Thus, the original four-person tour group expanded directly to five with the Valkyrie's inclusion.
While deviating somewhat from initial planning, the complications remained manageable.
After all, Rossweisse originated from Norse mythology, while Aldegian Kingdom coincidentally occupied Northern European territories.
At minimum, geographical classifications established them as fellow countrymen meeting abroad—kindred spirits of sorts.
Moments later, having departed the cat-girl maid café's vicinity, Bokue's group relocated to Keystone Gate's second floor's opposite section. Each person carried Oreo sundaes—consuming while walking.
Because sweet foods facilitated emotional uplift.
"So Rossweisse-san is genuinely a Valkyrie from Norse mythology?"
Despite learning the silver-haired girl's true identity mere minutes prior, Polyphonia couldn't suppress curious reconfirmation.
"Absolutely!"
Rossweisse halted her eating motions, reinserting the disposable plastic spoon into ice cream. One hand pressed her chest earnestly.
"Though I originated from rural Norse Valkyrie lineage, I genuinely earned my position as Lord Odin's bodyguard through personal effort! For instance, my grandmother Göndul was an exceptionally famous Valkyrie sorceress. Both my parents served as warrior-deities. Essentially, our entire family belongs to the Norse mythology faction."
"I see..."
La Folia nodded with impressed appreciation.
"If Rossweisse-san finds free time eventually, visiting our kingdom would be wonderful."
"Kingdom?"
The Valkyrie froze momentarily.
"Correct~"
La Folia smiled gently.
"Ah, forgive me—introductions were neglected. I'm La Folia Rihavein, First Princess of Northern Europe's Aldegian Kingdom. Plus, this is my mother, Polyphonia Rihavein—current reigning Queen of Aldegian Kingdom."
"Aldegian Kingdom..."
Rossweisse contemplated seriously.
"Though distance prevented previous visits, I've heard mentions. My impression identifies it as a nation renowned for war mage-knight technology—even temporarily achieving parity against the bordering First Primogenitor's War King Domain through mass-produced mage-knights alone."
"Precisely that Aldegian Kingdom. Also called the Valkyrie Nation."
La Folia's eyes narrowed with humming laughter.
"Mythological Valkyries visiting the Valkyrie Nation sounds genuinely intriguing."
"Well..."
Repeated Valkyrie-related topic emphasis triggered deep sighing from Rossweisse.
"Despite originating from Valkyrie lineage and serving as Lord Odin's bodyguard, objectively speaking I remain far from qualifying as a proper Valkyrie."
"Eh? Why?"
"Because... mm, La Folia-san, do you understand Valkyrie responsibilities?"
Rossweisse's mouth flattened with visible grievance.
The silver-haired princess contemplated silently before providing reasonably logical answers based on personal assumptions.
"Battlefield combat?"
"That's merely partial responsibility."
Rossweisse continued elaboration.
"Valkyries function as mythological faction combat forces. However, simultaneously, Valkyries must also recruit powerful warriors for mythological factions. According to circulated folklore versions, this means retrieving fallen warrior souls from battlefields, delivering them to Valhalla."
"Except that's purely folklore interpretation. Souls lack combat capabilities. Therefore, actual Valkyrie duties involve romancing powerful warriors they've targeted, then bringing them back to Valhalla like marriage arrangements—transforming them into Norse mythology's warriors."
Hmm. Sounds reasonably logical.
Meanwhile, Polyphonia apparently detected implications—her tone acquiring subtle undertones as one eyebrow raised meaningfully.
"So when Rossweisse-san mentioned 'still far from qualifying as proper Valkyrie,' you're referring to..."
"Correct. I'm a perpetually-single Valkyrie whose relationship-less duration perfectly equals my age—completely unwanted."
Rossweisse sighed quietly.
Perhaps earlier crying sessions outside the maid café had exhausted emotional reserves, triggering some peculiar sage-mode state. Regardless, discussing this topic now generated surprisingly calm vocal tones.
Completely contrasting her Lilith Palace breakdown after Odin's painful verbal jabs triggered wailing meltdowns.
Alternatively—simple resignation. "Giving up completely."
No more wailing. Only lingering resentment through muttered complaints.
"Though that's not entirely my fault, right? Fellow Valkyrie colleagues' romantic partners are universally bearded Viking warriors. I genuinely cannot develop attraction toward that type."
Rossweisse sighed continuously.
"Allegedly, previous Valkyrie generations occasionally romanced handsome heroes. Except where are heroes nowadays? Even if they existed, other Valkyries would've already claimed them—impossible for my turn."
Heroes...
Hearing that familiar term, metaphorical lightbulbs illuminated above Sayaka's head.
"Eh? Speaking of which, Bokue is technically a hero... uh!"
Her statement abruptly terminated mid-sentence.
Wait—Rossweisse was just lamenting her inability to locate handsome heroes. Now I've just volunteered my boyfriend? Isn't this...
"Really??"
Before completion, the silver-haired Valkyrie whipped her head around dramatically—gaze locking intensely onto the adjacent young man.
Bokue calmly scooped one Oreo sundae spoonful, consuming it before responding.
"Unfortunately, I possess merely half-hero bloodline. Moreover, I've never considered myself heroic."
"R-right, exactly."
Recognizing Bokue's assistance covering her verbal slip, Sayaka nodded rapidly in agreement.
"Anyway, enough depressing topics! Time's approaching noon already. How about finding lunch locations first?"
"Agreed."
"Let's proceed~"
Within brief exchanges, hero-related discussions terminated completely.
❁❁❁❁
Perhaps childhood dedication toward Valkyrie training had consumed virtually all recreational time. Today's entire daylight duration found Rossweisse accompanying Bokue's quartet everywhere. Post-lunch shopping expeditions throughout Keystone Gate, afternoon tea followed by movie screenings.
When activities concluded, evening had arrived.
"Mm~ Time really flew quickly."
The Valkyrie—freshly emerged from cinema interiors—stretched contentedly. Morning's dejected expressions had vanished completely.
"Well, I should return to Lord Odin's location, urging Valhalla departure."
"We'll accompany you."
Bokue stated simply.
Though visiting Keystone Gate's second floor held zero necessity for him, since their paths crossed anyway, providing escort seemed appropriate. Basic host's hospitality.
Consequently, minutes later when the quintet reached that morning's maid café entrance, they discovered the white-bearded old man—who should've been inside enjoying himself with maids—had vanished entirely.
Splat.
The Valkyrie's legs buckled. She collapsed into duck-sitting position on flooring.
Sudden realization struck: Lord Odin had apparently abandoned her on Itogami Island.
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