CH 0 : A Villain’s Farewell
__________________________________________________________
The Imperial Visit was over.
Gates closed.
Suits packed.
Flags lowered.
The Kyokujitsu delegation stood by the jet — its crimson seal painted against the white metal like a rising sun over blood.
__________________________________________________________
Evandra, Alaric, and Selene stood near the runway.
Silent.
Proper.
Imperial.
__________________________________________________________
Michiko approached.
Graceful.
Poised.
Then — disaster.
Her red umbrella caught the wind —
Whoosh!
Gone.
Flying like a flamingo in a ballroom.
__________________________________________________________
Guards moved.
Evandra gasped.
Alaric rolled his eyes.
Selene blinked.
__________________________________________________________
But Michiko didn't flinch.
She walked forward.
Composed herself like a collapsing dancer mid-performance.
Straightened her collar.
Then stood before Selene — calm as a queen, sharp as a sword.
__________________________________________________________
"You're not the only one on earth suffering from politics, Selene."
Her voice — different.
Still high.
Still soft.
But carrying weight.
Like steel inside silk.
__________________________________________________________
"Stop acting like a victim."
Selene's eyes narrowed slightly.
Michiko smiled gently.
"Start playing the villain."
__________________________________________________________
Selene didn't respond.
Didn't need to.
Because Michiko stepped closer — just enough for only she to hear.
And whispered —
"Laugh."
"Have fun."
"Mock the world like it's a stage play written by idiots."
__________________________________________________________
"The sharp words I give you — they're not politics."
"They're friendship."
Selene blinked.
For once — unsure what to say.
__________________________________________________________
Michiko stepped back.
Smiling like nothing happened.
Grinned.
"Promise me."
"Watch more anime."
"Smile until your face hurts."
"Laugh until you roll on the ground like a dumb panda in the snow."
__________________________________________________________
Selene stared.
Still, silent.
Then —
A nod.
Almost invisible.
But real.
__________________________________________________________
Michiko grinned brighter.
Turned.
Walked up the boarding stairs.
Umbrella still missing.
Dignity fully intact.
__________________________________________________________
The plane door closed.
The engines roared.
The red sun lifted from Aetherland.
And vanished into the clouds.
__________________________________________________________
Selene didn't wave.
Didn't speak.
But inside her coat pocket —
A tiny scrap of paper.
Torn from a manga Michiko left behind.
One line circled in red ink:
__________________________________________________________
"Even villains need friends too."
__________________________________________________________