must be tough to deal with.

I doubt it has much impact on our family. Our parents have never been the type to build castles in the sky.

Hm... Mother and Father have been in Trimounts for a while. I haven't had the chance to go see them with all the writing that I have to do.

Do you want to see them, Genne?

Nope. You're the only Urbica who doesn't make my head hurt.

What are you plans for this... research brief, I guess?

I'll release it for academic usage, free of charge, once I've presented it.

The stars beyond the Trimounts hole seem to move according to a different set of rules, but that's just a tiny piece of sky. It doesn't encompass all stars.

With our model, however, all researchers will have access to the rough coordinates of constellations under the two systems, and derive their patterns and relationships.

It'll make things more convenient for people studying the stars.

Sounds like something you would do alright.

Didn't you say that the stars in the hole have opened up new possibilities for astrology? You've finished what you came to Trimounts to do. How about you look into my fortune for today?

You're interested in this stuff again?

It's fun, isn't it? Come on, sis.

Alright...

(Contemplates)

(Mutters)

(Raises astrolabe)

Well?

The results seem different from before...

'Today is a day of misfortune for the Liberi.'

That's the message from the stars.

It used to be more specific. Weird...

Sounds unlucky... well, don't think about it too much. It was a casual question.

Not the first time you predicted big trouble for me, only for me to end up just fine. Let's not dwell on it.

Have you finished your breakfast? I'll get coffee.

Yeah. Thanks, Genne.

Here.

Astesia Urbica? I'm here to pick up your package.

Here it is.

Got it. Just to confirm, this is the address, and the recipient is Mr. Francois Urbica, correct?

Yes. Can you deliver it today?

Should be no problem. Same town, and you've paid the rush rate.

Good, thank you.

You're welcome. Pleasure serving you.

Have a nice day.

A guest? That old Victorian woman next door?

Mrs. Evans? No, just the deliveryman.

He came to pick up some documents that I'm sending to Father.

Sis?

Are you out of your mind?!

What is it, Genne?

How many times have I told you? Send anything to Mr. Urbica, and he'll put his name before yours!

You give him too little credit.

Really? Then tell me, have you ever published an article under your name, and your name only?

...I just felt like something this important calls for review by a pair of expert eyes.

Fine, fine, let's say that's true.