Vera's Melancholy: Final Volume (Version 2)

The manuscript for the final volume of the "Vera's Melancholy" series. It was never published, however, because the author's portrayal of a certain princess from a galactic empire incurred enormous resentment from the princess who inspired the character. But somehow, the manuscript has found its way here. Yu Huangyi cannot tell which volume was a piece of space debris salvaged by the mistress's sisters, and which was written by Hilda out of outrage at the original ending. After all, both are handwritten manuscripts...

—A Plea for Love From the Heart of the World—

It wasn't long before Sachi and Vera were old enough to be engaged. The day of their wedding was already drawing near. But then, Ike sought Sachi out with a warning. "This universe is on the brink of destruction. We need you... for one more adventure, just like in the old days." But then, Ike saw the engagement rings on their fingers, and he shook his head. "No, I had forgotten. You are only a mortal now." He turned to leave, but a hand caught his shoulder. "Be honest. How much do the odds change without me?" Ike took off his glasses and polished them. "I've plenty of familiars now... Your help wouldn't make much of a difference." "You still wipe your glasses every time you lie." Ike sighed. "You're the finest interstellar warrior we've got. Without you, our chances drop by nearly a third." "Then count me in. If the universe falls, Delphi, the Virgo Nebula... and Vera too, they will all disappear. I must save the world."

When did Vera lose her desire for adventure? Perhaps it happened the moment what was lost was returned. People say Delphi is the heart, the center, of the world, and people say "I love you," but they're just words until they are proven. Someone has to set out alone. Someone has to cross mountains and rivers, sail across oceans, walk through forests and scorched sands, and see every rose the world has to offer. If, after all that, they still find their way back to you... Only then is it proven that the world is round, that this place is its heart, and that they truly love you.

The seasons turned, and the wait became a great, long silence. But Vera lived in that silence, still believing that Sachi was on his way back to her. Since the world had not ended today, it meant that somewhere, in a corner of the universe, her friends had succeeded. They must have saved the world, after all. "I love you all. I love all of you." And so Vera whispered, a soft plea for love, rising from the heart of the world.