“My name is Ria. I became Captain Ian’s adopted daughter yesterday. I’m Lil’s twin sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

The next day, Ria moved into the base right away and greeted the knights. Since they had already been briefed about her circumstances, they welcomed her warmly.

By the way, Ria usually wears a bracelet that seals her skills. Constantly being able to detect lies was mentally exhausting.

After everyone had been introduced and they were about to disperse, Ria suddenly spoke up.

“Um, I want to become a Saint Knight in the future. May I join your training?”

Ian blinked in surprise. He’d heard she was an energetic girl, but to think she’d already decided on her future path made him a little worried.

“I don’t mind, but someone your age won’t be able to do everything the same way as the others.”

“I understand. I’m fine with participating within the limits of what a child like me can do.”

Ria’s resolve was firm. Ian figured it was probably all for Lil’s sake. Starting the next day, Ria was allowed to join the training.

“You’re going to become a Saint Knight, sis? That’s amazing! So cool!”

Lil cheered her on innocently when she heard. Ian was slightly worried that Lil might say she wanted to do it too, but it seemed she understood it wasn’t her path—at least not yet.

The knights were fascinated by the contrast between the twins, so stark it was almost admirable. What would these two bring to the otherwise dull routine of base life?

After Ria finished her greetings, Lil invited her to play outside. It was very cold again that day, but thanks to a warm spot, they were totally fine.

“It’s this cold—we could totally make ice cream!” Ria said.

Lil leaned in excitedly, wondering if they really could.

“That’s what Kaname says.”

Since the day they first met, Ria had gone along with Lil’s story and claimed she had a guardian spirit too. Lil was happy to hear that Ria had an “older sister Michiru-chan” inside her as well.

Following the memories of “Kaname,” the two decided to make ice cream using snow. Ria had brought sweets-making supplies with her when she moved in, so they had everything they needed in the kitchen.

Next, they looked for sturdy jars with lids and a large can. There were plenty of jars in the kitchen, and they found a paint can they could borrow. As they ran through the base searching for cans, the knights grew curious about what they were up to.

First, they made the ice cream base. Ria skillfully whipped the cream and mixed the eggs and sugar. Lil helped a little too.

They poured the mixture into the jars, and now it was time for the cans and snow. Ria put on work gloves, packed snow into the can, and generously sprinkled salt over it. Then she placed the jar inside and closed the lid. They made about five of these.

The two then asked the divine beasts in the yard for help. The omnivorous divine beasts, having heard that rolling the cans would make something delicious, happily cooperated. For about thirty minutes, they all rolled and kicked the cans around. The leopard cubs were especially enthusiastic.

After enough time had passed, they opened the cans and pulled out the jars. Inside was delicious-looking ice cream.

The knights, who had been watching with puzzled expressions, finally understood. They were impressed by the unusual method.

Ria placed the ice cream on cookies she’d baked the day before and served them to the divine beasts who had helped. The tanuki was absolutely delighted and hopped around with joy. The leopard cubs didn’t seem to like it much, but they had fun playing and said they’d help again if they made more.

Since they had made a lot, they shared it with the knights too, making it a highly satisfying ice cream party.

“Next time, let’s make some with flavors,” Ria said.

Lil and the tanuki cheered in response.

“Put in the berries from the greenhouse!” the tanuki requested. The fact that it knew berries go well with ice cream showed the tanuki had quite the refined palate.

Whether it was because of the delicious food or the resemblance to Lil, the tanuki even curled up on Ria’s lap. As she stroked it, Ria couldn’t help but envy Lil for being able to talk with such an adorable creature.

Ria especially wanted to talk to Marron, who was apparently from their old home. But unfortunately, to her ears, his words only ever sounded like squeaks.

She was happy Lil had made so many friends, but also felt a little left out since she couldn’t join their conversations.

Still, Ria thought that life at this base was sure to be a lot of fun. Stroking the tanuki as it dozed off on her lap, she smiled.