At the crystal-blue shores of Mare Star Palatium, the murmur of the waves rose like a symphony. The waves crashed fiercely against the rocks, and the laughter and singing of merfolk echoed beneath the gentle sunlight.

  “…Hey hey, what’s your name?” a cheerful girl voice rang out.

  “…Let’s be friends, okay?…” The girl reached out her hand with a beaming smile, warm like sunlight.

  Despite the guards’ warnings not to speak further and the slightly displeased look of the girl in front of her. She simply smiled innocently, carefree, her face radiant, her pair of blue wings not even hidden.

  “I’m Celeste Sylphid. I’ve just arrived here. Can we be friends…?”

  Awakening on a patient’s bed inside a vast room, the scent of medicinal chemicals faintly lingered. Next to her hung a neatly placed white lab coat and a small cabinet.

  She shifted weakly, lingering remnants of exhaustion clinging to her. A sigh slipped through her lips as a sleek black serpentine tail slithered down onto the floor.

  “Why… would that blue bird want to be friends with a snake?”

  On the shores of Chanson de lune, walking across golden sands bathed in radiant sunlight, the breeze carried the scent of sea salt inland. Peace, serenity, comfort, hope, nostalgia—feelings drifted softly through my mind as my wings relaxed and unfurled.

  “The sea is beautiful… not so different from before.” I tucked away my wind-tousled blue hair.

  “You’re so beautifull! You’ve been here before? And you can speak my language too?” A brown-haired, brown-eyed girl in a sunflower-patterned white dress—about ten years old—smiled brightly.

  “Mm, I’ve visited a few times. What’s your name? I’m Celeste Sylphid.” I smiled back at her.

  The girl replied with sweet enthusiasm:

  “I’m Claire Joseph! You’re amazing—you suddenly appeared from blue flames, and didn’t even get hurt!”

  “I’ve never seen anyone like that! And you have wings too—so strange…” Hearing that, I gently patted her head.

  “Were you surprised? You’ll see many more surprises in the future. I’m going to stay here for a while.”

  “I like surprises! Tell me more next time, okay?”

  Claire smiled at me—innocent, pure, carefree. Even though she had just witnessed something extraordinary, her simplicity reminded me of myself back then… with her.

  “Claire, where are your parents? Why are you here alone?”

  “They’re busy. My house is nearby so I came out to play.”

  “This place is great—there’s always a big sandy beach to play on.”

  I took Claire’s hand and walked along the shore. A small seaside flower garden was in full bloom. The lighthouse stood tall, asleep in the daylight. A few seagulls chattered on nearby rocks.

  『This flock of seagulls is amusing… luckily no one understands what they’re saying.』 I muttered inwardly.

  “Claire, I have something to do now. You should head home, okay?”

  “You have to go? Where are you going?” Claire looked up at me.

  “I have errands. Be good, okay? Let’s pinky swear—we’re friends from now on.” I knelt and held out my hand. We linked our pinkies with cheerful smiles.

  I led Claire into the flower garden, then stepped toward the shore. I spread my wings wide for her to see. Her brown eyes widened in amazement—so adorable that I couldn’t help but laugh. After giving her one last reassuring glance, I took flight.

  “Big sister Celeste is amazing… I want to fly that high someday!”

  “I have to tell my friends and my parents!” Claire ran toward the city, her face glowing.

  High above, I flew across the vast sea, the wind swirling around me, playful and spirited. A while later, nearing Mare Star Palatium, a massive crack stretched across the sky—so large I could see the cosmos beyond it.

  “This is real? Why didn’t anyone report this to the Nest?”

  “Firmament Qliphoth—the fissure caused by Dystopia Realm’s intrusion and the Qliphoth tree… How could this even happen?” A wave of worry rose in my chest.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “I have to take pictures and ask Queen Selena later.” I opened my magic ring, took out a camera, adjusted the lens, and snapped several shots.

  After reviewing them, I stored the camera away. Staring up at the sky, sadness welled inside me. This morning, I had still been speaking with the Sylphid Goddess… yet now the sky of Sylphira Realms was wounded.

