After a grueling chase, Orano, Caitrin, and Lydia finally boarded the freighter safely. The ship, operating under strict security protocols, had a limited crew. As it departed the port under the cover of darkness and rain, the crew was unaware of their presence. They managed to slip into the cargo hold unnoticed.

Now safe, they could finally discuss the events of the past few hours. Orano sat on the ground, his voice weary but determined. "We're safe for now," he said. "It's time for you to explain everything."

"Yeah, you were acting really weird back there," Caitrin added, her confusion evident.

Lydia looked at them, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I apologize for the inconvenience I caused," she said, her voice softer than before. "That was the only way I could act without arousing suspicion. Mr. Natsuki was listening to almost every conversation, so I had to pursue you. Now that you've given me the chance to join you, I can explain everything."

Caitrin watched Lydia, her initial suspicion fading as she observed the change in her demeanor. Lydia's self-assured expression had softened, replaced by a gentle smile that Caitrin found surprisingly captivating.

"I didn't know she could smile like that," Caitrin thought to herself.

Lydia began her story. "Many years ago, the ruler of Ellesmere was Mr. Alethea Shigeru. He was a kind and caring man, renowned for his honesty and compassion. He always understood the needs of his people and offered unwavering support.

As a child, I admired him deeply, dreaming of becoming someone who could help others like him. He was my inspiration.

I trained rigorously for many years, honing my skills as a swordsman. My dedication was rewarded when I was accepted into the castle guard. On my first day, I was overjoyed to see Mr. Alethea in person.

Unfortunately, my joy was short-lived. Soon after I began my duties, I received the devastating news of Mr. Alethea's passing. The entire royal family mourned his loss, as it was nearly impossible to find a monarch as exceptional as he was.

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The kingdom faced a dire situation. After much deliberation, Natsuki Shigeru, Mr. Alethea's son, ascended to the throne. However, his rule was marked by cruelty, unnecessary laws, and a self-centered attitude that disgusted me and many others. Fear of imprisonment kept us silent for a long time.

It was then that I met you two. Even though I only spoke to Mr. Tatsumi briefly, I saw that his goals aligned with mine. He reminded me of the importance of kindness."

Lydia reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, cube-shaped device. "To end this tyranny," she said, "I've been collecting evidence for a year and plan to present it to the Royal Society."

Caitrin, her curiosity piqued, asked, "What is that?"

"It's an 'Ormou,'" Lydia explained. "It's a voice-recording device, incredibly small and discreet. Because it's only produced and used in the Sixth Kingdom, few people are aware of its existence."

Orano nodded. "If other kingdoms had known about or used this device, there would have been endless wars," he said. "It's better this way."

"Even though my actions will have consequences," Lydia replied, "I won't back down. I can't abandon the city I've called home for so many years. I have to help them."

Orano listened attentively. "We'll reach the kingdom of Faye sooner or later," he said. "Until then, we must remain undercover and vigilant."

Lydia stood up. "Understood, Mr. Tatsumi," she said. "I'll search and patrol the ship for our safety. Please let me know if anything happens."

She turned to leave the storage room but paused, her gaze drawn to a newspaper. Initially, she dismissed it, but then she approached it and examined the date. It was from three days ago. However, the headline was impossible to ignore.

Lydia's heart pounded as she read the news, her body trembling with disbelief.

---------------------------

As Lydia's footsteps faded into the distance, Caitrin sighed with relief. "We actually managed to escape," she exclaimed. "We ran so hard, chased for what felt like hours. I thought we were doomed."

She turned to Orano. "I don't even know about Lydia. I thought she was against us, but now she seems to want to help."

Orano replied, "It seems she can no longer tolerate the situation in Ellesmere. Working for someone so misguided for a year, she must have witnessed terrible things."

He stood up. "Let's hope she doesn't blame herself and do something reckless."

As he approached the door, Lydia burst in, gasping for breath. She handed the newspaper to Orano, her voice filled with urgency. "Mr. Tatsumi, you have to read this!"

Orano took the newspaper and read the headline, his face contorting with shock. The words echoed in his mind:

-FLORA CASTLE IS UNDER ATTACK! THE MYSTERIOUS WINGED MEN LEFT, AFTER KILLING ONE PERSON AND LEAVING FOUR PEOPLE INJURED.-

He had experienced a range of emotions up until now, but the confusion and shock he felt were unlike anything he had ever known.