A BROKEN GATE

“I owe you one, Han-chan! Are you sure it’s okay for me to read this?”

“Yes, it’s fine. I got permission from the author.”

“It really is amazing what you can do when your family runs a publishing house, huh?”

The Sasaki family ran a publishing company, supporting authors since 1920, giving them over a century of prestige in the book world. Originally sticking to classics, in recent years they expanded into the light novel market which boosted their sales incredibly. Recently there was a writer who was taking the light novel world by storm having written a book series about a person who was transmigrated to another world repeatedly upon their death and living many amazing lives. Their latest work was called the Saint’s Thorny Road and was one of the most anticipated novels to come out that year. And the Sasaki Publishing Company was the one who had exclusive rights to this story!

“The author heard about how much of a fan you were, so they let me bring this advanced copy for you to look at. They said they’ll sign a proper copy for you on my behalf when they’re finished printing.”

Honestly, Hanako was way too good for her as a friend. Holding this manuscript felt like having the first tablets of law written with the word of God himself. When it was handed over to Hina, she held it firmly, yet carefully, hoping to not accidentally crease the pages.

“When you have babies, I will devote myself to their care forever.”

Hanako chuckled at her friend’s gratefulness. “You don’t have to go that far. But if you feel like you want to pay me back…how about a date?”

“A date between friends? Sure? Just let it be after I finish reading this book, first.”

“...I’ll be looking forward to it,” Hanako replied, sighing a bit. Before letting her friend settle in with her new book, there was a bit of curiosity she wished to be sated first. “You really like this author’s work?”

Always excited to talk about her interests, Hina launched into a spiel about the author.

“Sinclair-sensei is so sensational at writing isekai stories! But they’re so mysterious, too. Refusing to give out any information about themselves, which just adds to the enigma of the storyteller. They don’t even allow people to know their gender. Beyond their work, they don’t wish for the fans to know anything and want them to concentrate solely on their books. How many celebrities do that?”

Taking a moment, she pulled an older book out of her schoolbag, showing off the latest book she had been obsessing over with. The cover was in good shape overall, but from the look of things, the book was well loved and had most likely been read over and over.

“And their romances are so sweet. I love the way they write how the main character falls in love in every lifetime they are in, trying to find the same person’s soul in the new world each time they are transmigrated again. I wish I could find a love like that!”

Hina placed a hand to her face and sighed dreamily.

“The protagonist was reborn as a woman in the last book, but still sought out her past lover in the new world anyways. They met up again at a festival where she charmed her lover. Up until this book, they’d always been the opposite gender, but here they both end up as girls who fall in love despite circumstances. There was a bit of backlash for that choice, but honestly, I feel like it’s an important component of the plot, just to show that love transcends everything.”

“Sounds like you don’t mind girls loving girls,” Hanako remarked quietly.

Hina gasped, looking positively aghast her friend would even feel the need to say that. “Of course! Love is love, you know! It may not be normal everywhere, but it shouldn’t matter who you like, as long as you love and respect one another. Although, in books, it does add a certain spiciness if there’s a bit of a forbidden quality to things, but in real life, it shouldn’t matter.”

“What if I were to like girls?”

The question came out of left field. Hina blinked at Hanako, looking at her friend’s serious expression for quite a while as she processed the possibility. It had always been a given that one day Hanako would have to get married with a man, have kids and continue her bloodline for the sake of her family and their business. Her best friend’s family still lived in the dark ages, being so old fashioned and often put a lot of restraints on Hanako.

If Hanako liked girls…

Putting her books down, she sat across from the other girl and grasped her hands. This action surprised her friend, whose eyes widened a bit, almost panicking despite how calmly the rest of her remained. Hanako had always been so good at being restrained, but her eyes, ever since they were little, always spoke out loud how she truly felt, if she looked directly at them.

“Han-chan! If you like girls…then I will support you!” Hina declared. “The road to girl-girl love will be hard and your parents may disown you, but even if the whole world abandons you, just know…I’ll always be your friend! You’re so brave for coming out to me. I’m…I’m actually so moved, I could cry.”

Hanako, for all she was worth, simply chuckled softly, squeezing her hands. She said nothing else on the matter, just nodding as Hina went on and on about being an ally and saying things like ‘no wonder you don’t have a boyfriend’ and ‘is there someone you like already’. Eventually things calmed down and they both sat in comfortable silence afterwards, with Hina happily reading her new novel, while Hanako began to work on something in a notebook.

