-Next Day, Germany-

Rikari-mi met with Jack and discovered that he had a complicated relationship with his family. Because of his involvement with a gang, Jack's father had rented an apartment and paid for his enrollment in an online school. Jack's only responsibility was to avoid causing a nuisance. Unsure of what to do, he took the princess to the place where he received the Terra Crystal: an abandoned train yard. He showed her the shed where he met Jin.

"I took the opportunity to live." Jack scowled. "And to vent my frustrations." He placed his hands in his pocket. "As you can see, I'm not that interesting."

"Everybody has a story." the canokian smiled.

"It depends on the type of author." He sighed. "My reasoning for becoming the Terra Radiant is more selfish than noble. The others wanted to protect someone or seek improvement; I wanted to escape death at the moment." He placed his hands in his pocket. "The crystal chose me out of millions. It's almost like it found me at the right moment to free me from trouble. However, I don't regret my decision. I owe Jin my life."

"You picked the option that saved your life. You were the only one who needed saving, and you made your move to escape. That's not bad. Do you feel you need to return the favor to Jin?"

"I already did by helping him escape his encounter with the fennec. Even then, I still feel like I owe Jin for joining a gang like a fool. Something the old man thinks I could've been dead and making a fool of his name for making stupid decisions."

"Your parents don't sound charming."

"My father believes his image is more important. He is willing to pay for my online schooling since it's more affordable than attending on campus, and I live in a single-bedroom apartment. I can keep the arrangement as long as I remain invisible to his new family. It's not difficult. I frequent places they don't usually go, including the Hub. My mother refused me due to my similarity to that man. Their marriage was a travesty even before I joined the gang. They did care for my sister, but after her lack of desires and failed suicide, they don't want anything to do with her." His face lowered. "They think she ran away, causing them to blame each other." He scratched the back of his head. "Now I am debating whether or not to wake her up to see if she has the desire."

"But you are afraid she won't have the desire. According to Doctor Luka, some are regaining their desires. The entity's words were true."

"And some aren't," he grumbled. "Some people have wasted away while others are getting help from people they trust. It's happening too slowly." Jack kicked the ground. "Johanna could not touch the knife, but her desire to eat every day lessened. If I woke her up, would she be the same sister? I don't know. I keep saying I will open the pod this month, but now I think I should wait longer."

"I don't believe you should wait too long." The royal gazed up at him. "You're putting pressure on yourself."

He snorted. "If you were in my shoes, then you would understand a little." He harshly glared at her. "I know you want to understand us, but you can't heal our wounds. Don't think being someone of high prestige means you know what's best."

The princess frowned. "You're right. I can't heal your wounds. It would be inappropriate of me to believe I can fix your problems. However, I want to understand you so that you can develop skills that will assist you on Galvania."

"That's okay if it contributes to our survival."

"You don't have to consider me as a friend; I understand you may not like me. I won't force you to accept me; I'm not that kind of person."

"... I am putting pressure on myself." Jack looked away. "It's a difficult choice to know whether or not freeing Johanna could be a good idea. You make choices that could affect your country. Being here could have ramifications, especially on Guardian. If something happened to you here, Guardian and maybe even us could be punished with your choice."

"My father signed a document to prevent that scenario. Even if other parties disobeyed, I made arrangements to release evidence against a few parties that may break the contract. Whoever would use this for their agenda may be held liable."

Jack appeared impressed with her. "So you say." Jack looked up and noticed two shady people chatting in the distance. His gaze narrowed at them. "You know our world has trouble."

"I noticed them following around the last intersection." She smiled. "Staring at me mostly."

"Your golden hair draws more attention to you; you should've worn a wig." He scoffed.

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"The gentlemen don't pose a threat to me. I am prepared against average humans,"

He shrugged. "...Let's go before you break their spines."

Rikari-mi giggled as she followed Jack away. "You know, you are kinder than you look."

"Hn, just making sure a guest is safe, even if you can take care of yourself."

Rika nodded. "Whatever decision you make, the others will be there with you. Johanna is lucky to have a brother like you."

"She is the only kin that gave a crap about me, and I intend to return it tenfold."

The princess smiled at the boy as she sensed warmth from him. Stoic as he was, the boy had compassion underneath that exterior.

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-Next Day, Angelo Household-

After requesting to spend the day with Amy, the light warrior immediately brought the canokian to the basement to show her the warrior's crafting station area, which included a table with her leather crafting tools. The princess looked at the assortment of accessories, including mostly wallets, gloves, and leather bracelets.

"Miss Angelo, you have an eye for detail. You should take pride in this skill. I am impressed."

