Our Ideal Place (Little Witch Academia)

Chapter 19: The Hidden Moon

Akko paced by the manor door. Diana should be coming home soon. As she paced, she wondered, "Is this how a wife feels while waiting for her husband to come home?" Warmth raced across her cheeks when she realized what she thought and she covered her head with her hands. "Aaahhhh... what am I thinking? Amanda's dirty mind is rubbing off on me."

Anna even came by and offered to let her know when Diana came home, but she declined. About ten minutes later, Diana came in and Akko took her orb out of her pocket. "Welcome home! I got a message from Constanze! Do you want to go?"

Let's sail to Germany next week.

- Constanze

"Yes, of course. Please ask her how long the trip will be and what we need to bring," said Diana.

"Yeah! This'll be awesome!"

-----

On the night before their trip, Diana looked very worried during stargazing. "I think this is the week that Fietta mentioned."

"Are you sure? Don't we need to meet the lord of the forge?"

"It's Constanze."

"But the verse says 'lord', so isn't it supposed to be a guy?"

"Remember, Fietta's divinations are symbolic. Constanze is a namesmith. Her creations obey her since she's their master or 'lord'."

Akko gasped. "I didn't think of it that way!" She read the verse: Stars in the sea shall lead to a hidden moon. They would be sailing across the North Sea for several days. The moon was just a slim crescent tonight. "It'll be a new moon during our trip. Maybe, the hidden moon means a new moon?"

"Perhaps."

"I'm not sure about the stars in the sea. I could only think of starfish. Any ideas?"

Diana shook her head. "Your guess is just as good as mine." The tips of her fingers touched her hand lightly. "But please promise me that you'll be careful. If something happens, don't rush in."

She was touched by Diana's concern. "Ok. I'll be more careful."

"Thank you." Diana closed her notebook. "We should sleep soon. We have to get up early."

Akko yawned and stretched. "Yeah, I can't wait!" She took Diana's offered arm and they walked into the manor.

Diana smiled. "I know you're excited, but please try to get some rest."

-----

The next day, Amanda picked them up in a van and her chauffer drove them to the ley terminal about an hour before dawn. In addition to baggage, Amanda had three fishing rods. She gave one to Akko. "Here carry this."

"Is this why you made me carry stuff for flying practice?" asked Akko as she secured the rod on her broom.

Amanda winked. "You got it."

They travelled to a ley terminal in Lowestaff then took a cab to the harbor. Constanze met them at the passenger drop off lanes. There was a Stanbot on her head.

"Constanze!" Akko hugged the little witch tightly.

Meanwhile, the Stanbot whacked Akko's head with its puny arm. "Stop! Childish! Embarrassing!"

"How are you?"

Her grumpy expression changed into a slight smile and she gave a thumbs up. She gestured for them to come. They followed her through the docks to her boat. For this harbor, there was a portable metal staircase with wheels which made it easier for Diana to get on the boat. Strangely, Akko missed helping Diana get on board and almost wished that the staircase wasn't there.