[User] “No, don’t get depressed.”

[Assistant] “…Emilia-chan?” Emilia took a step forward and shattered the darkening mood. There was an earnest light in her purple eyes as she looked between Subaru and Ram.

[User] “We have to keep it together, all the more so in a situation with such a hodgepodge of terrible things. Echidna and Julius and the others are doing their best right now.”

[Assistant] "And we have to have a proper talk with Shaula, too, right?” Emilia was single-mindedly positive, incapable of standing still, managing to pull Subaru up whenever he was on the verge of stumbling. And not just this time. Last time. And the time before. And not just Subaru. It had probably been the same for the other Subaru Natsuki as well.

[User] “Mm, all right! Let’s get fired up! Beatrice, cheek me!”

[Assistant] “Ch-cheek you? What would you have Betty do?”

[User] “Give me a slap!”

[Assistant] “Horyaa!” While Subaru was feeling moved, Emilia had an unreasonable ask for Beatrice. Beatrice went along with the request and gave Emilia a solid slap with both hands. There was a crack, and Emilia groaned a little bit.

[User] “All right, thank you, Beatrice. Do you want me to do it for you?”

[Assistant] “If you did that, Betty’s neck would be torn off, so thank you, but no thank you.”

[User] “Ha-ha, silly Beatrice.” Emilia laughed like it was just teasing, but Beatrice’s eyes were serious. Either way, though, watching the two of them, Subaru realized that some of the tenseness in his shoulders had slipped away. It wasn’t as if it was okay to relax completely, but getting too tense was also a problem.

[Assistant] “Lady Emilia is relaxed… Not that she ever isn’t, though.”

[User] “I don’t think you’re one to talk, tho—owww!”

[Assistant] “Stop saying such rude things. So what now?” Pinching Subaru’s neck from ultra-close range, Ram already seemed like she was back to her usual self. Subaru’s eyes watered a bit as he nodded and focused his attention on his perception again. He also wanted to talk things through with Shaula. Unfortunately, that wasn’t their top priority. Should we rendezvous with Echidna and the non-combatants, or check on Meili to see what happened when Shaula left?

[User] “—Huh?” Subaru was dumbstruck as he expanded the range of his sixth sense to search for contacts around the tower. The ones who had not moved from their holding positions were fine. He could understand that the Shaula giant scorpion was probably healing its wounds, too. But a different entity was moving through the tower at an absurd speed.

[Assistant] “—Above.”

[User] “Get back, Barusu!” The goose bumps he felt turned to confidence when he heard Ram’s warning. Obeying, he leaped backward while still carrying her, at the exact moment the ceiling he was looking up at—the cracked ceiling almost destroyed by the explosion—split diagonally. An instant later, a shock wave turned the stone that made up the tower into dust.


[User] The dust and rubble that had finally settled burst into the air again, blocking their vision once more. There was no trace of the supposedly solidly built tower that was supposed to be indestructible. The scorpion’s explosive autotomy, the pitch-black shadow’s pressure, and this current destruction… "Subaru…! And Lady Emilia and the others, too."

[Assistant] "Julius?!" Breaking through the dust cloud flying toward them was Julius, his white uniform stained red with blood. Immediately kneeling and wiping the red stain at the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, he looked at Subaru, who was also covered by rubble and dust.

[User] "I believe it was just a few minutes since we parted ways, but I can see you have also had some excitement."

[Assistant] "Not as much as you, cutting straight through the tower."

[User] Julius had appeared after crashing through the tower floors at a savage speed. It was movement in three dimensions that ignored all physical obstacles like walls and floors—something entirely at odds with the image of Julius that Subaru had in his head. "There’s no mistaking it, but…I’m begging you, tell me you’ve claimed Reid’s head, please."

[Assistant] "As a knight, I am afraid I must confess that giving a report at odds with reality is excruciatingly difficult."

[User] “…That is already answer enough, I suppose.” Julius’s expression was quiet as he rejected Subaru’s heartfelt plea. And as if to confirm Beatrice’s bitter response, there was a sound of footsteps from the rubble. The distinct sound of sandals.

