"WHO…! WHO DARES NOW?!"
The Gardener—already furious from battling Soma—spoke through Lord Verdant's mouth, realizing three powerful presences had arrived. Soma smiled as a man stepped before him, radiating golden light and ashen gray—Hope and Despair intertwined within him.
"Soma, stand up and fight. We're kicking this thing out. Afterward, get the hell out of my country."
"Hohoh, Prince Louis! What a surprise to see you here! This is our first meeting, yet you speak as though we've known each other for years…"
"I won't repeat myself."
"Yes, yes, I understand, your majesty. Hohoh… youth these days."
Soma rose slowly, healing himself. He noticed a small black hand resting on Louis's shoulder and smiled warmly, eyes widening for a moment. "I see! You've already joined the cradle, haven't you?"
"…?" Louis raised an eyebrow, wondering what nonsense this fool was spouting—until he saw Handy watching Soma as though she recognized him. Technically, she did. "…Hm."
