Border town in the Valentine Duchy, home to 5186 souls, Bartolios.

Sakuya couldn't sleep.

She had crossed the ocean hoping to meet that person. While she had anticipated it would take months or years to find him again, that person found her in the hour she made landfall and sent two messengers to fetch her.

She had reconnected with Tanael, who finally saw fit to tell her his real name, Viers. Tanael and Viers had a different face but it made no difference to Sakuya. She liked the person, not the face.

Unfortunately, Viers was in the middle of something and quite busy. From her new friends, Viers’ friends and followers, apparently he was now a prince’s vassal. Which was equivalent to serving a Daimyo in Sakuya’s mind.

That in itself wasn't the problem; the problem was Sakuya couldn't find an opening so they could spend time together. She entered the same tournament but since they were on different teams and thus rivals, the opportunity to even exchange words was almost nonexistent.

In her head she knew it couldn't be helped but the heart wasn't so easily convinced. She wanted to stick close to him like glue and do lovey-dovey things like in the light novels she read at Yamato. At the age of twenty, it might be a notion too childish but she couldn't help it.

I-it isn't as if we’re going out or anything b-but he gave me the Lovers card so it must be worth something, right? Aaah, Kami-sama, please tell me I’m right... What is Viers-sama doing now?

With a sigh, she left her bed and took a walk for a change of pace since she wasn't sleepy.

Sakuya walked the unfamiliar manor’s corridor. She and her team were staying in the local city lord’s home. It was for an assignment in the tournament. The city lord had been having trouble with a ghost haunting him and their task was to solve it. A few hours ago, they successfully vanquished the malevolent ghost.

“That was more troublesome than I thought. If Viers was here, it would have been much easier,” Paina commented.

Sakuya couldn't agree more. Viers was a Water and Soul Pathseeker, fighting ghosts must be a child’s play for him. With the task done, the thankful city lord hosted them in his place for the night.

When she reached the garden, she saw there was a person under the gazebo.

“Trouble sleeping?” Clarissa smiled. Unlike when they were competing, they weren't wearing masks.

“Hai, Clarissa-san.”

“No need to be so formal,” Clarissa chuckled. “You’re one of us now.”

Sakuya demurely nodded and approached. They watched the stars and the blooming night flowers together. “I’m feeling... restless.”

“Fufu. Actually, I’m the same. Thoughts about him plague your mind?”

Once again Sakuya nodded. Sakuya had a complex feeling about Clarissa. Paina and Farley said Clarissa wasn't human even though she looked like one now. A hebi-onna, some sort of snake youkai or something close to that. But that was not what Sakuya cared about. It was because, according to her woman intuition, Clarissa was the same as her, someone who had conceived affection for Viers.

In other words, a rival.

Also, apparently, she was some sort of royalty. Sakuya could glimpse traces of that in her sometimes. Also, despite their similar cultivation Level, Level 3 peak, Sakuya’s instinct told her Clarissa was stronger in a not insignificant measure.

In other words, Sakuya had an inferiority complex towards Clarissa.

Uuu... Even after all the effort to cultivate myself as a woman and a Pathseeker, I feel lacking, Honored Mother. Not only that, Paina and Farley are really pretty too. I expected this but drawing Viers-sama’s attention will be difficult with so many lovely flowers around him.

Sakuya heard Clarissa having a small laugh.

“Your thoughts are showing through your face, Sakuya. A piece of advice. Take extra care in front of Viers or he will read your mind like an open book.”

“Ugh. Thank you for the advice... I wonder what he's doing now.”

“Nine out of ten, he’s seducing the duke’s daughter,” Clarissa said with a teasing smile.

“Eeeeh!?” Sakuya yelped unladylike. Ciel’s face came to mind, the golden-haired girl who was inducted to Viers’ club at the same time as her.

“Surprised? In hindsight, you should realize Viers is a womanizer just by looking at the group he’s gathered. Not that he will admit it out loud. In the Book World, he roped in you and Izabella. Oh, Conquest is fine by the way. She’s thriving in her cult.”

Sakuya was glad her buddy Izabella was fine but her brain had more important things to focus on right now.

“And... You are fine with it?” Sakuya asked as delicately as possible.

Clarissa locked eyes with Sakuya. In her eyes, Sakuya saw something she lacked: confidence.

“Viers is aiming for the summit of the Path of Power and the journey is long. Whether he dates ten girls or a hundred, it matters not to me. What matters is I’ll have a place at his side. Of course, this is not without effort on my part. Viers constantly improves at a terrifying rate. If I do not match his progress, I’ll be left behind.”

Sakuya absorbed what Clarissa shared intently.

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“He’s sharp. He knows I love him without the words leaving my lips and I know that he knows my feelings. I don't need the relationship between us to become something more like marriage. The bond we shared is not so fragile. We trust each other. I trust when we reach the end of our journey, we’ll witness it together.”

Clarissa placed her hand on top of Sakuya’s.

“This is my take and mine alone. You must find your own place among us that you’re comfortable with. Should you disagree with my views and want to become Viers’ number one, I’ll not obstruct you. But a word of advice. Do not make your love impede Viers’ Path of Power because I’m certain at that point you’ll be marked as a hindrance. You who have seen what Tanael is capable of should know how fearsome he can be.”

Behind her blank face, Sakuya came to a realization.

She’s walked this path longer than I have. I can learn from this.

Sakuya grabbed Clarissa’s hand with both hands.

“Can I call you Clarissa-senpai?”

“...Huh?”

Clarissa lost her poise as Sakuya looked at her with stars in her eyes. It was as if she was looking at an idol. On Clarissa's part, she had no idea why Sakuya suddenly showered her with a beam of adoration.

“...Wait a minute.”

