| Tea Party in the Astrea Mansion

Arc 1 | A Detectives End

Phase 1 | The 13th Star Etched In History

Tsubasa was holding a pillow to her chest as she dozed off blissfully in her bed. The young detective started to move because the sun was shining through her blinds. Being a morning person, Tsubasa usually finds it easy to get out of bed. When the first ray of sunlight touched her face, she groaned. Tsubasa picked up her pocket watch to check the time. Ugh, I forgot that it doesn't work here." Correction: The watch is still functioning, but its hands rotate in reverse, making it impossible for Tsubasa to rely on it as a time reference.

She placed the pocket watch back on the lamp table next to her and slowly began to sit up. She placed her hand on her head, which was throbbing. "Nothing a little acupressure couldn't fix!"

She made her hand do a crab-pinching stance and clawed her other hand in the hand valley point at repetitive intervals on each hand.

Psychologically, this works only if you believe in the 'science' of acupressure." Though Tsubasa didn't believe in acupressure entirely, it did alleviate that throbbing feeling in her head at the very least.

Crawling out of the warm bed provided by Carol, she walked to the bathroom, rinsed her face with water, and proceeded to take a warm bath in hopes of hygiene and refreshment.

The bath itself was lukewarm in temperature, just the way Tsubasa likes it, and the size was pretty normal too. It was immensely soothing, which allowed her to free her mind of any stress she had been carrying along with the tension built from her first arrival here since; to feel and be utterly useless with no knowledge prior to anything of how this new-found world worked; and to be an iota away from losing her life...not once but twice!

She was really frustrated that this was all happening so suddenly. What felt like a few moments here felt like a rollercoaster with twists and turns that gyrated with unpredictable possibilities. Nuzzling her nostrils in the bath, she made soft bubbles.

Tsubasa had heard from Carol that Theresia would return from her gala ceremony (whatever that is). In other words, this would be the perfect opportunity for Tsubasa to gain more knowledge and get a handle on things here.

Aside from the general fundamental things she should know about this world, Tsubasa and Theresia were both on the same wavelength when it came to those Demon Worshippers who attempted to abduct or even kill Tsubasa and Daphne.

It may have made sense to Tsubasa that they would target Daphne for her rare ability if they really are diabolical to the core, but what didn't make sense to Tsubasa was how she fit into this equation.

Ryuosuke had said a lot of ominous things that felt like he was talking about Tsubasa specifically. "What beautiful flames! It is you!" That one sentence from Ryuosuke continued to linger in Tsubasa's head.

"Could he have been mistaking me for someone else? This doesn't make any sense", Tsubasa wasn't even from this world; no one should know who she was, right? She stopped blowing bubbles in the bath and arose from the heavenly aroma the residue of shampoo was making. "That's enough of that."

She quickly dried herself with towels and changed into her detective outfit given to her by Chachi from ThreadMill.

"What's this?" Her nose started to twitch peculiarly, drawn to the faint fumes of sizzling eggs and bacon drifting from the kitchen, which was outside of Tsubasa's room. Ah, you're up early, Tsubasa; I'm almost done making breakfast, so just take a seat for now".

Carol was still attending to the unfinished eggs sizzling explosively on the pan. Small bursts of bubble popping from the oil can be heard as Tsubasa swiftly sits herself down by the dining table.

"We will be meeting up with Luna later; Theresia would like to invite us all to her mansion to discuss the incident further regarding you and that other ability user... Dathy? No, it was Dandy? ...um Darthy?"It's Daphne," Tsubasa corrected Carol, who was miserable trying to get Daphne's name's pronunciation right.

Anyways, Daphne and you have made quite a peculiar run into some dangerous people; care to elaborate on what you know again?"

"As I said for the millionth time, I don't know Daphne personally; we only met that day when she was trying to rob me."Oh yeah, she's the 'Thief of The Cobblestone Street' girl." Carol clasped her hands like a judge in court, whamming the hammer on the table."As I was saying, I don't have any idea why those people attacked us."

"I see." Carol switched off the stove and set the eggs on our plates, which were already set up on the dining table. Tsubasa, if those people really are affiliated with the Demon Worshippers, something bad is going to happen to you sooner or later".

Tsubasa's meeting with Carol's worried face had her thinking about the Demon Worshippers; it didn't take a genius to understand that those people are evil. The name was self-explanatory, but, "What kind of demon do they worship anyway?"

