One Small Step
Because of her interest in the outside world, Erin has been selected to represent the Crystalia as part of a long-term cultural exchange program. At the Human village she will be staying in, Erin is welcomed by Ascke, whose family she had helped some time ago. Erin is both excited and nervous for her first solo outing beyond the Ice Crystal Palace.
Long living in seclusion, the Crystalia way of life had been upended due to the death of the Snow Maiden and partial collapse of the Ice Crystal Palace from a monster attack.
However, with aid from the Souval and Humans, the Crystalia were able to overcome that disaster. Afterward the three peoples pledged to support each other.
In the wake of those tragic events, the Crystalia have begun to proactively engage with Souval and Humans.
Erin listens to the animated voices of her fellow Crystalia with bittersweet emotions.
Erin: (I'm not sure the halls of the Ice Crystal Palace have ever felt this energetic.)
Erin: (And to think it wasn't that long ago when we were evasive of other species and the outside world.)
Erin: ...
Erin: (Everyone's been able to take small steps outside of their comfort zones... Myself included...)
Vyrn: Whoa! You've never left the palace? For real?
Erin: Yes.
Vyrn: Erm... Haven't you ever wanted to see what it's like outside?
Erin: Never. I'm content living in peace and quiet in the Ice Crystal Palace.
Erin: Besides, Humans and other non-Crystalia do not interest me.
Erin: I have a hard time believing it myself, but I'm finding the outside world to be truly fascinating.
Erin: So if the opportunity ever comes again, I want you to bring me along.
Erin: And show me how refreshing the outside world can be.
Erin: Hehe, I wonder what the old me would think if she saw me now...
???: Erin! There you are.
Turning around, Erin greets the Crystalia who had called out to her.
Erin: Welcome back, princess. How was this round of triumvirate talks?
Tia: It went very smoothly.
After the monster attack on the Ice Crystal Palace, the three major inhabitants of the island—Crystalia, Souval, and Humans—agreed to host routine roundtables.
These talks are meant for discussing the island's future as well as the relations between its three peoples.
Tia: We even came to several joint decisions.
Tia: Which brings me to a topic I want to talk about in private. Will you join me in my room?
Erin: What do you wish to discuss, princess?
Tia: After lots of back and forth, the three clans came up with the idea of establishing an intensive exchange program for the purpose of learning more about each other.
Erin: I don't follow...
Tia: As you know, we Crystalia know next to nothing about the outside world.
Tia: Especially when it comes to non-Crystalia customs. All we have to go on is what the princesses tell us from their trips.
Tia: On the other hand, the Souval and Humans don't know that much about us either.
Tia: So even though we've started working together, we're still basically in the dark about each other.
Erin: I see. That's why it behooves us to create opportunities for engagement.
Erin: It's a good idea. As for this intensive exchange program, how will it work?
Tia: Chosen ambassadors from each side will live together for an extended period of time in a predetermined settlement.
Tia: According to the Humans at the talks, when it comes to learning customs, a hands-on approach works particularly well.
However, Erin's frown only deepens as she listens.
Erin: There is a lot of merit in that plan, but it's going to be tough to bring Crystalia around to the idea.
Erin: We aren't as fearful of the outside world and its inhabitants as we used to be, but I don't see anyone champing at the bit to leave the palace...
Tia: But some Crystalia are changing. The number of us interested in what's out there is growing.
Tia: Ring a bell, Erin?
Tia stares intently at her friend.
Erin: Why are you looking at me like that?
Tia: ...
Tia: Erin, I want you to represent the Crystalia at the Human settlement.
Tia: You're the obvious choice.
Erin: ...!
Tia takes no notice of Erin's surprise and continues to lay bare her thoughts.
Tia: Living with non-Crystalia outside of the palace won't exactly be a walk in the park.
Tia: I realize the pressure is on, what with this being the beginning of a new chapter in Crystalia history.
Tia: If you don't feel comfortable with this, then it's completely fine to turn me down.
Tia: But if I know the new Erin, she's way more excited than she is nervous. Am I right?
Erin: Excited, you say...
Tia: Considering how much time you've spent with (Captain)'s crew, you've had far more contact with outsiders than most Crystalia.
Tia: Objectively speaking, that makes you well-suited for the program.
Tia: But what matters the most is your eagerness to learn.
Erin: ...