[Assistant] "Hah! Rollin’ out all the babes for me? So you do know how to do this after all. I was just starting to get bored playin’ around. So now it’s your turn to entertain me? Huh?"

[User] “…This is a terrible development.” Ram’s blunt response was what everyone there was feeling. The tall, red-haired man slowly emerged from the smoke, a ferocious, demonic aura emanating from his entire body, the incomprehensible judgment of God—

[Assistant] "—Reid Astrea."

[User] "Ka-ka-ka, don’t look so annoyed, small fry. I just came here since it seemed like the tower was getting busted up. I’m disappointed to see you here, too."

[Assistant] "In that case, why not pull a U-turn and go back to the waiting room? An overwhelmingly powerful guy like you’ll get a bad rep stooping to something as lame as picking on the weak."

[User] "Sorry, but when you’re born like this, you can’t do anything but pick on the weak. No matter where I look in this world, there ain’t anything but people weaker than me."

[Assistant] It was an arrogant and insolent declaration, but Reid had the air of strength that made it impossible to deny. Feeling it directly through this skin, Subaru gulped. One after the other, problems were ostentatiously standing athwart their path. And the way they were steadily getting more dangerous was nasty. "Reid…why are you here? I thought you couldn’t leave that room?"

[User] "Oy, oy, don’t make me laugh, babe.


[User] "I go wherever I want, cut whatever I want, and take whoever I want. You think I give a shit about anyone else’s standards?"

[Assistant] "That’s really selfish." But as Subaru gritted his teeth at the tense situation, Emilia stood up to Reid. Gentle and pacific, and a maybe a little too calm. That was Emilia’s nature in a nutshell. But even she couldn’t help being put off by Reid’s outrageously arrogant philosophy. And Reid didn’t seem to mind talking to Emilia, thanks to her pretty face, judging by how he answered her in a noticeably better mood than when he was talking to Subaru.


[User] Meanwhile…

[Assistant] "The situation looks awful, Julius, but I have good news and bad news and some more bad news."

[User] "That is one piece of bad news extra… Then let me hear the good news."

[Assistant] "One of the Gluttonies who snuck into the tower, Batenkaitos, is dead. The corpse is all over the place."

[User] "That is…" Julius caught his breath, but his yellow eyes widened at that news. And then he immediately touched his own chest and closed his eyes. "…Then one of the pieces of bad news is that the stolen memories have not returned?"

[Assistant] "That’s right. The memories don’t come back, even with Gluttony dead. That goes for me, Rem, and you too. The second piece of bad news is that Shaula is an enemy now. Or at least tentatively."

[User] "She has changed appearance, so it is easy to distinguish. If you see a very large scorpion, that’s an enemy." Ram added.

[Assistant] "I rather wish my ears were deceiving me." Julius’s refined visage tensed at the barrage of information.

[User] Standing beside him, Subaru kept his voice low in order not to draw the attention of the wild red beast. "Anyway, given that, we’re going to have to be careful with our anti-Gluttony operations. Step one is gonna be searching for the other one that should be around here, but—"

[Assistant] "Regarding that, I have both good news and bad news of my own."

[User] "You two are the same…" Subaru didn’t want to let Ram’s comment slide, but he didn’t have much choice and focused on Julius’s almost vengeful retort. "Then I’ll also have the good news first."

[Assistant] "I know the location of the other Gluttony you are searching for."

[User] "—! Seriously? Then where is he? We have to take care of him before he gets to the others."

[Assistant] "The answer to that question is the bad news, I’m afraid."

[User] Subaru leaned forward, latching on to Julius when he mentioned the as yet undiscovered Gluttony, but Julius shook his head grimly and slowly raised the sword in his hand… "The Archbishop of Gluttony, Roy Alphard, is right there."

[Assistant] "…Huh?"

[User] Julius pointed the tip of his knight’s sword straight forward.

[Assistant] The sword was pointing at the massive man with a ferocious, sharklike smile. There was no chance of misunderstanding; he was pointing at that red-haired instrument of violence.


