shwaz

He's stubborn. I'm afraid he won't be changing his ways anytime soon.

Then what do you think we should do?

I'm thinking of handing him over to the Rhodes Island office in Siesta.

Caring for those with Oripathy is our duty, not to mention the fact that he's an orphan.

So sure, you can count on us to figure things out.

Good.

Well, that's all sorted then.

With those words, Ceylon claps her hands and smiles.

How about you? Are you hurt?

It was just some bandits.

I noticed the boy was unharmed too. Your doing?

Yes.

If you didn't have to look after him, how much quicker do you think you could have cleared out the bandits?

I'd say... ten minutes quicker, at least.

I might have been able to make it to your birthday party.

Don't worry, it's not as if I'd really be mad at you for something like that.

I'm rather happy, in fact.

You are?

I know what you were like before.

It took me quite a while to get used to that side of you, just like it took you quite a while to get used to living with me.

We've changed thanks to one another, but we've also learned to live with some of each other's stubbornness.

Like my obsession with Oripathy, or how you handle things.

I keep hoping you'll come back to New Siesta, and yet, there's a part of me that's afraid. Afraid that once we work together, we'd start butting heads.

Will we?

Not anymore, from the look of things.

So, I'll be waiting for you.

Anyways...

It's 5:30, and it'll take at least an hour to get to the 'White Volcano'.

I think we can consider my birthday party a bust.

Master Herman is most likely waiting at the restaurant to throw you a nice surprise. If we go now, we can still make it in time.

He's kept me waiting for this long, I'm sure he can handle a little longer.

So, where's my present?

And I'm not letting you off with an excuse like 'there was no time to get one.'

She returns her lady's gaze, a rare tinge of embarrassment in her eyes.

This is just how Ceylon is. Whatever she wants, she'll fight for it.

She has in fact prepared a gift. Right now, it should still be in the jewelry store in the commercial district.

If they head over there now, then to the 'White Volcano' right after, they should still be able to make it.

Schwarz plans to tell Ceylon that, but then she sees her face, outlined in the sunset's afterglow.

What is it, Schwarz?

I see what Master means now.

Are these... flowers?

Don't move, my lady.

Let me tuck them into your hair.

Is this my present?

Yes.

Wildflowers from the foot of the volcano.

While they might not have the same meaning as Volcano Watchers, the fact that they can bloom under the volcano at all is proof of their tenacity.

The volcano represents Siesta, and from here, you can see all the sights the city has to offer, both Old and New.

Besides, ordinary wildflowers have their own meaning.

We're all just ordinary people living at the foot of the volcano.

But most importantly, they're beautiful.

I'll let you off the hook this time.

Apparently Master Herman did this once to patch up a rough spot in his marriage.

Really now?

Mother must have had the same thought as I did then.

You could ask him yourself.

I feel like you've been taking his side a lot lately, Schwarz.

He has been waiting too.

I know, I know. I'll have a proper chat with him.

Let's go, I'm starving.

You're free tomorrow, right? I'll help you pack. There are a few gifts I was hoping you could help deliver to some friends on the landship.

Alright.

Speaking of gifts, what kind of cake did you get?

Chocolate hazelnut. You said you wanted to try it last week.

That's my Schwarz!

Ah... Ah-choo!

Oh, Mr. Mayor! Why are you here all by yourself?

I thought tonight was Miss Ceylon's birthday party?

Something came up on Schwarz's side, so my daughter went to help her.

Oh...

Will it be alright if you don't head over yourself?

By the time I found out, Schwarz had already settled the matter, and Ceylon was already there.

All I can do is wait for them here.

Well, as long as they're safe.

Oh, what's that you're holding—

Wildflowers. Went to the foot of the volcano today to pick them.

That explains why they look so familiar.

A long time ago, they helped me settle a rocky moment with my wife.

Today, I hope they can help me break the ice with my daughter.

You've planned this plenty well, so why still the long face, Mr. Mayor?

I had a feeling just now.

A feeling that this little trick of mine isn't going to help this time.

...But why?