Erin stares back at Tia for a while. Eventually she lets out a small sigh and nods.
Erin: I can't hide anything from you, princess. You hit the nail on the head.
Erin: Ever since I met (Captain) and the crew, I've been yearning to discover more about the outside world.
Erin: However, I don't think I'm ready just yet to take the leap and traverse long distances on my own.
Tia: Erin, the Crystalia have to change.
Tia: And I'd like you to be our pioneer.
Tia: Can I count on you?
Erin: ...
Erin mulls over her last remaining doubts before coming to a decision.
Erin: Okay. I'll do it.
Erin: I don't know anything about being a pioneer, but I will do what I can.
Erin: Besides, this is a good opportunity for myself as well.
Tia: Thank you, Erin. I'm happy to hear you say that!
Tia grabs Erin's hands with joy.
Tia: Actually, there's something else you should know. I was counting on you to say yes on your own, so now's a good time to bring this up.
Tia: One of the Humans mentioned that he'd really like for you to come.
Erin: Really? Why?
Tia: Do you remember how you helped out the crew with a request a while back?
Erin: Did I? Ah! The ice crystal flower mission.
As its name suggests, the ice crystal flower is a flower made of ice.When melted and imbibed, it's said to cure nearly every illness.
However, the delicate plant can only be handled by Crystalia, which is why the crew had sought Erin's help.
Erin: Even so, what does that have to do with this?
Tia: The client of that mission is the same man who brought up your name.
Tia: I didn't ask for the particulars, but apparently he and his family moved to the island after certain incidents.
Tia: When he heard about the program, he said he'd hope to see you to thank you personally.
Erin: I see...
Tia: Fate works in mysterious ways. Just another reason why we need to expand our horizons.
Thanking Erin again for accepting the role of ambassador, Tia explains more of how the program will work.
After speaking with Tia, Erin returns to her own room.
Erin: Sigh... I was not expecting to get shipped off to a Human village when I got up this morning.
Erin: I guess I really have changed after meeting Lily and (Captain)'s crew.
Erin: (I should start packing... Hm, what am I even supposed to bring?)
Erin: (This will be my first trip away from the palace, and a long one at that.)
Erin: Maybe I'll just borrow a page from the princesses and pack whatever they packed. I can figure out the rest later.
Erin: As for what to wear... Oh, I know just the outfit for this trip.
Erin: (Lily gifted it to me a long time ago, but I never managed to find the right occasion to wear it.)
As Erin continues to diligently pack, she notices the encyclopedia of animals that's flipped open on her desk.
Erin: (I really hope I get to see some cute animals on my travels.)
Erin: (Not just any animals. The cutest, fluffiest critters around...)
Erin: Heehee...
Erin doesn't realize how excited she's become to leave the palace.
It shows how her once closed-off heart seems to have creaked open.
Several days later, Erin arrives at the village lugging her bags.
The Human villagers and Souval ambassador are there waiting with warm smiles.
Erin: (So this is what a Human settlement looks like.)
Erin: (It would be great if I don't commit a faux pas on my first outing.)
The girl's eyes dart around nervously at her new surroundings.
Erin: (Wait, a female Souval? But I thought all Souval were...)
Erin can't take her eyes off the Souval.
She's so distracted that she doesn't notice the family of three walking up to her.
Ascke: Howdy, Erin. My name is Ascke.
Ascke: This is my wife, Seren, and my daughter, Rhea.
Ascke: Thank you so much for saving my little girl's life.
The entire family bows in gratitude toward Erin.
Erin: Ah, that would make you the client who hired (Captain)'s crew.
Erin: They're the ones you should be thanking though. I only played a tiny part in that mission.
Ascke: But without your help, there wouldn't have been a way to transport the flower back. That's what they told me.
Erin: ...
Ascke: As our way of saying thank-you, please don't hesitate to ask us for anything.
Erin: Thanks. Since this is my first trip far beyond the palace walls, I'm still trying to get my bearings.
Erin: Any support is greatly appreciated.
Ascke: Absolutely. We look forward to our time together.
With that, Ascke offers yet another bow.
Erin: Same here.
Erin: (Well, this is it. I'm officially in the outside world.)
Erin tilts her head up at the sky, feelings of excitement and uncertainty billowing in her chest like the clouds above.
Mixed Chocolate Cake