While Hina was oblivious to the truth, Hanako could only feel disappointed in Hina’s words and her own self for not pushing further.

“Are you attending the Saint trials, Soleil?”

“Oh, me? Well, yes. I kind of have to, hahaha.”

The topic had shifted from speaking of the Warp Points and their status in history and onto the topic of becoming a Saint. Soleil herself had no intention of being chosen as the Saint of the Empire, or even of being a lesser saint. Any chance that could lead to her doom was an absolute no-go. She was already assured she would not get in though, because up until this point she had magical capacity, but little capability.

After finding out what caused most maidens to manifest a divine weapon, she knew there would be no chance of her being chosen this time around. No weapon meant no getting picked, so she was safe from death flags. But until then, she had to act normal.

“You have to?” came the curious question from Alperene.

“Soleil’s mother was a former lesser saint and an incredible mage at that. The Empire has high hopes for someone of that lineage,” Darius explained.

Soleil laughed nervously at that, considering she was planning in advance to sabotage her own candidature.

Apologies to my parents and the imperial family, she thought.

“What about you, Alperene?” Soleil asked, changing the target of the topic towards the other Saint candidate.

“I am most honoured to be participating with the other young ladies,” Alperene answered without hesitation. “If I can help serve my country in any way, it would be my pleasure.”

Such a stellar answer from the protagonist. Quite the politically safe one, too, considering who was sitting next to her. It didn’t hurt to butter up the Crown Prince honestly, Darius was known for caring very deeply for his country, which was how he came to the conclusion of quickly executing a bunch of scapegoats in the novel. And if he was destined to be with Alperene, all the better for her to slowly worm his way in his heart. Go, Alperene, go! Win over that golden retriever prince!

For his part Darius seemed to nod approvingly as he commented, “The Empire thanks you for your service, my lady.”

Hearing the small praise, a comely blush spread over Alperene’s snowy cheeks and she gave out a squeaked ‘My pleasure,’ in return.

While not the seaside scene she had been hoping for, a slow burn could work as well. Not as wildly passionate as love at first sight, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. Soleil was just glad that the two of them are getting along and not coming to odds.

“Your Highness, if I may?” It was Florian’s turn to speak. Her documents were now neatly stacked together on her lap, having finished reading through them. Her gaze met the prince’s, who also held hers in turn, unwaveringly.

“Considering the recent kidnappings young Lady Beaumont committed, there is a clear lax approach to security in the capital, never mind the rest of the Empire…considering everything we found, what shall be done to Lady Beaumont?”

It was quite the charged question, but an understandable one. Not only had the Saint trials caused many women and girls to be snatched up and killed (both of common and noble birth), the crime had been committed by a member of the nobility. From a high ranking family, no less. But still, as annoying and terrible as she had been, Nicolette had been his fiancée. Even if there had been no actual affection, didn’t the Prince feel some kind of loyalty that wished for her to be spared from the worst punishment?

Darius’ brows pinched as he brought a hand to his chest, eyes closing a moment as he contemplated the state of things. Clearly, he seemed torn about the whole thing, unable to clearly speak on the matter, if he could at all. Perhaps Nicolette’s fate was still undecided, or maybe he couldn’t think of her death just yet.

“She will get her dues, I assure you. What she has done…there can be no hiding from her consequences,” the prince said decisively, yet vaguely.

That’s a non-answer if I ever saw one, Soleil thought to herself. But then one could not expect someone to speak so harshly about their ex in polite conversation.

Though she looked openly displeased at the answer, Florian just clicked her tongue softly and shook her head. “Whatever the case, as long as she stays away from Soleil, that’s all I care about.”

Oddly enough, Darius agreed.

“Understandably, I would not show mercy if she were to lay a hand on Soleil once more. I won’t allow it.” Opening his eyes, he looked at Soleil with such sincerity, she was getting second hand embarrassment. The feeling was so strong she wanted to crawl under the seats and hide.

“I am of no use…if anything, I’m sure I would be more of a burden, but…Soleil! I don’t want to see you hurt either!” Alperene said wholeheartedly. “I am still indebted to you for helping me, Soleil. I wouldn’t be here if not for you!”

“H-hey now, Florian helped, too, you know…”

“Take your credit where it’s due, Soleil,” Florian interjected with an amused expression.

Darius laughed, the sound jovial. “I have to agree with our dear Duke. You were in part, responsible for many people going free with your antics.”

“A…antics?!” Soleil was mortified. Her hands came up to cover her face, unable to withstand these people and their words anymore. “Geez…!”