Carol's face changed instantly from a worried and sympathetic one to a shocked and scared one. "You don't know of him?" I could feel the tension in the way she said 'him. I felt stupid asking that. "Sorry, Carol, that was a dumb question. " No, no, it's ok; I'll tell you about him." Tsubasa couldn't help but stare at Carol, even when she was gulping chunks of bread and eggs down her throat.

That face she was making really gave off an ominous feeling of the demon, to the point it made Carol stern her eyebrows in hesitation. His name was the "Overlord." Well, that isn't his real name, but that was how everyone referred to him over four centuries ago. He was a demon that brought plague and chaos under his tyranny to corrupt our world, using his pawns to turn humans against each other and hide in its chaos. His untamed power couldn't be beaten, and his desire to wreak havoc left the world in desolation." Carol stopped and continued to eat, and Tsubasa did the same and let the information sink in. "He isn't around anymore, is he?" "No, he is fortunately no longer alive now; he was stopped four centuries ago by the Five Ruling Paragons.

That's as much as I know; there isn't much known about the Five other than that they were the strongest beings that could stand against the Overlord. Rumors say that Theresia's family, the Sword Saint holders, are direct descendants of one of the Five; I'm not sure if it's true or not."I see.

Thank you for telling me this, Carol. Also, your cooking is the best."Tsubasa gave a big smile coupled with a big thumbs-up gesture to show her appreciation. She knew that talking about this made Carol uncomfortable, yet she was still willing to talk about it.

I'm sure the Demon Worshippers did something terrible to her as well; maybe that's why she was so content to take care of me. Carol felt more cheered up seeing Tsubasa eating her food.

"I wonder if this is what it's like having a kid, eh?" "Nyha!" Tsubasa dropped her egg on her pants. "I'm not that young!" (Well, I am, but that's not the point.) After having breakfast, they both embarked to see Luna.

Ever since the Ivory Casino case, they have had to postpone meetings with her. "Hey Luna, we're sorry we couldn't meet up with you sooner."

[Luna]: "That's alright, Carol; I understand you two were doing some detective work, wasn't it?"

[Tsubasa]: "More of a side hustle and a hobby, if you will." Tsubasa intervened, as Luna didn't seem to take that excuse too seriously.

[Luna]: "Hmm, whatever you say, Tsu-bas-a." Luna came in close and whispered softly. Tsubasa became a bit flushed and looked down to recompose herself after Luna's random remark. "By the way, Luna, you look cute today". Tsubasa wanted to compliment her, to get her flustered just like she flustered Tsubasa, but all she got in response was a simple "thank you! with not even a hint of embarrassment in sight. "So we are meeting Theresia-sensei in one of her mansions?" One of her mansions—she's got more than one? Tsubasa couldn't believe that she owned multiple mansions while living in a tiny apartment dorm in Tokyo. "Yup, Carol lead the way!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Theresia's mansion was situated away from the Dragon Heart City; in fact, it was farther away from where Tsubasa had spawned, or more accurately, 'reincarnated'. Was I reincarnated? Tsubasa ponders the question in thought. Did I die on Earth?

It was hard to make sense of being blinded by the light, yet no sign of harm was dealt to Tsubasa; perhaps she just got transported. It's a very rare phenomenon, even in most Isekai anime, where they die in a truck and reincarnate in another world.

Tsubasa's Isekai was somewhat different. She still had the same clothes she wore in her previous world and never met any character that closely resembled a 'goddess' or entity to greet them from 'death'.

Tsubasa simply popped over two planes in a flash. Theresia's mansion was just up ahead, deep inside a forest, which was used as a route for merchants similar to the one Tsubasa met on her way to the Dragon Heart City.

[Luna]: "Carol, don't Theresia-sensei also have a mansion back in the Inner City? Why do we have to travel so far out to this one instead?",

[Carol]: "Beats me, maybe Theresia didn't want a repeat of last time and get jumped on, which would make a mess for the public and of course worry them". "So instead she wanted someplace quiet, then?"

Carol nodded, and they continued forward, nearing the mansion. Tsubasa did notice a peculiar scent drawing her attention. Flowers," chrysanthemum flowers to be exact, were everywhere. Tsubasa picked one up and analyzed it closely.

