Epilogue 1: As Inseparable as Two Sides of a Coin

The Star Spire in the Nebulis Sovereignty.

It was the closest garden in the world to the sky. Alice reclined absentmindedly on a

pure-white bench in the hanging garden that smelled of dewy flowers.

"..." She held an empty watering can, already finished with her daily chores. She was

splayed out in the chair as though she were all out of strength.

Was that a look of annoyance on her face?

They had passed by each other just as she thought she had finally found Iska.

She had witnessed him diving into the vortex, not heeding Rin's warnings to stop. Alice

had plunged in after Iska, thinking she'd finally run into him at last.

"That astral energy is to blame. I can't believe it peaked and surged right at that

moment…"

There had been a turbulence in the astral energy that had been so great even Alice

couldn't control it. That must mean the astral spirit had risen so much that it had been

incredibly close. And in its aftermath, Alice and Iska had been separated once again.

…When we got blown up to the surface, we were pulled apart by the impact.

…Which means Iska must have gotten out of there. So at the very least, he's safe.

But this meant their promise to settle matters had all come to naught.

"Ugh, seriously. Out of all things. I can't believe the astral spirit got in my way! Truly

horrible timing!" Alice hollered as she waved the watering can in circles. "I thought

we'd finally meet again. Iska, I'll have a battle with you next time. You better stay alive

until you fight me!"

Plus, she'd missed another chance to return the borrowed handkerchief.

That's what was on her mind.