[User] And as Subaru and Ram both fell silent, Julius continued. “The first-generation Sword Saint Reid Astrea before us. He is the Archbishop of Gluttony Roy Alphard himself.”

[Assistant] It took Subaru a few seconds to absorb that statement and to digest the meaning. “Reid is…Roy Alphard…?” Hearing something entirely unexpected, Subaru’s mind stopped one step away from understanding. Like reading a book in a foreign language and not being able to decipher it, no matter how he tried. It would have made more sense as a riddle.

[User] But seeing Julius’s face as he held his sword out while looking at Reid, it didn’t feel like that was the case. He wasn’t the type to invite more chaos in an already dangerous situation by making a mindless joke. Subaru was sure about this evaluation after getting to know the man again after losing his memories. If his claim was neither a lie nor a joke, then the situation was grave. “So the most straightforward assumption is that Alphard guy transformed into Reid and—”

[Assistant] "Hold on, wait up." Reid wrinkled his nose. “That misunderstanding ain’t funny.”

[User] “Eh?”

[Assistant] “This ain’t some stupid joke, bastard. Don’t go thinkin’ stupid shit like I’m some other dumbass in disguise.”

[User] Subaru couldn’t tell if that annoyance was genuinely Reid’s or a performance by the transformed Gluttony, but it at least didn’t look like he was trying to hide his identity. Simply put, this was just a childish temper tantrum. “I’m me. Nothing’ll change that. That’s why I’m here. Hear me? Who’s gonna disagree? Huh?” Touching the patch over his left eye, Reid declared his identity like he was baring his fangs.

[Assistant] While Subaru’s confusion deepened after hearing that, Ram shifted in his arms. There was a faint surprise in her pink eyes. “Could it be…?” she murmured softly. “Lady Beatrice, you mentioned it before. That the Archbishop of Gluttony we fought in the Water Gate City could freely change his form.”

[User] “…Betty was thinking the same thing as you.” Beatrice’s adorable cheeks tensed as she nodded at Ram’s question. The two of them seemed to have reached an agreement on something, but neither Subaru nor Emilia could follow their logic.

[Assistant] Irritated at their reaction, Ram sighed a little. “The Gluttony we sighted previously in a different location could change his form freely…no, I suppose it was probably limited to the form of someone whose memories he had eaten.”

[User] “An absurd ability to reproduce not just the victim’s personality but even their physical form. It wouldn’t be strange if in the course of doing something like that, the Archbishop’s soul became disassociated, and they could no longer return to normal.”

[Assistant] “So it’s not just techniques? They can even copy bodies? That would definitely be ideal for someone with a copying ability…” Defeating someone with the ability to imitate other people’s abilities because they couldn’t fully control those powers was a fairly common trope.


[User] “And that Gluttony is making use of that…or perhaps made use of that is more accurate.”

[Assistant] "Past tense? You don’t mean…?” Subaru’s eyes widened as he grasped Ram’s implication.

[User] Looking at Julius for an answer, he slowly, elegantly nodded. “Ms. Ram’s and Lady Beatrice’s conclusion is correct. The man standing before us…his flesh is indeed Roy Alphard’s. But his mind is not.”

[Assistant] “—His mind?”

[User] “Roy Alphard consumed Reid Astrea’s memories and then had control of his own soul wrested from him by those very memories. And that is how he descended from the second floor and is standing here without any restrictions.”

[Assistant] Subaru stood there speechlessly as Julius confirmed the most preposterous possibility.

[User] “So he fell into the most terrifying trap of replicating memories.”

[Assistant] “In other words, the strongest ego won out… What a risky gamble.” Ram subtly mocked Alphard’s rashness to challenge someone with an ego as powerful as Reid’s.

[User] “Roy Alphard said it was his nature. As Gluttony.”

[Assistant] “…You talked to him?”

[User] “As I reached the second floor, I arrived just as Roy Alphard and Reid were facing off with each other.” Julius explained all that he had seen.

[Assistant] “…I’m amazed you just let yourself get eaten.”