  “My Goddess Sylphid… how am I supposed to stitch this wound for You?”

  At that moment, a graceful feminine voice drifted through the wind—gentle as ever.

  “You need not worry so much, Celeste. I am perfectly fine. There is no need to mend that wound yet.”

  “Don’t rush. Everything has its time. Be calm, my dear child.”

  I quietly listened. The breeze soothed my soul, peace spreading through me like settling into a soft nest. Once my heart steadied, I replied cheerfully:

  “Yes… if You say so, then thank You, Goddess Sylphid.”

  “Back to the main task. I’m almost there… hopefully I can gather something useful.”

  With a single beat of my wings, I sped through the skies. Soon, the floating half of Mare Star Palatium came into view. Banners of the four races fluttered in the wind—Mermaid, Water Dragons, Serpent Kings, and Sea Kirins.

  『 Strange… Sea Kirins? I remember it used to be…』

  “Princess Celeste, welcome to Mare Star Palatium.” Before I could finish the thought, armored Water Dragon soldiers bowed and crossed their spears aside to let me enter.

  『Looks like the seas have grown stronger indeed.』

  I walked past the first line of soldiers into the bustling streets. Mare Star Palatium hadn’t changed much—dancing fountains, damp and slippery ground, clear water canals, banners everywhere.

  There were many new faces, new shops, new goods—jewelry not just from coral and pearls now, but gemstones, crystal, gold thread, even a new type of umbrella that constantly dripped water.

  『Where did they get these new trade connections?』

  “Excuse me, miss—may I ask where these new items come from?”

  I approached an elegant luxurious Water Dragon lady who was looking at items in a jewelry store.

  “Are you an inspector? Or a guard?”

  She kept her distance, her eyes glancing at my blue wings. Others began looking too—not because of my beauty…

  『Good. Very clear signs. They should’ve acted better than this.』

  “Oh no, I just like beautiful things.”

  “It’s been a long time since I visited, so everything seems unfamiliar.” I smiled happily at the lady.

  The lady smiled slightly, leaned over and replied:

  “You have a good eye. These were gifts since the Sea Kirins arrived.”

  “So generous of them. Thank you. I’m Celeste Sylphid—have a lovely day.”

  “Mm. Even if you didn’t say your name or show a wings, I’d still know. Reverie Seamstress.” She spoke loudly, ensuring everyone heard.

  I smiled happily, took a step back to create distance, the lady saw that and immediately smirked triumphantly, people around me gradually paid more attention to me.

  “Thank you for recognizing my fashion and reputation. Before I go, may I know your name?”

  Before she could answer, two Water Dragon guards quietly approached behind me.

  『Perfect. Half of the plan complete.』

  “I’m Lyudmila. You may charm others well, but things aren’t like before, Princess.”

  Lyudmila stressed the last word like a victor teaching a lesson. I smiled and stepped aside as two guards escorted me. Whispering from the crowd grew sharper; shops began closing one by one like falling dominoes.

  “Look, that’s her—the princess. A sinner.”

  “She’s been hiding for years and only now dares show up—cursed sky-bird.”

  “The sky of Sylphira Realms is cracked because her people poisoned our waters.”

  The whispers turned malicious. Even though I expected it, Lyudmila was right—this city had changed. The female guard slammed her spear down, silencing the crowd.

  『Sea Kirins’ interference, new goods, poisoned water… Looks like I have two key people to investigate.』

  “Everyone, show respect. Even if she has erred, she is still royalty of the Sylphid. Leave judgment to the Council.” the female guard announced.

  『Wait… that voice sounds familiar…』

  As soon as she finished speaking, I recognized something in it. Though dressed as a Water Dragon knight, her hair was neatly tied black, wearing blue armor, spear in hand, helmet covering her face. The only thing missing was horns.

  “My Princess, please follow us to the Council,” the male knight murmured.

  “I understand. Thank you.”

  Moments later, we reached the grand hall of Charybdis City Hall. Its spiked domed architecture remained unchanged—like a crown of thorns.

  Officials moved everywhere. Strangely, no Sea Kirins were in sight—only Water Dragons, Mermaid, and a few Serpent Kings. Some seemed newly employed.