How interesting! There seems to be a lot of resemblance between this world and my previous one, though the forests here make me feel more energetic, and I can sense the magic in the air.

[Tsubasa]: "If you guys are hungry, you can just eat the flowers on the ground, you know?"

[Luna]: "Ew, that's gross, Tsubasa! It's on the floor we're stepping on!"

[Carol]: Yeah, as smart as you are, kid, eating flowers is weird."[Tsubasa]: C'mon, it's actually edible if you're afraid it'll poison you."

"No thank you!" Carol and Luna said this while simultaneously ignoring Tsubasa, who apparently gobbled down a bunch of mums (short for chrysanthemums)."-ore foh -e t--n"

[Luna]: "But I don't get why we couldn't just bring the horses with us to the mansion; wouldn't it be faster if we just brought them with us?"

[Carol]: "We can't afford to draw too much attention to ourselves, Luna; at least they carried us this far from the city, and who knows who could be watching us, and I don't have an aptitude like you two."

If I recall vividly. Luna has the Divine Aptitude to manipulate and manifest ice magic (I'm jealous). My newfound ability was still a mystery to me. To describe the feeling and sensation, it was hard to recall and grasp again.

But it was like a tornado of rainbow miasma filled with fiery energy, and what came out of it was a gargantuan amount of majestic fire spewing out of me and thrusting from my hands. To say the least, it did feel powerful, but I had no control over it. I let my emotions drive my body instead of my brain. I could probably have destroyed the entire area had we been driven to a smaller corner to delve out of. Luna thinks that my ability is fire-based.

She wouldn't be incorrect in that statement; fire literally came out of me, and I could smell the acidity and the toxicity of those primordial flames. I feel like there's definitely more to this power than it looks. What's more strange is that I chanted out something that I never knew: 'Divine Aptitude: Flower of Summer Marigold. Just how much more am I missing here?

[Carol]: "We have arrived."

[Tsubasa & Luna]: "-ooh" after momentarily squinting from the obscured light from the trees of the forest. Tsubasa and Luna together let out a sigh of admiration.

"I've only heard about Theresia's mansions from rumors; I didn't think it'd be this cool and big!" Luna was fawning over her master's mansion.

While Tsubasa was admiring it, so she could finally rest after hours of walking in the forest. Her petite body figure was not made for such physical demands as walking for hours; her calves were strained, and fatigue felt never-ending until this moment.

Carol knocked on the door. The two large doors creaked almost instantly the moment Carol departed her knuckle from the pristine wooden doors. "Carol, we have been expecting you." What lay on the other side of the doors were three maids. "Thank you, Ko, Ro, and Yo". "Master Theresia is not present yet; she will be arriving tomorrow. For now, we will help you all settle down."Oh, um, just these two here." Carol grabbed Luna and Tsubasa by the shoulders and shoved them in front of her.

[Carol]: "I need to head back elsewhere and deal with something; please watch over these two in the meantime."

[Tsubasa]: "What! You aren't staying here with us?"

[Carol]: "Sorry kid, I'm needed elsewhere; my job was to bring you here safe and sound."

[Tsubasa]: "Will we be seeing you again?"

[Carol]: "Of course, kid!" Carol removed Tsubasa's detective cap and ruffled her head bashfully, then placed the cap back on her messy head.

[Tsubasa]: "Hey!"

[Carol]: Oh, by the way, Ko, Tsubasa really likes eggs."

[Tsubasa]: "Don't IGNORE me, you!" Carol did it again. This time, she blinded Tsubasa with her cap and left in a dash.

[Carol]: "Later kid—I mean detective—I have high hopes for you!" Carol makes her exit and waves energetically at the five of them. The Ko, Ro, and Yo triplets bowed elegantly; Luna waved back; and Tsubasa growled like an angry dog.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"We have our third guest in the dining quarters. Please join her and entertain each other while I my sisters prepare your rooms and dinner". Tsubasa didn't know which of the sisters was speaking.

Before Tsubasa had a chance to strike up a conversation with the three maids, they immediately led her and Luna into the dining quarters. "Master Daphne, we have two more guests that will join you for Master Theresia's arrival; we have also prepared a variety of tea, so enjoy and relax at leisure."

Once again, the three of them bowed and left the others to their own devices "Master Daphne? No, it can't be."

