After a leisurely lunch, we were taken to the National Theater to see the buildings, and finally to the temple of the god who controls time and fate, where we were allowed to climb the bell tower. It was almost nightfall, and the view of the Imperial Capital with flickering lights against the colorful sky was quite fantastic.

It reminded me of the cityscape of Tokyo that I had looked down upon in a previous life. Was it from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government or from the Sky Tree? How vast it was, and how gray. In comparison, this Imperial Capital is much smaller, greener, and more beautiful.

I wonder if one day, as time goes by, this place will become an inorganic city with concrete buildings.

3rd POV

That would be long after Ekaterina’s lifespan was over, where regardless of how long she lived, would have to die like everybody else in the end.

“Ekaterina, did you have a good time today?” (Alexei)

“Of course I did! It was a pleasure to be with Big Brother all the way.” (Ekaterina)

When Alexei asked her on the carriage ride to the duke’s residence, Ekaterina answered cheerfully.

“It was very kind of Big Brother to arrange a tour of the historical treasures for me and to share so many memories of grandfather with me.” (Ekaterina)

“I see. I’m glad you were pleased.” (Alexei)

Alexei smiles.

…Big Brother, I wonder if you had a lot of trouble deciding where to go and what to do today. I’m sorry to take up so much of your time, but it really made me glad.

But I’m sure I would have enjoyed it no matter where we went or what we did, as long as I could be with Big Brother all the time.

The first thing Ekaterina did as soon as she returned to the Duke’s mansion was to ask Mina for a favor.

“Hey, Mina. I’d like to make a special order of some glass artifacts, but I don’t know how to go about it, and I’d like to arrange it without telling Big Brother.” (Ekaterina)

“You don’t want me to tell His Excellency?” (Mina)

“Yes, I want to ask for a gift for Big Brother, I want him to be surprised.” (Ekaterina)

When she asked Ivan when her Big Brother’s birthday was, he said it was in about a month and a half. If what she came up with at the restaurant could be recreated in this world, it would be just the perfect gift for her Big Brother.

“Glass, huh? Whatever it is, if it’s a craft, you can send money to the studio and order it. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll go there and order it for you.” (Mina)

“It’s a little… I think it would be difficult. It’s something neither Mina nor the craftsmen in the workshop have ever seen before.” (Ekaterina)

When Ekaterina drew a picture of something on a piece of paper, the always expressionless Mina narrowed her eyes.

“What is this?” (Mina)

As she prepares a cup of tea for Ekaterina, Mina makes a puzzled face.

“As you said, I may not be able to explain well what you want, Miss. If that’s the case, you could call the master of the workshop here, but then His Excellency would know. It would be best if the young lady went to the workshop to place the order, but I’m sure it’s not a place she should go by herself.” (Mina)

“I would like to explain it myself, if possible. I wonder if it would be a big deal if I go to the workshop.” (Ekaterina)

“I don’t think it’s a big deal. It’s just that it’s not appropriate for the daughter of a family as prestigious as the Dukes of Yurinova.” (Mina)

“In that case, I’d like to go. If Mina comes with me, it won’t be dangerous, will it?” (Ekaterina)

“…I understand. If you say so, My Lady.” (Mina)

With her usual blank expression, Mina nodded.