[User] “You should be amazed he actually had the balls to try and eat me. In the end, no one can go against their nature. The rug rat sacrificed himself on that altar.”

[Assistant] “But you didn’t resist being eaten by Alphard, either. Is that because you were sure you would be able to take over his consciousness?”

[User] “It wasn’t anything smart like that. There’s just one thing I’m sure of.” Scowling at Julius’s question, Reid scratched his ear with a finger. And then he flashed a ferocious grin.


[User] “Umm, may I ask something?” Having finally gotten a grasp on the situation, Emilia, who had been silent this whole time, raised her hand.

[Assistant] Turning her purple eyes to Reid, she asked, “…Does that mean you are alive again?”

[User] “Yeah. Now I can shack up some place better with you, hotness. You’re serving the booze tonight. And not just booze. There’s a lot more on the menu, too.”

[Assistant] “—? Are you inviting me out? I’ve only ever gone on a date with Puck and Subaru, so sorry. Also…” She had just breezily mentioned some critical information Subaru couldn’t ignore.

[User] "Congratulations on being able to walk around freely now. That’s really great…but we have some business with the boy who tried to eat you and ended up getting eaten by you. So…”

[Assistant] “Give this body back to him? Yeah, I know your situation, babe. There’s somethin’ you wanna get back, right? Keh, that dirty rug rat knows a lot of weird shit.”

[User] “—! You can see Alphard’s memories?! In that case—”

[Assistant] “Lend you a hand? Oy, oy, don’t make me laugh,” Reid spat. He aggravatedly grabbed the cloth around his waist.

[User] “I ain’t givin’ him over to you, and it ain’t my job to help you, either. And other than hotness there, none of you have passed my examination, either.”

[Assistant] “You got it wrong. I’m not being insistent. It’s about the principle.” Reid bared his teeth, revealing a mindset impossibly at odds with theirs.

[User] “I see. If you won’t agree, then I guess there’s no helping it.” Emilia heaved a sigh, like she was saying “Well, that’s a shame.”

[Assistant] “Sorry.” That wasn’t directed at Reid, but at Beatrice, who she was holding.

[User] Beatrice’s mouth opened in surprise as she was flung from Emilia’s spinning arms, tracing an arc through the air, and landing gently in a chair made of ice that had formed in the passage.


[User] "Hah!" Emilia didn’t hesitate once she decided to act, and Reid caught her surprise attack with a laugh.

[Assistant] Reid laughs, catching her attack with the pair of chopsticks he had pulled from his clothes. "Hah! As expected, you catch on quick, hotness! But, you understand, right? Your examination is already over."

[User] "In that case, let everyone else pass, too!"

[Assistant] "Oy, oy, where’s the logic in that? There’s no reason for me to do that."

[User] "Please!"

[Assistant] "Your begging’s got no charm. At least strip first." Reid had no interest in listening.

[User] "Lady Emilia...! Ngh, Barusu!"

[Assistant] "I know! Julius! Beatrice! Let’s do this!"

[User] "That ain’t your style of fighting."


[Assistant] Just one minute later, there was no one left standing in the passage, save Reid.

[User] "Uh, ugh…" Emilia groaned, somehow managing to attempt standing. Her legs were painfully discolored, and they refused to cooperate as she tried to channel her noble spirit into the strength to rise.

[Assistant] Facedown a little distance from her, Beatrice was unmoving and unconscious.

[User] "Humiliating…" Ram, sitting with her back against the wall as blood dripped from her mouth, had put up the best fight. Even in her battered state, she had wrung herself dry and almost managed to scratch Reid.


[User] "You had no chance, even if you used every trick in the book, but it would’ve been better if you at least tried. You’d still be a small fry either way, though. I guess you know that now.”

[Assistant] Reid’s sandaled foot kicked Subaru and pressed his head against the ground.

[User] “Sunova…bitch…”

[Assistant] I couldn’t create a chance of winning.

[User] “It’s not about numbers. You guys just don’t understand that. You get it now, right?”

[Assistant] Reid turned one eye toward Julius Juukulius.

[User] "Why…?"