  『Odd. They should be lingering around places like this…』

  Inside, the room was vast. Receptionists were resting. Officials chatted randomly—some cheerful, some complaining.

  『Feels familiar… like banks back home or the Golden Capital.』

  『They’ve made some progress. Interesting.』

  “We’re escorting a criminal. Please clear the path.” the female guard declared. Everyone complied immediately.

  I just followed the two knights and walked deep inside, leaving everyone's eyes behind, in the elevator leading down to the city.

  The female knight produced a white blossom with upright stamens, releasing pink-hued mist. She waved it gently, knocking the male guard unconscious. She opened an orange magic ring and tossed him inside.

  『 Pollen–Enchanted Flower ? Dream Mist and Little Angel flower.』 I hid a quiet laugh, covering my nose and stepping aside to avoid the smoke.

  “I know you want to meet the Council—my cousin—but why don’t we take a shortcut?”

  “Ugh… wearing this uniform is suffocating. How do guards endure this humidity? Aren’t they afraid of mold?” she complained.

  She removed her helmet and armor, stretching, then cast a spell turning her black hair into wavy orange locks. She changed into an orange-yellow dress adorned with bird-of-paradise flowers, her bright eyes glimmering like amber.

  “You made me wait long, sis. Honestly—Queen Selena had me undercover all day yesterday.” I patted her shoulder.

  “All right, Charlotte—I recognized you a while ago. Good work.”

  “The people here are so boring. I scouted the upper district but didn’t learn much.”

  Charlotte grumbled, but when the elevator reached the a brilliant, dazzling, sparkle picture underwater city, her excitement returned.

  The underwater half of Mare Star Palatium was vibrant—unique buildings woven with coral and pearl shell, multiple zones, even the prison looked breathtaking.

  “You should retract your wings and tail, sis. Too eye-catching.” Charlotte teased, positioning herself to hide me from view.

  “I know. Whose appearance are you borrowing?” I shifted my wings and tail into my body, loosened my long hair, and tied it with a pearl ribbon.

  “A high-ranked guard. With the armor, no one questioned me. Oh—this is for you.” She handed me a folded note.

  I opened it. Right then, Charlotte stopped the elevator. I read the beautifully written message, surprised that it was from Lyudmila. When I looked up, Charlotte gestured for silence.

  “To the Reverie Seamstress—your name has spread. Mare Star Palatium is already wary of you.”

  “Ridiculous, really—the excuse they used is convenient and comical. Surely you remember Basilika, the current Serpent Queen? Yes. That one.”

  “Don’t try to ask who I am or what I do. Too many people are involved already.”

  “This place may look stable, but inside it’s split. The Sea Kirins have stepped in. But they’re not here—not in the Council. If you want answers, find Basilika.”

  After reading carefully, I stored the note away. The underwater scenery outside glittered, and a quiet sadness stirred in me. Charlotte remained cheerfully unfazed.

  “Meeting Silika is definitely a trap. You two are too close. I need you to make sure no one approaches her area. I’ll handle the inside.”

  “Looks like we can’t rush this time… but Charlotte, let me ask you something.” I looked at her.

  “I’m listening.”

  “What do you think Mare Star Palatium is like now?”

  Elsewhere, Lyudmila stood alone watching the roaring sea. A different woman’s voice echoed in her ear.

  “So you’ve made your choice. Playing too many sides is dangerous.”

  “Isn’t that what we always do?” Lyudmila replied.

  “Yes… and no. What they want and what i want are completely different.”

  “In the end, you should know what you’re doing. The other fangs are planning something big.”

  The voice faded. Only the sound of waves remained. After a deep breath, Lyudmila crossed her arms, gazing into the distant horizon.

  『A big plan, huh… I wonder what it is. Unification?』

  『Even so, the other fangs still hesitate… strange.』

  『The timing is perfect—unless…』

  Lyudmila stood and thought for a moment, a series of images flashed through her mind, she smiled slightly.

  『Too many problems… including the Serpent Queen and that Sylph girl… Fine. I’ll sit back and wait.』