Tsubasa had completely forgotten about Daphne; she was the little runt that tried to steal from her. There was no way Tsubasa wouldn't be alarmed by someone like that, but they were all in the same boat, and she did also get attacked by the Demon Worshippers, so Tsubasa could sympathize on that level.

The well-dressed silhouette that apparently has Daphne slowly turning around in slow motion and gasping in elation

[Daphne]: "OI, IT'S YOU, THE GIRL WITH THE WEIRD CLOTHES! EYES, YOU'RE FINALLY WEARING SOMETHING NORMAL!" Tsubasa couldn't believe what she had just heard.

[Tsubasa]: "WEIRD CLOTHES? IS THAT HOW YOU REMEMBER ME?"

[Daphne]: "Well yeah, oh oh, and that you were broke and you are dumb." She is an actual child. I'm surprised she got this far without getting caught. But the audacity she had to call me weird, broke, and dumb...

[Daphne]: "OW OW OW, WHY YOU HURTING MEEEE?"

[Tsubasa]: "apologise"

[Daphne]: Sorry, YOU ARE VERY SMART AND NOT WEIRD. But you are broke. That's on you."..." OW OK, I'M SORRY."

Tsubasa let go of Daphne's ears. She couldn't handle the pinching any longer. What made things worse was that Luna, the whole time, was bursting into and indulging in laughter.

At this point, Tsubasa was beyond embarrassed and attempted to set the mood with what was important.

[Tsubasa]: Ok, Daphne, I heard you also had no idea why those people attacked us."

[Daphne]: "Yeah, I heard that two other people also got attacked by them; I didn't think it was you two, though."

[Tsubasa]: Yeah, the whole point of us coming here was to find out more and exchange information with Theresia, but it would be good if we knew what happened to you too, Daphne."

[Daphne]: Right, right, it was so strange and scary. I've met other people with aptitudes like mine, but that was the first time I fought against one! No wonder she got the jump on me; luckily, the Sword Saint saved me! It didn't feel right at all. I thought she wanted to hunt me down for the bounty on my head, but the way that person desperately tried to abduct me didn't give me that impression at all. And when I heard that two others were also fighting, it didn't feel right.

[Luna]: "I see. Well, I'm glad we're all safe now."" By the way, this tea is nice; what flavor is it anyway?" Tsubasa asks quizzically. She was never really a tea person; she was more of a coffee enthusiast. "That's Earl Grey tea, I think," Luna answers. It was so soothing, and the aroma was on par with the bath she had earlier this morning. According to Luna, bergamot, a sort of citrus fruit with resemblances to the Meyer lemon, is the primary flavoring in Earl Grey tea. The flavor profile is described as being "very floral with a definite lemony citrus and a touch of grapefruit." The vast hint of fruitiness and sweetness blended so well with the pastries found in the room.

The pastries were a delightful assortment of buttery croissants, flaky scones, and delicate macarons. Luna couldn't resist pairing her Earl Grey tea with a warm, freshly baked almond croissant.

The nutty aroma and crispy texture of the pastry perfectly complemented the tea's floral notes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that made her taste buds dance with joy.

It was already nighttime, and the three of them had already exchanged as much information about the incident as possible. They now expressed their desire to spend the remaining few hours of the day partaking in card games and sipping the sweet aroma of tea and pastries like cookies and rice cakes. "5 of a kind...YOU LOSE"

[Daphne]: "Nooo, Tsubasa has already taken all my cakes."

[Luna]: "M-me too. Tsubasa, you don't have to eat that much cake. It's not good for you."

[Tsubasa]: Luna, all I hear is... a LOSER."Luna and Daphne looked at each other and nodded. What are those too scheming?

[Tsubasa]: "NO STOP STOP AHAHHA"The two of them were tired of losing to Tsubasa in all card games, so by unleashing a final trump card upon her, the 'tickle' tactic proved effective and deadly. Sugar really riles up Tsubasa, and her laughter increased tenfold. They eventually stopped tickling her to death when dinner arrived.

"Master Tsubasa, Master Luna, and Master Daphne, dinner is ready, and you may"

EAAAAAAAAAAAAA

A scream was heard from across the mansion. Shattered glass was heard, and fragments of those shards continued to echo everywhere. The maid in front of us gaped in silence and made no haste to see where that scream was coming from. The three of us immediately stopped what we were doing and decided to venture out.