The moonlight had darkened. Perhaps clouds had covered the moons. But Clarissa had a bad feeling.

“Senpai...”

“I know, I’m feeling it too.”

The temperature was dropping rapidly. Clarissa and Sakuya looked to the sky.

There was something in the sky and snow began to fall.

Clarissa pulled out her High Priestess card and called Paina and Farley.

“We’re under attack! Prepare for battle!”

***

Viers is a married man.

He lay down on his bed. Arms spread out and looked at the ceiling with empty eyes. He was trying to digest the events that led him to this point.

Not that Ciel is lacking per se. But...

Viers wasn't expecting to be married today.

Upon their return, Croix welcomed them wholeheartedly. The 51st Prince didn't pry for the details. He was just glad the two of them returned safely. After that, Ciel and Tinade talked in private just the two of them. Perhaps Ciel was disclosing what she did and what was in store for the Valentine Duchy as a whole.

As for him, after he cleaned up, he went to his room. He had a lot to think about. Even if he foresaw Ciel would fall for him, things proceed too fast. Never in a million years, he imagined it would jump straight to marriage. They didn't even discuss it before.

So what now?

Not that he was planning to mistreat Ciel anyhow. They were still going through the Grand Prix but afterwards... Viers needed a new plan.

There was a knock on the door.

“Can I come in?” Ciel asked.

“It’s not locked,” Viers replied without moving a muscle.

Ciel closed the door behind her, seeing the state Viers was in. The fact that he didn't bother to hide.

“You look like someone who was about to have a final theory exam of the Silver Legion research division. You don't have to think too hard about it.”

“Should I not be? Apparently, I’m a husband. Should I not be thinking what's best for you?”

“Hehe. What do you know about the Vow of Souls?” Ciel sat on the bed Viers was on and talked while maintaining eye contact.

“An old Pathseeker mariage tradition. Since it entails the bride giving a spark of her soul to the groom, it usually can only be done by Level 4s and above. Nowadays, it’s hardly practiced.”

“It was quite common a few centuries ago. Some still do it but usually during the official wedding ceremony, in front of a priest in a church. The Vow is disadvantageous on the woman’s side.”

“Because she entrusted a part of her soul to the groom but he doesn't.”

“And that tells you about the woman’s position in Latias society. The bride doesn't always have a choice. Her family decides who to marry and some only care for profit, alliances, and what marriages bring. The wife is expected to be devoted to the husband and so the Vow of Souls was created.”

“...That’s kinda bleak.”

“They can't have a disgruntled powerful Level 4 Pathseeker or above wreaking havoc and making scandals in the new family, can they? Well, that’s why the Vow is usually used when the wife’s side is less powerful than the groom’s side. To manage them like penned hens.”

“This spark of soul you gave me–”

“It’s not like a slave seal. I’m not compelled to listen to your every order, nor can you read my thoughts. However, suffice it to say I have placed my life in your hands. If you wish for it, you can cause irreparable damage to my soul which most likely result in my demise.”

“Sounds awfully similar to a curse to me. And you do remember I’m a Soul Pathseeker, right?”

“It means beyond the basic function, you probably can use it to access my soul and mold it like clay to suit your liking. You can do almost anything and I’ll be powerless to resist. I understand. I chose to do it all the same,” Ciel’s green eyes were tender and serious at the same time.

“...Do you trust me that much?”

“In a way. This is also taking account of my principle of justice. I still owe you a life debt and our deception has almost become too complicated. With this, I even the scales. Now there shouldn't be any more push for marriage from Father, no matter how forceful. Because the law says you cannot marry another man other than the one you do Vow of Souls with. Besides, you men won't want a woman that’s been marked by other men like used goods, right? Your kind’s pride won't allow it.”

“I am unqualified to answer that question.”

“Fufu. At any rate, now Father’s insistence has come to an end. Whether the news of my Vow towards you spread or not, his hands are tied. After the Grand Prix, I’ll deal with my family problems my way. That is why... There shouldn't be any more trouble coming to your end. Thank you for bearing with me all this time.”

Ciel dipped her head as she apologized.

“Ciel, you-”

“I also apologize for my... kiss. Both of them. I lost control of my emotions in the first instance and the second was necessary for the Vow. About the part you’re my husband, you can ignore it.”

“Huh?”

“From the outside, we might be regarded as a couple but it doesn't have to be this way between us. You don't have to shoulder any responsibility that entails becoming the husband of a duke’s daughter. I know I blindsided you with this arrangement without your consent that is why I’ll handle it all from here. You are free to do what you wish and go wherever you wish. Feel free to marry another girl too. Our Vow of Souls doesn't limit you in this, that’s how it was made.”

“I mean... There are a lot of girls waiting for you, aren't there?” Ciel said softly. “Don't break their hearts now.”

“...”

“Did I give you the impression that I’ve fallen in love with you? I’m sorry but that isn't true. Once again I only used you to stop the marriage problem that my Father ballooned out of proportion. I know it’s unfair dragging you into the plot like that. I really do. As atonement, I gave you my soul. Dole out whatever punishment you see fit. I’ll not raise a single objection.”

Ciel stood up.

“Hopefully, this is the end of this ugly affair. You’re free, Viers. Starting tomorrow, let’s do our best to win the Grand Prix. Thank you for everything and sorry for all the trouble I caused. Good evening.”

“Ciel.”

As Ciel was about to open the door, Viers called out to her.

He hugged her from behind with all the compassion he could transmit.

“I am sorry I’m too weak. I hoped I could do more.”

Ciel didn't say anything, nor did she try to break free. She simply accepted being embraced and let the time pass. She wished this moment to last forever.

“...Have a good rest.”

Ciel slowly pulled Viers’ hands down and walked out the door, holding in her tears.