As the Grandcypher and Grandsleuth make their separate ways to Edan Island, Tau'luk agrees to provide Loki's crew with information. Absorbed in the scent of the tea served to him, he ends up revealing his true origin, becoming visibly shaken as he seems to realize something.
Within the Istavion Kingdom in the Great Oarlyegrande Skydom floats a crucial part of the enormous nation—Edan Island.
Much to the horror of all those who witness it, something beyond comprehension currently extends from the island's center.
A monstrosity the likes of which the world has never seen, it writhes in silence, simply extending its tentacles toward the sky.
While Gran and company are heading for Edan to recover everything taken by the Otherworlders...
A wandering crew of misfits bound by a mysterious fate approaches the island from another direction.
Loki
A being that can destroy the skies...
Mikaboshi
Any thoughts to share with the class? Word has it you caused plenty of chaos yourself back in Phantagrande.
Fenrir
Look who's talking...
Gandharva
Haha, indeed! That Great Wall was your handiwork, wasn't it?
Gandharva
It's a bit unsettling coming from such a tiny little thing, but I can't say I mind that burning ambition of yours.
Necesaria
Is it really ambition, do you think? The reason why the Otherworld unleashed that writhing, wriggling beastie too, I mean.
Necesaria
Somehow it feels more... desperate, I guess? Like a scream or something. Or maybe it's just me.
Zwei
Then why do you look so giddy? You're seriously sick in the head.
Necesaria
Oh dear, was it that obvious? But isn't it just so stimulating the way a person's face and voice contort when they're at their wits' end?
Zwei
Creep...
Loki watches Zwei take a few steps away from Necesaria before speaking up again.
Loki
The Otherworld's too much for even us Astrals to manage. And that's precisely what makes it fascinating.
Loki
We should start by sorting out all the info we have. And as luck would have it, we've got an expert on the situation right here with us.
Tau'luk
I am more than willing to share with you what I know. But first...
Tau'luk turns to Loki and shrugs his shoulders with a sniff of disapproval.
Tau'luk
Do you not offer a single cup of tea to guests aboard this ship? I must say, your crew certainly lacks decorum.
Loki
...
Huh?
Necesaria
Here we are! Thanks for waiting!
Necesaria
I'm afraid we only had cookies on hand for refreshments, but they pair surprisingly well with the tea, so—
Violet Knight
Lord Tau'luk.
Within a room on the Grandsleuth, the Violet Knight addresses Tau'luk as Necesaria places a tray of tea and sweets before him.
Violet Knight
My lord. It would be unwise to touch any food or drink prepared by that Erune.
Violet Knight
I presume you haven't forgotten how I met my end in these skies?
Tau'luk
I certainly have not. However, this man has no cause to kill me at present.
Tau'luk
Isn't that right, my false jester friend?
Necesaria
...
Necesaria
(True. I haven't received any instructions to dispose of him.)
Necesaria
(On the contrary...)
Tau'luk
This invasion by the Otherworld is not limited to Oarlyegrande alone.
Tau'luk
Even for an organization spanning the skies such as the Society, the damage would be immeasurable.
Necesaria
(True again. It's been nothing but radio silence from my superiors for several days.)
Necesaria
(I hope they're simply busy dealing with the Otherworld. But should worse come to worst...)
Necesaria
(I guess I'll just have to use my seal weapon at my own discretion.)
A tense hush descends upon the table, broken only by the faint scraping of teaware.
Taking in the color and aroma of his beverage, Tau'luk raises his eyebrows.
Tau'luk
Gyokuro tea, is it? You certainly have done your research.
Necesaria
Hehe, I'm glad you noticed. I thought you might appreciate a taste of home.
Mikaboshi
A taste of home? The gyokuro?
Mikaboshi
Then that means... you're from the Amahtgrande Skydom? Not Oarlyegrande?
Gandharva
Wait, but you belong to the Istavion royal family. How can you be from a different skydom?
Suddenly finding himself the target of suspicion and curiosity, Tau'luk slowly drains his tea and sets down his empty cup.
Tau'luk
I married in, you see. Through wedlock, I became a member of the Istavion royal family.
Mikaboshi
Married in? So then... what exactly happened to that wife of yours?
Tau'luk
...
At Mikaboshi's question, Tau'luk abruptly falls silent.
His previously calm and composed expression now appears ever so slightly shaken.