The Ark Of Dessert Helps?

"And I was sad about it. I didn't feel pity for the actions I've chosen to do. Instead, my Slayer was right. I was angry. That's why I vowed never to make the mistake of being too weak to stop my enemies. What say you, Z?" asked the Valkyrie, glancing at Z.

"The incident that happened those years ago cannot excuse me from dragging those kids into the hell they've been to. However, you and the Slayer have got the point, and I shouldn't be afraid to retell how I lost those kids," replied the Galaxian Mage.

The room's expressions were mixed as silence befell the group. But, of course, Gillian and Ysabeau remained unmoved since they knew the horrors of the Congregation and knew what lengths Old Man Pond would go to show his authority against others.

But Baldwin was surprised that Raiyen wasn't kicking up a fuss, and it was Tomoe who looked shocked at the recount. The Valkyrie didn't seem too affected, only pity in her eyes after the few sentences she said in reply to the matter. Bryan was still angry after that speech.

As for the Flower Mage... Her emotions got the better of her, and she was crying. Mavislin rushed over to Rina, crying a waterfall right in the middle of the room. But unfortunately, poor Clement had to come into the space at the wrong time, carrying large chocolate and caramel cake in his hands.

The unlucky chef had expected the group to finish their meeting in time for dessert.

"Uhm... Would you like some dessert to ease up the tension of the meeting? I know that was always the solution to the tensed arguments within the Masters of the brothels..." asked Clement, awkwardly smiling and holding up the cake with shrugged shoulders.

Everyone blinked before the table turned into a dining table, shrinking the Map Crystal to the middle. The floating screen was still hovering above the Map Crystal while everyone sat by the table with plates and cutlery.

"Uhm... Tonight's dessert is dark chocolate and caramel torte. It's like a layered cake with dark chocolate glaze, milk chocolate mousse, caramel, and brownie. On top of the cake are poached pears with white wine. And I'll be giving everyone a scoop of tea-flavored ice cream."

"Although, Lady Rina, shall I give you scoops instead? You look like you need more comfort," asked Clement, looking at the crying Mage.

Mavislin nodded as she continued to soothe the poor girl while Bryan was so confused about why Rina was crying in the first place. Finally, after portioning out the cake and ice creams to everyone, Z mustered up the courage to ask Rina what had happened.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to cry like this... But, unfortunately, I couldn't help when my memories resurfaced again..." mumbled Rina, sniffling as Mavislin fed her some ice cream.

"You lost your memories?" asked Bryan, tilting his head.

"Yes... Back at the battle of Albion, I got to see my memories, which I couldn't recall. And before I left the spell, the voice of the Flower Dance called out to me to say that not all my memories had been recovered. As for this case, I couldn't tell why I was so affected after looking at Astria."

"Until Bryan told of the village of Lumacie. That village was the same one I went to when I was a young girl. I didn't grow up there. I lived in that place for a year or so as one of my journeys throughout the lands. It was there that I met Astria Faust. I cared for her like a sister..."

Rina looked down at her plate as tears began to well up again.

"Her mother was suffering from a chronic illness, and I promised to get the cure for them when I went to the Urnsfield Domain. But when I came back... The entire village had been destroyed, and Astria was missing. So I always hoped to find my best friend when I traveled around."

"I knew she was a Crystal Mage so that she wouldn't get killed so easily. But now that I've heard Z's story... I could not help but cry because I finally had closure on what happened to my sister. We shared sweets and played in the forests. But I'm not angry at you, Z and Baldwin."

"I'm happy that I've finally closed the case on why I needed to get that herb so much. Can you imagine not understanding why you need a certain item so much? That's the effect of memory loss. As for my thank-you gift, I will provide information about her to aid in the upcoming battle."

"And I can tell you that Astria's powers are the opposite of the Queen Of Sands."