[Assistant] “Huh?” Reid raised his eyebrow at the question.

[User] Julius rubbed the corner of his mouth, and with knees trembling, he stood.

[Assistant] "Why are you obsessed with me?”

[User] “Ah? Me, obsessed with you? Bite your tongue. A guy who’s all talk and looks is the thing I hate most. Why would I be obsessed with somethin’ like that?”

[Assistant] “Then why—?”

[User] “—You’re the one who has a reason to be obsessed with me, though. Or are you really fine with me leavin’?”

[Assistant] “You too, small fry. You don’t get it, either, just like him. You don’t know how to swing your sword. There’s no fun like that.”

[User] “I don…use a sword…gaaah”

[Assistant] “Adaptation or whatever. Doesn’t change that it’s just flailin’. Only the strong get to be invincible all the time, right? So…” Reid stopped there, his lips twisting as he swung his chopsticks. The next instant, there was a shrill noise, and the white flash closing in on the side of his face was deflected by the chopsticks.

[User] “Usin’ your enemies ain’t a bad idea. But it was too slow.” Reid snorted. Glancing toward the source of the flash he deflected.


[User] Subaru had thought to use the light that tripped his sixth sense as at least a possibility of recovery from this hopeless spot.

[Assistant] "Tch, an annoying one's just arrived."

[User] "Guh!" Reid kicked Subaru away out of the attack’s path.

[Assistant] Reid batted aside those arrows and took aim at the unwelcome intruder—

[User] "S-Subaru…" Subaru landed, just touching Beatrice.

[Assistant] As Beatrice regained her consciousness, her face was pale as she said his name.

[User] Watching her go through this tugged at his heart.

[Assistant] "It's not over…Beatrice…we’ll find a way to recover somehow…"

[User] "No…not that! It’s coming!"

[Assistant] "What?" He assumed she meant the big scorpion.

[User] What else could come in this terrible situation…?

[Assistant] "—You don’t…"

[User] "Like I said, an annoying one’s just arrived." As the thought flashed through Subaru’s mind, Reid confirmed it. His tone was serious, almost as if he felt the situation would be difficult to digest.


[Assistant] —The next instant, the Pleaides Watchtower jolted upward. The massive shock knocked Subaru off the ground as the world spun around him.

[User] “” Subaru was helplessly rolled away as the residents of this fantasy world all demonstrated stunning reactions.

[Assistant] In midair, Emilia gave up trying to put any weight on her broken legs and used her magic from a painful position to defend Subaru from the concentrated barrage of light aimed directly at him.

[User] Julius dashed across the tilting world, answering Reid’s challenge with a thrust that contained everything he could muster.

[Assistant] Beatrice immediately pointed her small palms toward Subaru to cast a spell.

[User] "—Murak!" The instant she said that, Subaru was enveloped by a weightlessness that was obviously different from the sensation of being caught in a shock wave.

[Assistant] It felt like he’d been freed from the shackles of gravity and let loose into a weightless world.

[User] "Ah." And they were swallowed whole by the massive wave of black shadows that laughed at their efforts.

[Assistant] “” The deafening sound of an implosion rang out.

[User] The watchtower—made of a material that boasted more strength than any simple stone—was being ground to dust.

[Assistant] This was an atrocity committed by a shadow that shouldn’t have had any mass.

[User] It wasn’t a simple harbinger of destruction but a natural disaster that swallowed up even those who possessed superhuman strength in this world.

[Assistant] Even Emilia, who had struggled against the scorpion, praying that she might protect her comrades.

[User] Even Julius, who had answered Subaru’s request with his sword.

[Assistant] Even Beatrice, who had used her magic to protect Subaru before herself.


[User] They were all entwined by the outstretched shadow in the blink of an eye, disappearing into the darkness. There was no sound, no reverberation as their figures were erased. Subaru couldn’t find the words in his mind to describe what had happened to them in the span of a split second.

[Assistant] "—I failed.”

