"N-none??"
Hearing that denial, not merely Sayaka but even La Folia registered shock.
'When I initially traveled to Itogami Island, I brought an entire vessel's worth of protective details. Though mid-journey accidents caused total annihilation—even leaving this princess stranded on deserted islands—but... what's Mother's situation? A reigning monarch traveling abroad without single escorts?'
Even if the airship's armaments are formidable, eventually landing becomes necessary.
Is demonstrating sincerity worth such enormous risks?
"Well~ naturally, Mother possesses personal considerations regarding this matter."
Observing her daughter plus the War Dancer's shocked expressions, Polyphonia chuckled while wagging one finger gently.
"Firstly, our Aldegian Kingdom earns its 'Valkyrie Nation' designation because Rihavein royal lineage females possess generational exceptional spirit medium capabilities. Like the spiritual power talents you inherited from me, La Folia-chan—I'm no exception. Barring special circumstances, complete self-protection remains achievable."
"Secondly, having arrived at Itogami Island, bringing extensive security details would display excessive distrust toward local public safety. Particularly since this location may become my daughter's long-term residence going forward."
"Furthermore, I trust our Bokue-kun will ensure my personal safety throughout this Itogami Island duration. Correct?"
Concluding, her small fox tail finally revealed itself. Polyphonia adopted girlish mannerisms—hands clasped behind her back, upper body leaning forward slightly. She narrowed her eyes while approaching the young man with gentle smile.
This...
Bokue executed mental tactical retreat.
Honestly, identical words from different speakers would carry condescending examination vibes—potentially deliberate harassment.
Yet when Polyphonia vocalized these statements, the impression transformed completely.
No harassment. No examination. Purely matter-of-fact discussion.
Simply put—Polyphonia genuinely hoped her Itogami Island duration's personal security would fall under Bokue Keikain's responsibility.
Why does this feel slightly odd?
Bokue suddenly experienced sensations resembling tour guide assignments.
"By the way, where's Kanon-chan? Didn't she accompany you?"
As if defaulting to the young man's agreement, Polyphonia redirected toward Kanon Kanase matters.
After all, Kanon's biological father was Aldegian's former king—Polyphonia's father, La Folia's grandfather—product of extramarital affairs.
Despite illegitimate daughter status eliminating royal succession rights, generationally speaking, she was genuinely Polyphonia's younger sister.
"Kanon should currently be attending school."
Bokue glanced toward the terminal ceiling's electronic displays.
Currently 9:30 AM—approximately second-period conclusion timing.
"Still in classes, then."
Polyphonia nodded with understanding accommodation.
"No problem. We'll meet after school dismissal... Oh right! Rather than that, how about we tour Itogami Island's city center directly?"
"Eh?"
Both Sayaka and La Folia froze again simultaneously.
Isn't this somewhat protocol-violating?
Logically, shouldn't she first settle into guest accommodations before scheduling... wait. Itogami Island lacks guest facilities entirely.
"La Folia-chan~ Mother understands your thoughts perfectly."
Polyphonia smiled gently while tapping her daughter's nose tip affectionately.
"However, this visit doesn't represent kingdom diplomacy. Mother simply carved out time visiting you all—plus granting myself minor vacation. So don't apply diplomatic protocols here."
"Uh... understood."
With her mother's declaration reaching this point, La Folia couldn't maintain objections.
Bokue naturally possessed zero concerns. Observing unanimous agreement, he raised one hand—snapping his fingers crisply.
"Excellent. Let's depart then. First destination—Keystone Gate."
Snap.
Accompanying that crisp fingersnap, teleportation arrays activated instantaneously—zero startup frames. Surrounding scenery transformed dramatically.
Public benches, electronic displays, flight announcements—everything vanished. Replacement imagery: promotional discount signage, high-definition screens broadcasting culinary advertisements, soothing background music resonating throughout expansive interior spaces.
"Ohhh—!"
Observing environmental transformation clarity, Polyphonia released impressed vocalizations.
They'd transferred seamlessly from terminal halls directly into Keystone Gate.
Even accounting for today's overcast humidity and heat, Bokue had deliberately selected interior teleportation coordinates.
"This location is..."
"Keystone Gate—Itogami Island's central hub."
Bokue provided orientation for the curious queen.
"Incidentally, Keystone Gate's ground-level-upward sections constitute entirely indoor commercial plazas. Everything available on external pedestrian streets exists here comprehensively. Plus, no sun exposure... Let's proceed. Browse casually—identify anything interesting."
"Mm-hm!"
Polyphonia responded with anticipatory enthusiasm before completely disregarding the two adjacent girls. She turned immediately, quick-stepping after the already-departing young man without backward glances.
La Folia: "..."
Sayaka: "..."
Why the sudden sensation of becoming superfluous third wheels?
Scene transition—quartet reaching Keystone Gate's second floor.
From this level upward, the first floor's jewelry boutiques, perfume shops, and clothing stores disappeared. Replacements: diverse dining establishments, dessert shops, etc.—optimal shopping destinations.
Except immediately upon exiting elevators—barely two steps forward—Bokue suddenly registered familiar crying sounds from nearby distances.
"Uuu~ Lord Odin, let's return to Valhalla immediately! Continuing like this will completely humiliate Norse mythology's reputation, uuu..."
Huh?
Wait. That voice sounds like...
Bokue reflexively turned toward the source.
A cat-girl-themed maid café.
Outside the café entrance—that persistently incompetent Valkyrie crouched in wall-adjacent corners, both hands covering her face while releasing soft whimpers.
Inside the maid café—a certain Norse All-Father sat with legs spread imperiously across sofa seating. Both arms occupied—each embracing two attractive maids cosplaying as cat-girls.
???
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