The eleven-year reunion greeting from the little director landed like a pebble thrown into a still lake, sending great ripples through Fujimaru Ritsuka's heart.
Inside this six-year-old boy resided the soul of a hero who had experienced countless partings and deaths.
Staring at this simultaneously familiar yet unfamiliar director, he felt the deep-seated regret and sorrow buried in his memory transform, in that moment, into unshakable resolve.
He said nothing—stepping forward gently but firmly.
To Olga Marie's surprise, Fujimaru Ritsuka reached out his childishly small, red-gloved hand and took hers—just as she finished her bow.
His grip was impossibly strong for a six-year-old boy, and Olga Marie's heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
"Director."
The boy raised his face. Clear eyes, shimmering with wisdom and kindness far beyond his years, shining like burning starlight.
"This time... no matter if my arms break or come out of their sockets, I'll never let go of your hand again."
Those words, like a spell to break a seal, dragged U-Olga Marie back to the brink of despair.
...To the moment just after the last battle with Chaldea.
Defeated, Maris CHALDEAS had torn open a spatial rift and mercilessly hurled her—this failed creation—into the bottomless void.
Endless gravity tried to swallow her whole.
And in that moment, a battered but impossibly warm hand reached out and caught her, holding her back from the brink.
It was her Master—Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Shouting, he pulled with all his might to draw her back.
But as a Beast, her spiritual core was practically as heavy as a planet.
That weight was too much for a human body.
She could feel his arm groan in pain with the unbearable strain.
If this went on, he would be dragged into the abyss with her.
In her memory, she saw herself smile in relief one last time.
In her memory, she heard him howl in stubborn desperation.
Ultimately, she tore herself free from his hand by her own will, with a final blessing, and fell into infinite nothingness...
——!
Suddenly awakened by that heart-wrenching memory, U-Olga Marie felt a wave of heat rising to her cheeks.
Overwhelmed by a tangle of gratitude, grief, and joy at their reunion, her heart pounded uncontrollably.
Looking at the boy in front of her, holding onto her with heartfelt seriousness, her arrogance melted away in embarrassment.
"W-who gave you permission to just grab me like that, you idiot! Let go!" she protested, blushing furiously. She tried to pull away, but her strength deserted her.
If anything, her fingers subconsciously curled, as if afraid that he really might let go, hesitantly hooking onto his palm.
"I won't let go,"
Fujimaru Ritsuka replied firmly, tightening his grip.
"You... you…!"
Olga Marie's face blushed as red as a ripe apple. She was completely at a loss. Turning her face away, she could only mutter faintly, "…whatever."
Steve watched the reunion in silence, a contented smile on his face.
A boy with a hero's soul and a tsundere planet goddess—what a dramatic, delightful combination.
He let them bask for a moment in that strange, nostalgic atmosphere, in casual conversation that only those two could share.
"By the way, fufu… you're not planning to make any more sacrifices, are you?"
"Probably not. Though, even if we manage to stop the Director's plan, who knows if we'll get to see Chaldea again…"
"By the way… Chaldea isn't even established yet, right? Where did you get that uniform?"
"This set was made by Caster. Apparently there's also a whole wardrobe in Shadow Border's private rooms full of magical outfits fitted for me…"
"Wait, Shadow Border is here too?"
…
As their embarrassingly warm, slightly awkward banter continued, Steve finally decided it was time.
He cleared his throat lightly, drawing their attention.
"Everyone, this concludes the heartfelt reunion."
He smiled, but his tone brooked no argument.
"We'll talk more later, once everyone is here."
"For now, there's something more important."
He glanced at the two, his expression turning serious.
"Our purpose here is to avert an impending catastrophe."
"And our adversary—Marisbury Animusphere, the Lord who commands the King of Magecraft Solomon."
"To fight such a foe, we need every ounce of strength we can muster."
At the mention of Solomon and Marisbury, U-Olga Marie and Fujimaru Ritsuka's expressions instantly darkened.
They knew better than anyone what a nightmare that combination of names would unleash.
Steve gazed deep into the mansion, enunciating:
"Our primary target is Mash Kyrielight, currently asleep in a sterile chamber somewhere within the Animusphere estate. She should be around four years old."
"That's right! We have to find Mash!"
Fujimaru Ritsuka responded at once, eyes shining with anticipation and resolve. Mash was his first and truest companion—his shield.
And at that moment, Olga Marie shed her remaining embarrassment and fully stepped into the her role, Chaldea's Director.
Bravely mastering her excitement, she took a deep breath. Her young face now held the poise and firmness expected of a true leader. Taking Fujimaru's hand in hers, she looked up, eyes clear and sharp, and faced Steve with unflinching determination.
"I know where Mash is. Come with me—I'll take you there, right away."