Seraphim is a Bystander

The Dragon Disaster Memorial Ceremony

 
"You have a younger brother, Aoi-san?"
"Yes... Hm? Excuse me for a moment."

While chatting with the young lady, Aoi received a call from his master. He adjusted the settings so only he could hear the voice and stepped a little away from her.
"Yes, this is Aoi. What is it?"
〈Hey, how’s it going over there? Anything suspicious on # Nоvеlight # your end?〉

"All good. No issues to report."
〈I see. We’re almost at the venue. Once we get out of the cars, I’ll join you there. For now, stick with the other guards on your side.〉
"Understood."

The call ended after the brief instructions. When Aoi returned to the young lady, she was already looking a lot more relaxed than she had been earlier.
"What was that about?"
"Sorry, just a call from my master. Looks like we’ll be arriving at the venue soon."

"I see… Am I getting in the way of your work?"
She asked with a concerned look. Aoi smiled reassuringly.
"Not at all. I’m just here to assist my master, after all."

As they continued talking, the car began to slow down. Peeking through the slightly tinted window, Aoi could see a large hall approaching. Escort vehicles ahead and behind were going through the reception area. Soon, the limousine stopped near the hall’s entrance, and one of the guards opened the door.
"We’ve arrived, everyone."
"Thank you. We’ll be counting on you during the ceremony as well."

Following behind the Ichijou family as they exited the limousine, Aoi blended in with the other guards. The moment he stepped out of the car, he was met by a crowd of media lined up outside. The guards quickly split up—some holding back the press, others, including Aoi and his master, surrounding the Ichijou family as they made their way toward the venue.
"As you can see, the Ichijou family has just arrived. Their daughter, Lady Yuna, is attending the Dragon Disaster Memorial for the first time this year."
A reporter’s voice came from the distance, while camera icons from various devices pointed at the family—especially at the young lady. Though visibly anxious, she quietly followed her parents.
"The Ichijou family has now entered the venue. We’ll resume coverage thirty minutes from now, at the start of the ceremony."

The announcer’s voice echoed faintly as Aoi followed his master into the building, remaining alert to his surroundings.
The venue was already bustling with people. There were sections for the general public, the press, and—slightly apart—a VIP area. The Ichijou family, surrounded by their guards, headed for the front row of the VIP seats, drawing the gaze of many attendees.
"...!?"

As they approached the VIP area, Aoi caught sight of someone already seated—and his eyes widened in shock. The man sitting next to the Ichijou family’s seats was someone he knew well.
"Hm, you must be Ichijou’s son. Is your father not attending?"
"Futaba-sama! It’s been a while. My father said he wouldn’t be appearing publicly anymore."

"I see… Maybe I should retire as well, huh?"
The man speaking with Lord Ichijou was none other than Aoi’s grandfather—his father’s father—Kouzou Futaba. After exchanging a few words with the lord, Kouzou turned his attention to the guards and froze, mirroring Aoi’s shocked expression when their eyes met.
"...Ichijou, could I borrow him for a chat later?"

"...Hm? Ah, of course."
Seemingly understanding Kouzou’s terse request, Lord Ichijou gave a short nod and took his seat. Aoi, still slightly uneasy, joined the others in keeping watch around the VIP area.
"Aoi? Something wrong?"

"N-No, I’m fine."
Noticing his strange behavior, his master asked with a glance. Aoi quickly composed himself and returned to focusing on his duty. Soon after, an announcement echoed through the hall.
〈Ladies and gentlemen, the Dragon Disaster Memorial Ceremony will now begin. To start…〉

With that, the memorial commenced. This annual ceremony honored the victims of the Dragon Disaster that occurred roughly 40 years ago—a catastrophe where a massive dragon ravaged various regions of Akatsuki, bringing natural disasters in its wake. The ceremony paid respects to civilians and combatants alike who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Aoi’s grandfather, now in attendance, had been a combatant during the disaster. Aoi remembered hearing from him as a child just how brutal that battle had been. Countless lives were lost, and only through international cooperation had the crisis been subdued. Even with today’s advanced technology, recovery had taken years.
〈...Now, let us observe a moment of silence.〉

At the signal, attendees bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Some even put their hands together in silent prayer. Unsure of what to do, Aoi glanced around at the other guards. They too bowed their heads in silent prayer—but kept their eyes subtly open, maintaining vigilance. Following their example, Aoi did the same.
The rest of the ceremony proceeded without incident, and that day’s schedule came to a peaceful end.