"Thank you!" chirped Amy. As soon as I get enough supplies for a more proper side business, I can sell these at a flea market, but if I get some better-quality leather and other gear," her eyes twinkled. "Stingray is the toughest-known leather. If I can get my hands on that, I can make accessories and stuff that don't break easily and could last for years!

"You have some big dreams." smiled the princess.

"Originally, I made them for my family. I made protective laptop covers for my parents." She frowned. "But I forgot to add ventilation so they won't overheat. I turned them into a sack for my brother instead. At least he liked it. Do you do something similar?"

"I took an interest in knitting, which turned into making stuffed dolls."

Amy's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Correct." The princess nodded. "I made so many that I secretly donated them." She scowled. "One was brought to life to cause harm."

"What?"

"Nothing to worry about, it was struck down."

"Killer dolls are a thing?"

"Unfortunately, they can be unnerving and tricky to deal with. You have to drain its mana completely with the right tool."

"There isn't an adroit to help?"

"There are, but people are more comfortable using a tool than relying on an adroit. People tend to believe you are malicious if you use an adroit to drain another's mana.

"Hmm, wouldn't using a tool be just as awful? The Piper and the Count used artifacts. The mistress manifested monsters from objects with her power."

"It's how people are," the Canokian sighed. "It does not make sense to me either. Some prefer to travel or use a suequ-drawn* carriage over a Rover."

"Rover is like a car or vehicle used to transport you, right? Something you can control."

"Correct, and from what I have learned, a suequ is similar to a horse."

"Oohh." Amy perked up. "I can't wait to see Galvania!"

The princess smiled. "I appreciate the excitement, but I have some advice. Don't let your high expectations dampen the reality. You might be less disappointed."

"Oh, yeah! Absolutely!" nodded Amy. "I hope to acquire fabric that could better help through our battles or other means, such as for luggage, cute protective cloaks, and others. I know Guardian will supply us, but I want to try my hand at making something."

"Hmm, maybe I can arrange to have some fabric shipped to the Hub for you."

"Really?" the light warrior's eyes smiled brightly. "Wait." She backed away. "No, don't. I can't have you do that for me."

The princess chuckled. "Alright, let me know if you change your mind."

"I will." she exhaled softly. "Still, I do feel excited but also scared."

"Try not to let the fear override you."

"I know." Amy slowly twirled her a strand of hair. "Honestly, I am afraid of circumstances forcing me to separate from my friends and face an enemy alone or take on a mission by myself."

"Guardian will always let you have backup unless you specifically request otherwise. You'll be with your friends on each mission. However, the possibility of facing a threat alone can be frightening. But that's why you train."

"I know, but it's still scary. I don't want to burden my friends."

"What if I am unable to hold them off? I'm always in battle with my friends. I feel I am not brave on my own." She sighed. "I became a Radiant to help people against supernatural threats and to support my friends, but I don't want to feel as if I can't manage an enemy on my own."

Rikari-mi frowned at the girl, grabbing her arm and leading her to the bathroom.

"Huh?" asked the confused light warrior.

"That's where the mirror is, correct?"

"Yes?"

Once they were in front of the mirror, the princess had the girl look at her reflection

"What do you see?"

"Me."

"I want you to confide in your friends if my words do not resonate with you. I want you to look in the mirror and see the young woman reflecting back at you. I want you to remind yourself never to be restrained by fear or believe yourself to be a burden. Circumstances may force you to separate from the others, and during that time, you need to make decisions to survive. Make your resolve shine as bright as your element." She turned Amy to face her. "People do feel the same vulnerability as you, but it's up to you on how you handle it."

Amy nodded. "I understand."

"Talk to the others; perhaps their words will resonate more than mine."

"Thank you." smiled the warrior.

The royal nodded. "Do you feel better?"

"A little, but I will keep trying. Thanks, Mom." She blushed and looked away. "OH, sorry."

"Oh dear." Rikari-mi beamed. "I wonder if the others think that way."

"Please don't tell them!"

"I won't. Shame, Reinstar needs new victims to tease."

"No, not her!" whined Amy.

"I won't." The princess gazed at her. "You know each of you has shown me different sides of humanity. I should try to visit Earth again and see a musical or view a professional sports game."

Amy pouted. "That's all fine, but having a dance party can be just as great as them."

"I shall compare, but I feel attending dances or balls may be different than what you have here."

"I would love to attend a ball on Galvania. It might be fun!"

"Then, if Guardian allows it, the Radiant can attend a ball if they choose to."

"Can't wait!"

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A/N: Suequ is the rearranged word of equus, which is Latin for horse.