They eventually arrived at the town where the Warp Point to the northern territories of Sinclair was located. It had been quite the long ride, with a single stop along the way to stretch their legs, that led right into the night. Soleil and Alperene had both taken naps in the carriage, whilst the Crown Prince and the Duke had chosen to stay awake for the entirety of the ride. It was probably closer somewhere around 9 in the evening when they reached the town.

Florian had gently taken her shoulder to shake her awake, calling her name softly.

“We’re here,” came a whisper close to her ear. Florian’s breath was warm and tickled her skin, the closeness causing her ears to go a bit red in embarrassment as she dragged herself from sleep.

“I’m awake, I’m awake…”

The town was located eastward of the capital, boasting a small population and surrounded by many farmsteads spread out around the main square where the gate housing the Warp Point would be. Warping was safe, however, it was always recommended for users of the magical transportation to be awake and aware before passing through them.

Despite how late it was, people were still milling about through the main street, with light decorating each corner along with several flower garlands. Many tables were set up where both food and drink were being served. A corner was reserved for entertainment, music being played by a live band while many cut a rug dancing the night away. It was so lively and captured Soleil’s interest, waking her up from her earlier drowsiness.

Their procession drew attention from those closest to them. Two ornate carriages, followed by an entourage of guards would catch anything’s stares. This town wasn’t in the middle of nowhere, but it was certainly not a place most nobles would go out of their way to travel through. Some children who were allowed to stay up later during these celebrations openly gawked, though they were quickly ushered away by their guardians before they got up to any mischief. Soleil thought their curiosity cute more than anything, and even gave a little wave through the windows.

Eventually their carriage came to a halt at their destination.

“A moment everyone. I will go confirm with the gate keeper,” Florian said, giving everyone a look before exiting the carriage.

“Do you think the north will be cold this time of year?” Alperene asked to make conversation, rubbing her eyes of sleep.

“Considering how far up it is, it wouldn’t be surprising,” Soleil replied, thinking on the trope of the ‘Duke of the North’.

In these kinds of novels, the place tended to be inhospitable, cold, monster ridden and generally dangerous for people unprepared to live through the harsh conditions. Although, from a military standpoint, it made defending their northern borders quite optimal as enemies would not be prepared to march through snow and danger in order to get through to the heart of the Empire. However, it must not be that bad, considering Florian suggested she come visit and stay at her estate until the trials began.

“Have you been to the Sinclair territory before, your Highness?” came the subsequent question from Alperene, now aimed at Darius.

“I have once,” he replied thoughtfully. “Although it was back when I was a child, on a visit made by my father to meet the former Duke, her Grace’s father. I don’t remember if we had gone during summer or winter, though, so the weather will be a surprise for all of us when we get there.”

While this discussion was going on, Florian was having a word with the gatekeeper.

“I’m so sorry your Grace, the gate is currently broken,” the man said, bowing apologetically to her.

Florian stopped this with a raise of her hand, not wishing to waste time with kowtowing and apologies.

“Never mind that. How long until the repairs are finished?” she inquired curtly.

Flustered, the man began bowing again, knowing the answer would not be welcomed. “N-next morning…”

“I see…”

Rather than be angry, a smile came onto the woman’s face as she looked at the glowing lights behind her, as the loud noises of merriment permeated the air and reached her at the gate. She had seen how Soleil seemed interested in the festival going on, saw how her lovely blue eyes sparkled at the passing scene.

Was the gate being broken inconvenient? Quite. And she would eventually have more words with the gatekeeper for allowing it to get to a point where it could break down in the first place, however, she could use this blunder to her advantage.

“Fine. Is there an inn nearby where my party can stay?”

“Oh, y-yes! Actually since we were alerted you would be coming, the moment we realized the Warp Point wasn’t working, we booked rooms for you, but…”

Florian frowned. More bad news? “...’But’?” she echoed, almost menacingly.

“Due to the festival, the inn was quite full. We were only able to secure four rooms for your Grace and your group…”

“Hm…” Once again, rather than being cross with the gatekeeper, she became pensive, considering the information she had been given, smiling at the possible good fortune that had thrown itself into her lap. Honestly, the circumstances couldn’t be any better.

Schooling her expression into something strict, she faced the gatekeeper with a sharp look that made the man flinch.

“I will overlook this clear error in your upkeep of the gate just this once. However, you must be sure to have the gate working come morning. I will not tolerate another delay.”

