Something Forgotten by Mia the Lazy

Hmm I feel like Ive done everything on my listbut I also feel like Im forgetting something

There were still two days until the Holy Eve Festival. There wasnt much time left, and the number of possible things she could do was shrinking. Mia rolled from one side of her bed to the other and back again as what could have been the last hours of her life passed before her eyes.

In other words, she spent the day just lounging around. Was it because she decided to enjoy the moment she was in?

Not really, no.

That was just how she always acted. When this great Princess had some free time, she always chose to just lounge and do nothing.

Sions voice came after someone knocked on the door.

Mia, do you have a moment? I have something to talk to you about.

Oh, Sion is going to the girls dorm? You dont see that very often.

Mia rolled across her bed and jumped off in one smooth motion. She landed well on the floor. Then she looked down at herself and saw that her pyjamas were all wrinkly.

Hm Ah, so what? Its only Sion.

So much for getting marriageability. She still let him in and smiled at him when she opened the door. Sion took a moment to be surprised by how she was dressed.

I saw that you were taking a nap. Please forgive me for coming in, he said with his head bowed.

He must have thought that Mias messy appearance meant that she had just gotten out of bed. Which wasnt wrong in and of itself, but he was wrong to think that just got out of bed meant had been sleeping and woke up.

Oh, dont be worried. Since you came all the way here, it must be important. But Anne isnt here today, so Im afraid you wont be able to have tea.

Come in. So, what were you going to say?

It has to do with one of your subjects. Ludwig, in particular. I would like him to do something.

Ludwig? What would you like him to do?

To make a long story short, I want him to try to find that Wind Crow agent I told him about before. The one who went missing while doing business in Tearmoon.

In the empire, a Wind Crow went missing

She didnt say it, but her face almost said it for her.

Eh? Who was it we were talking about?

Even you dont remember, huh. I guess its not too surprising, since it was just mentioned in passing. Its the person who told us that the Serpents are in touch with one of your Four Houses.

Oh, yeah. That individual. Yes, now I remember.

She gave the impression that everything was coming back to her by nodding very hard. Of course, nothing came back. Not a thing. Mias brain was really good at forgetting things she didnt have to remember, and the bar for have to remember was pretty high.

She asked, But why look for this person now?

Sion then told her why he thought that way, and she agreed with him.

I see If we could get someone like that on our side, it would help a lot. Good idea, Sion. Youre as brilliant as ever.

Ha ha, remember when I said Id get a chance to make things right on my own terms?

He smiled in a playful way and then shrugged off his own jokes.

Its a pretty big goal, but here I am again asking for your help. Its embarrassing how little I can do on my own, and being stuck in the academy doesnt help.

Well, youre being a little hard on yourself there. I think you should have more faith in yourself. What do you want Ludwig to look into, anyway?

These.

She was given a piece of paper by Sion. She looked serious as she read it.

Hm? Max, a businessman; Bisset, a servant; Thanasis, a local official; What are these supposed to be?

These are the fake names and identities our man has used in the past.

Huh Interesting. So, this is it? Dont you know what he looks like?

Im sorry, but no. He is known for being very good at hiding who he is.

Well, I guess I should have known Mia mumbled as she looked at the page.

I have to say that this is pretty impressive. Back then, what Abel said was true. Sion has really been trying to figure out how to fight the Chaos Serpents.Oh!

She clapped once when she had a thought.

Sion, do you mind if I ask you some questions?

Hm? Sure, if you think I can help you figure something out, go ahead, he said, raising one eyebrow.

She gave a satisfied nod.

Im only doing this to satisfy my own intellectual curiosity, okay? Its just a thought experiment. But lets say you were going to die in two days. What are you going to do with them?

Even though this was a tough philosophical question, Sion crossed his arms and tried to come up with a good answer.

Two days, huh There isnt much that can be done with that little time. I think First, Id probably formally thank the people who have helped me in the past, he said in a quiet, thoughtful tone.

After that, I think Id go to the people Ive made trouble for because Im immature and stubborn and apologise to them.

My! You also have people like those in your life?

Mia was shocked.

Sion made a face.

A couple, yes. If, over the course of ones life, one feels they owe no thanks or apologies to anyone around them, that is a sure sign of great arrogance, he said, adding with a shrug, Thats how I see it, at least.

I see Well, I guess thats true for him.

She found that she agreed with what he said.

Unlike me. I havent caused anyone any trouble, so I dont have to say Im sorry.

She agreed with what he said about her, which was a very arrogant thing to do.

Well, thats an interesting point of view.

She turned around to face him, stood up straight, and then bowed deeply with her head.

Please let me tell you how thankful I am to you, Sion.

Hm? Whats this?

Abel told me that you were worried about me and that you were trying to help me in many different ways. I really do appreciate it, and Im sorry to have worried you.

Sion turned his head away and scowled at the wall.

Damn Abel and his big mouth

He let out a sigh of defeat and then turned back to her.

Okay, just so you dont get the wrong idea, I want to make up for my past mistakes, and this is all part of that. In other words, Im doing this for me

Yes, I totally get it. You are only doing it because you want to. Still, I have to say thank you because Id feel awful if I didnt. And so, I have done so. I did my thing, and you did yours. Everything for our own good. This is just that.

Then she gave a smile.

Im just doing what I want to do, too, so dont mind me, okay?

Sion stood still and looked at her for what seemed like a long time.

He finally breathed out. He took a long, soft breath from the bottom of his lungs.

Ah, damn it Why did I tell Abel that it was his job to cheer her up?, he asked himself in a voice that no one else could hear.

Little did Sion know

I worry about owing Sion a favour. In the meantime, it doesnt cost me anything to tilt my head and say thanks. And it makes us even! Id thank him, of course! Id always thank him This is a cheap way to get even.

Mias feelings about the situation were not nearly as sincere.

He also didnt know that some of the things he said to her would stay with her forever. Was there really no one she should have thanked or apologize to?

If not now, then in the past?

The question would stay with her, like a faint lighthouse whose light would eventually lead her to the one thing shed forgotten.