Seraphim is a Bystander

The Memorial Monument
 

After running through the phantom-dense area, we finally emerged from the forest.
Beyond it stretched a wide, open expanse—just the translucent dome structure and the vast sea beyond.
…So this is the ocean. I’ve seen pictures in books, but this is the first time I’ve seen the real thing.
Because there are so many phantoms around the ocean, development hasn’t really reached here. That’s why most ordinary people never get the chance to see it.
“...Wow.”

“Aoi? Don’t just stand there spacing out. There’ll be time to look later. Let’s move.”
“Ah, yes, Master!”
Apparently, I’d stopped walking, entranced by the view.
Getting scolded, I quickly picked up the pace and ran alongside the moving vehicle, heading toward the dome.

“Master, is that where the memorial monument is?”
“Yeah. That’s where the souls of those who died in the Dragon Disaster rest.”
Taking a closer look at the dome as Master said that, I could just barely make out a large stone monument near the center.
Inside the dome were also two large buildings—I remember those from the materials. One was a lodging facility, and the other was an exhibition hall preserving relics from the time of the disaster.

“By the way, what’s that dome made of? I’ve never seen that kind of color before.”
The translucent dome had a bluish tint, blending into the sea behind it so well that you might miss it entirely if you weren’t paying attention.
“Ah… what was it again… The frame is made of a super-hard structural alloy, and the transparent part is reinforced resin, I think?”

“...I see?”
I kinda get the “reinforced resin” part… but super-hard-structural-alloy? The only thing I understood was that it had a lot of o and u sounds.
“Basically, it just means it’s made from super tough metal and super tough plastic.”

“Ah, got it! So the bluish color comes from the resin?”
“Nah, that’s something else.”
Master shook her head. So what is it then? Is it just reflecting the color of the sea?

“There’s a phantom-repelling barrier wrapped around the dome. That’s what gives it that bluish look.”
“Oooh, that makes sense!”
“If you want the technical details, go ask someone who actually understands that stuff.”
With a slightly exasperated tone, Master answered my question, then returned to scanning the surroundings with a serious expression.
After that, we walked in silence, and in less than five minutes, we arrived at the dome structure.

Up close, I could clearly see what she meant by a double-layer structure—the mesh-like alloy frame and the mysterious barrier covering it.
We entered through the gate and headed toward the parking area near the memorial monument.
“Alright, just like during the ceremony—stick with me, Aoi.”
“Understood. We’re patrolling the perimeter, right?”

“Yeah. Unlike the hotel or yesterday’s event, today’s gathering doesn’t include the general public. It’s just a few press people and those who were seated in the VIP area yesterday.
So as long as no intrusions happen, things should stay quiet. We’re mostly on phantom watch today.”
Exactly.
Since today's event is closed to the public except for a few pre-approved guests and press, the security within the dome is minimal.
We’re mainly here to ensure that no phantoms get inside the dome from the outside.
“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yes, Master.”
As we watched the Ichijou family’s car drive off, I headed with Master and the other guards toward the dome’s exterior perimeter.
…Would be nice if I get another chance to fight a phantom today.
——— Meanwhile ———

Aoi-san was moving further and further away from the car I was riding in, along with Morimiya-sama and the other guards.
I… thought he’d be staying by my side again today.
“Are you feeling lonely?”
I nearly jumped.
Turning toward the voice, I found Katagiri-san, Morimiya-sama’s attendant, looking at me gently.
It took me a moment to process what he meant, and once I did, my face started to heat up uncontrollably.

“U-Um! W-What do you mean!?”
I somehow managed to respond, but unlike in etiquette class, I couldn't compose myself and ended up surprising even myself.
How strange… This has never happened to me before…
“Are you feeling lonely now that Aoi-sama has gone ahead?”

“...”
Aoi-san… the guard who’s the same age as me, whom I met only yesterday.
Someone who didn’t fear or keep his distance just because I’m the eldest daughter of the Ichijou family.
Despite having such a beautiful face, he’s far stronger than I am…
He protected me so gallantly, so kindly…
If I had an older brother, I wonder if it would feel something like this… even though we’re the same age, I can’t help but think like that.
“...Maybe I am.”

I gave a soft, honest answer.
Katagiri-san smiled kindly in return.
I’d never seen him smile like that before—and it made me feel oddly embarrassed, so I turned my gaze away.
“Don’t worry, milady. You’ll be together again for the return ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ trip.”
“...Yes. I’ll be fine.”

I’ll be fine.
Aoi-san is doing his best as a bodyguard—so I need to fulfill my role as the Ichijou family’s eldest daughter, too…!
…Still, that face I saw up close earlier…
He really was so beautiful…