Glad that he would not be severely punished for his oversight, the man bowed furiously, thanking the Duke for her magnanimousness. Satisfied with the circumstances, she returned to the carriage to deliver the news to the others, after directing the driver back towards the town center.

“That’s a shame,” Soleil stated.

“But it’s good we will have rooms.”

“But there are only three,” Darius pointed out calculatedly.

“One of us will have to share with someone else,” Florian said. “Of course you will agree to be sleeping alone, your Highness? It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to be staying with any of the unmarried ladies here.”

The way she said it with a little smirk seemed a bit off to Soleil, especially with how she aimed it specifically at the Crown Prince. As if she felt the extra need to remind him of what would be reasonable. Looking a bit miffed, Darius scoffed.

“Of course I would never dare to suggest it.”

“Good.”

“But what about the other rooms?” Alperene prodded.

“Well, my men and the Prince’s men need their own room as well. Also Soleil’s maid…Marianne, was it? Can’t stay with them, so she would have to remain with one of us ladies,” Florian explained.

So in the end, only the Prince would get a room to himself. The knights would be bunking together, as there was no other choice. Those poor men were going to be cramped, but at least it would only be for the night. Meanwhile, the girls would be in their rooms, two in each.

“So I suppose I could stay with my maid and you can stay with Florian, Alperene.”

The brunette paled at that arrangement, then had the sense to look embarrassed considering Florian was right there, though the Duke gave the girl a rather ambivalent face in response to how she seemed repulsed at the idea.

“O-oh, I could not hope to impose on the Duke any more than what I have. Could I perhaps…stay with the maid, instead?”

“Huh? Marianne?”

“Yes, I…I would be much more comfortable with that, I think. Plus, you and her Grace are friends, are you not? I’m sure you two would be able to get along.”

“Oh, I suppose so…”

Turning to look at Florian, suddenly feeling shy, Soleil asked, “Would that be…all right?”

In response, Florian gave her a dazzling smile, unbothered by the idea. “Of course it would be.”

Darius looked a bit irritated, but soon smoothed it over with a pleasant smile. Alperene looked relieved about the whole thing and Florian looked like the cat who got into the cream. It was a strange set of reactions that Soleil didn’t quite understand, especially when she considered the Prince. She had always known him as a gentleman in the book, so he honestly wouldn’t have suggested sharing with a woman, would he…?

With the rooming arrangements settled, the rest of the short ride went silently.

Everyone went to their respective rooms, all tired from the long ride since early morning.

Soleil hadn’t realized it until she got up, but her bottom was sore from not moving for so long. While the first break they took had not been anywhere near as dramatic, Florian had taken her arm to help her reach their room. Darius had tried to escort her, but Florian swooped in first, citing they should retire to their room together.

There were two beds, so there was no need to share a bed. This configuration was present in all the rooms, allowing for as much capacity as possible. Even Darius’ room had a second bed, but considering who he was, not even his own men dared suggesting alleviating their cramped quarters by allowing one or two of the knights to bunk together in the other bed.

The Crown Prince still came to their door, though, wishing Soleil a good night.

He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips in a gallant kiss good night, shocking Soleil at his boldness. Really? Right in front of Alperene?

“I’ll see you in the morning, my sweet Soleil.”

“Ahahaha…yes, good night, your Highness.”

“Darius.”

Ah, right, she slipped back into old habits. “Right. Darius.”

“Good girl,” he quipped cheerfully. Holding her hand for a little longer than she was comfortable with, he eventually bowed out, heading to his room to rest up and receive dinner.

Her room was on the second floor and faced the main square. Opening up the window to let in some air, she looked outside at the partying down below. Was this an extension of celebrations for the Emperor’s birthday? Or was it something else? All the decorations were bright and eye-catching, even reaching where her room was. Several flowers in bright red hues lined the sills of each room on their floor, the inn joining the festivities with the rest of town. Even on the main floor she had seen quite few drinking the night away, socializing and chatting with friends old and new.

Soleil looked at this scene and couldn’t help, but to think of some of the books she used to read. Many of them had a chapter or two dedicated to the main couple (usually nobles of some kind) sneaking out together to spend some time among the common folk at a festival and falling more and more in love. She wondered if Darius would be asking Alperene to sneak away with her? Maybe he had been hoping to share a room with her and that explained his strange irritation…? If so, how shifty! But if he was growing closer to her, then all the better for everybody involved.

Please fall deeply in love and save the Empire with the power of love and plot armor!

