"…Finally, it's over."
Ayaka's eyes were full of sorrow. Her tears were not for this villain, but for her mother.
She placed a rose beside the Count's body, just as she had said goodbye to her mother that night.
"Sister, where will you go next?"
Chevreuse looked a little lost. "I don't know, Aris. Maybe somewhere filled with flowers. Mother used to say that a lot. What about you?"
"I want to visit Mother's grave first."
"Mm. That's a good idea."
The two walked to the roadside. Their mother's favorite Rainbow Roses were blooming in full glory…
Director Furina was the first to stand up and applaud. "Wonderful! Truly wonderful! I didn't expect this scene to go so smoothly — we got it in one take."
"I hereby declare that our two leads have wrapped their scenes!"
[You're also a "wonderful girl"?]
[Wait, I just realized something. The leads' scenes are done, so what about Yoimiya's part?]
[Holy crap, did Ayaka actually do it?!]
[Live-action! One continuous take! Yoimiya, you're in danger.]
Mu Yang and Lumine also walked over. "Congratulations, both of you. That was an amazing performance!"
"Thank you, everyone. I didn't expect Chevreuse's and my scenes to finish so quickly. I'm actually a little reluctant to let go."
Ayaka really did seem reluctant.
Lumine understood. After getting to know this young lady's personality better, she realized that without all the political scheming, Kamisato Ayaka was simply a girl who wanted to play with her friends.
Her greatest dream had always been to leave Inazuma and see the outside world.
This trip must have been quite fulfilling for her. Not only had she made new friends, she had also gotten her fill of acting.
In the days ahead, she could still take her time experiencing Fontaine's local customs and culture. For the White Heron Princess who usually stayed at home all year round, this was undoubtedly a novel and enjoyable experience.
Paimon chimed in as well. "Yeah! Thinking that I won't be able to play with the clapperboard anymore in a few days makes me feel so sad. Filming a movie is actually really fun!"
"Chevreuse was amazing too. That line — 'Justice remains' — was so cool!"
Chevreuse didn't hide her emotions at the praise.
"That really is my favorite line in the book. Whenever I read it before, I would often act it out in my room."
[I felt that. Henshin!]
[DDDDecade!]
[Who didn't have a chuuni phase?]
"I really couldn't tell you had this side to you, Chevreuse."
The only reason Paimon said that was because she didn't know Chevreuse well enough.
As captain of Fontaine's Special Patrol Team, what she loved most were stories where the bad guys got punished and justice triumphed over evil. She never got tired of endings like that.
While they were chatting, a member of the Special Patrol Team came to report an emergency.
Chevreuse had only been using her free time to come act. When there was real work to be done, she still had to clock in for overtime.
After watching the latest footage and giving instructions, Director Furina walked over and passed Chevreuse on her way out.
"And just like that, she got called away. I was about to praise her too."
[Furina praise]
[Sethos, stop hiding. I know it's you.]
[How am I supposed to see a Sethos-style pun without laughing?]
[Not funny?]
Mu Yang explained that it was official business for the Special Patrol Team.
"It's a good thing the leads' scenes went so smoothly today. Otherwise, adjusting the shooting schedule would have been quite troublesome."
"Oh right, I came to tell you all that everyone can be dismissed early today. Go home and rest well."
Finally, Furina extended an invitation to Kamisato Ayaka.
"I happen to know an excellent theater troupe that's looking for a female lead. Are you really not considering becoming a professional actress?"
Mu Yang silently complained in his heart: The purple homebody is still eating, and the Hydro Archon is already trying to poach your people.
Complaints aside, Mu Yang knew that Kamisato Ayaka would never agree.
As the White Heron Princess of the Yashiro Commission, she carried heavy responsibilities. She barely even had time to go out and play, let alone stay in Fontaine long-term to pursue an acting career.
As expected, Ayaka politely declined Furina's invitation in a very graceful manner.
"I will treasure this collaboration experience as something precious in my heart."
Furina looked slightly regretful but was understanding. She had simply been eager to discover talent. She couldn't really force someone to abandon their family responsibilities.
"Alright. What a pity. But if you change your mind, feel free to come find me anytime."
After saying this, Furina went back to discussing follow-up filming matters with the rest of the staff.
Kamisato Ayaka turned around. "I should be heading off too. Even though my scenes are finished, I'd still like to come help out on set for the next few days."
"Please take care of me, everyone — Lumine, Paimon, and Mr. Mu Yang. See you tomorrow."
"Mm. See you tomorrow."
Lumine had also finished her work for the day and was looking forward to going home with Mu Yang for a big meal.
Chevreuse, who had been called away earlier, came running back.
Judging by her tense expression, it didn't look like good news.
Then again, what kind of good news would require the Special Patrol Team captain to work overtime on short notice?
"Our ship has finally crashed into an island."
Although Mu Yang knew what they were talking about, he still put on a confused expression.
"Mr. Mu Yang, would you like to come along too? I'll explain on the way."
Chevreuse knew that Mu Yang and Lumine had a very good relationship.
After the "model gun" incident that day, she had gone back and investigated Mu Yang. Although she hadn't found much information, everything he had done so far was beneficial to Fontaine with no downsides.
The musket improvement plan he proposed was enough to take the Special Patrol Team's combat effectiveness to the next level.
According to Estelle (the owner of the forging workshop), Mu Yang could provide far more than that.
Chevreuse was a smart person. She knew how to get along with capable people like Mu Yang.
Mu Yang naturally didn't mind going with them. Who would complain about more opportunities to show off?
Chevreuse led them to a remote wilderness area.
Even Paimon was starting to complain.
"We just finished filming and now we have to walk so far… I'm exhausted…"
Lumine gave her a disdainful look. "Mu Yang's biscuits are almost all gone because of you alone. Stop complaining."
Chevreuse said, "Although this isn't decisive evidence, it's definitely a crucial step."
"Have you heard the name Emilie before?"
[This seems to be a new character. Several Fontaine characters have mentioned her in their voice lines.]
[Just want to know if she's a 4-star. I can't pull anymore…]
Lumine and Paimon shook their heads.
Mu Yang added, "Fontaine's famous perfumer. Her shop is right next to Chioriya Boutique. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, so I haven't met her in person yet."
This was the result of Mu Yang's investigation.
When he crossed over, even Emilie's character illustration hadn't been released yet.
Although Fontaine's main story had already concluded, there would probably be some small events connected to it.
So he had asked around in advance.
As a limited banner character, Emilie was obviously more than just a perfume merchant. She could also solve cases based on scents.
Mu Yang figured this was probably why Chevreuse had mentioned her name.