Cross Ange: The Knight of Hilda

Epilogue

(7 Years Later)

In the ruins of what had once been the capital city of the Misurugi Empire; a patchwork jumble of wood, metal, and stone structures had been erected in the field and stands of what had once been the Iaria stadium of Ho-o Institute. From across the devastated city, survivors had gathered here on mass at the settlement known as New Angelise. Atop the stadium wall, windmills caught the breeze to generate power for the water pumps built around the stadium's exterior to feed the patches of gardens set around them. From the window of her quarters, in what had once been the Imperial Family's private box, Sylvia kept a vigil on the surrounding area. Scouts and patrols out in the city would send word if any bandits were headed their way but she liked to keep busy. Following the cataclysm which had wrecked the entire world, Sylvia had gathered what survivors she could find and had set about trying to salvage what little she could of civilization. After seven years of hard work, New Angelise had managed to maintain stability when other settlements failed or were wiped out by the many bandit gangs that roamed the wasteland.

"Lady Sylvia," Sakura said. "Your tea is ready." Ever since the palace was abandoned, Sakura had been her closest companion and confidant in the same way Momoka had been for Angelise. Though she wished Sakura would drop the "Lady" title. Her royal rank was just another part of her old life Sylvia had discarded long ago.

"Thank you. Has there been any word from Rosenblum?"

"A caravan just arrived. The report will be sent up once it's been compiled." In addition to Sylvia's own settlement, Misty Rosenblum had managed to establish her own colony in the remnants of the Rosenblum Imperial castle. So far Misty Grounds was the only large community they could find but at least it was something. As she sat down to drink, someone knocked at the door leading to the stairwell.

"Enter," she said. The door opened and in came two people. The first was Constable Schwartz, a former police officer from Endurant who had led a group of survivors up north to Misurugi. Settling with Sylvia's group, Schwartz had become head of settlement security and was in charge not only of law and order but defense against bandit raids. The other person was Hilda, a girl Sylvia's age who had come up with Schwarz alongside her mother. Hilda had become Sylvia's closest friend after Sakura. Especially as her mother's apple pie was one of the few things Sylvia allowed herself to indulge in.

"Ms. Sylvia," Schwartz said, "I came to let you know that we've located the hideout of the bandits who've been harassing our caravans to Banagher. I'm taking out a squad to round them up now."

"Very good," Sylvia nodded. "Please be careful Constable."

"And I wanted to tell you that my mom's orchard has produced some fresh apples. That means hot apple pie tonight. You'll come have some right."

"Of course," Sylvia smiled. "You know I'd never turn that down." Hilda left though Schwartz stayed behind to look at the picture on the wall, a portrait of Angelise that Sylvia had rescued from the castle.

"A lot of people still think of her as the devil," he mused. "But you don't." Sylvia sadly shook her head.

"No," Sylvia said. "My sister doesn't deserve any of that. Even if the world never forgives her I do. And if people disagree with me they're free to leave and strike out on their own." Schwartz frowned and crossed his arms. "Is something wrong Constable."

"Not quite. Just a little hesitant as to whether to tell you or not."

"It's fine Constable. Whatever it is on your mind feel free to say so." Schwartz sighed and looked up at Angelise's portrait.

"It was shortly before the cataclysm," he told her. "A Norma had escaped from confinement and I was part of the squad sent to recapture her. But she had an ally. A human male who protected her. He killed the rest of the squad but spared me."