Still, she couldn’t help, but to wistfully watch people having their fun, witnessing a moment between a couple as a man got down on his knee and presented a flower wreath to his lover, who excitedly accepted. Right now it would be impossible, with the looming death flags to come, but once she could safely get through the next year, Soleil could consider finding someone to fall in love with.

I hope it will be a perfect moment. I would be okay if it isn’t by the sea, but would prefer it if I was confessed to at sunset, by the ocean…

“Soleil?” Florian called out, pulling Soleil out of her thoughts.

“Oh? Yes, Florian?” she responded quickly.

“I called you a few times,” Florian stated, looking amused. She had just finished dressing down into something more comfortable, similar to what she wore when the two of them first met. In a simple shirt and some trousers, she once again looked more the part of a young knight than some powerful noble. “Just what were you thinking about so hard? Dinner?”

Realizing she was being teased, Soleil gave her friend a great big pout. “R-really, Florian! I wasn’t thinking of food!”

At that exact moment, her stomach rumbled.

Red creeped up her face from extreme embarrassment.

Florian just laughed. “Well, how about I treat you to dinner? In fact…”

The older woman marched over to her and leaned down closely, making Soleil’s heart flutter a little against her will.

“Shall we take a look around the festival together? I noticed you were quite interested earlier.”

Soleil didn’t think it was possible, but she blushed a deeper shade of red. “Oh, was it that obvious? I mean, it would be nice to go…we are here and the stalls would be selling food and it does all look like fun..”

“Say no more, Soleil.” Standing straight, she opened up her arms, confusing Soleil.

“...Florian?”

“Shall I kidnap you again?” the Duke asked.

It took Soleil a second, but then she remembered what had happened back on the palace grounds on her balcony at the Rose Villa. Balking at the idea of jumping down from a high eight yet again, she vehemently shook her head in refusal.

“You keep your hands to yourself Florian Evanthe Sinclair!”

“Hahahaha, then shall we will go down the normal way?”

“Th-the normal way is the only way!”

Soleil borrowed a simple dress from Marianne, her maid also helping her quickly arrange her pink hair into a simple braid to make her stand out less. While she was an unknown noble for the most part, her expensive clothes would be a dead giveaway as to her status and wanted to not trouble Florian further by drawing in possible pickpockets or worse. Florian had only added a jacket to the clothes she already had on and borrowed a belt with a sword from one of her men.

“I doubt I will need it, but it never hurts to be prepared. This way we don’t need a protection detail following us everywhere. We can enjoy ourselves freely,” was Florian’s explanation when Soleil saw the weapon.

“But what about your divi–”

A finger was gently touched to Soleil’s lips, gently shushing her. Florian shook her head, silently telling her to not say anything else on the matter.

Florian’s spectral armory of divine weapons was a secret it seemed. Then again, considering how the passing of divine weapons worked and there had been no history of women in her family having them…

Soleil nodded silently, understanding. Maybe one day her friend will tell her about how all of that came to be.

Florian looked her over in her borrowed light blue dress from Marianne and braided hair, finished off with a blue ribbon. There was approval in her eyes as she made a motion with her finger for Soleil to turn around. She obliged her friend by doing a little twirl, though she felt a bit bashful doing so, remembering a time when she had done this before as Hina for Hanako.

“I was right. You really look very cute in blue.”

“You’re exaggerating!”

“Hahahaha.”

Soleil was feeling absolutely giddy at the idea of going out with Florian. Maybe it was the prospect of having fun with a friend who proved to be as dependable as Hanako had been when she had been Hina. After all, Soleil in this life did not have friends growing up and spent most of her time tucked away with a book or with her family, for the most part. She supposed she could count Darius as a friend from her childhood, but honestly, she didn’t remember much of anything back then. Back in Japan she had so much fun attending local festivals with Hanako, that now that she was near one again, she felt nostalgic to capture that magic once more. So getting to go visit one again just seemed fun!

A little light hearted fun will do my stressed heart some good. As far as she knew, there would be no impending doom scenarios for a bit after the kidnapping incident, so Soleil was going to enjoy herself heartily.

Florian offered her arm up, putting on a courtly smile as she patiently waited for Soleil to accept or refuse the offer. Considering the Duke did not presume, plus her friend just looked like such a valiant young knight, she couldn’t help, but to play along. She slipped her arm around Florian’s, whose smile only seemed to grow wider.

“Lead the way, dear knight,” she said, playfully.

Dipping her head with great theatrical respect, Florian led them out into the festival.

“As you wish.”