[User] “—I love you.” The murky words of love were uttered at the same time he accepted reality. Like a whisper in his ear, like a murderous touch, like a full-body embrace, like a caress on his soul…that world-altering love felt terrifyingly close. He understood immediately. This was the greatest of the five obstacles—the all-consuming shadow. It wasn’t even clear whether there was a way to deal with it. It was his third time seeing this shadow, and every time he had, he had lost his life. And this isn’t any different. The moment it appears and reaches me—

[Assistant] “—The hell are you daydreamin’ about, huh?” All of a sudden, the black shadow swirling around Subaru was swept away by a single rush of movement.

[User] “—No way.”

[Assistant] “Peel your eyes and look. The hell you mean ‘no way’? Are your damn eyes still workin’? Open ’em and take a good look,” Reid roared. “You think I’m lyin’?” Swinging the knight’s sword carelessly, he cut back the shadow. He was holding the blade that should have been in Julius’s hand. Ironically, having lost its owner, it was being swung freely in the hand of the Sword Saint. But there was no time to feel anything about that fateful irony.

[User] The effect of Beatrice’s magic persisted, and Subaru’s body was still untouched by the influence of gravity. He watched as the floor and walls and ceiling disappeared and the tower lost all form.


[Assistant] He saw Ram, who still had not been swallowed by the shadow.

[User] “—!” Twisting his body, kicking against a fragment of ground, he desperately flew to her slender body. His fingertips just managed to reach her, and he frantically pulled her into his arms. The structure of the watchtower was already actively collapsing, and he had lost track of what was ceiling and what was wall. There was nothing but an unending black sky and an unending black floor: a black world. The only thing that felt real in that world that had lost all meaning was the warmth in his arms.

[Assistant] “Argh.” The warmth from Ram’s unconscious body.

[User] “—!” Gnashing his teeth, he bit his lip to anchor himself. Just now, as the darkness threatened to blot everything out, I gave up, not even trying to understand the situation. I was just waiting for the end. It was unforgivable. Not when this life in his arms was even now struggling to survive.

[Assistant] “Not yet, there’s still…” Something. Something could be gained from this situation. Subaru had been swallowed up by the shadow’s evil influence and had lost his life twice before.


[User] But both endings had been sudden. He had never been given any time like this before. This time was different because of Ram, whose frail life carried on, and—

[Assistant] “Ha!” —and because of the help he got from Reid, who wore a savage grin as he floated in the darkness, just like Subaru. Of course, he wasn’t going to thank him. Subaru’s whole body was groaning from Reid’s rough touch. And the main reason he had run out of time before the shadow swallowed up the tower was because Reid had inserted himself into this whole mess.

[User] “You’re gonna go down, too. One of us is going to make it happen.”

[Assistant] “At least say it’s gonna be you to the end, small fry.”

[User] Glancing down, Subaru saw Reid holding the sword in a backhand grip and taking aim at him. There was some distance between them, but a few yards was nothing to Reid. As Reid focused his hostility on Subaru, the pitch-black shadow beneath him started to act more aggressively. But even that renewed assault was no match for Reid’s blade. Subaru didn’t realize it, but in that moment, he was essentially watching a reenactment of the legendary showdown between the Witch and the Sword Saint that was said to have happened four hundred years ago. Regardless, death was coming for Subaru.

[Assistant] “At least…” …Let her survive, even just one second longer. With that plea, Subaru held Ram’s body tightly in his arms. The next instant, there was a torrent of light greater than any flashing blade that swallowed Subaru—

[User] 6 Transmigration: when things are lost, when things are redone, when things are sought. Repeated, over and over, a collage of final moments that each should have been the last.

[Assistant] “” A thought occurred to him. Having someone by his side in that final instant was a blessed thing. Not having to face the end alone with his outstretched finger, feeling someone close to his wavering soul…that gave him the strength to stand up again.

[User] “” But at the same time, he had another thought. Why could Subaru Natsuki never reach it? Why could Subaru Natsuki never save the person who was so painfully close in that final instant?

[Assistant] “” Sand in the air rose high up into the sky, where it should not have been able to reach. On the ground hundreds of feet below the balcony of the Pleiades Watchtower, a swarm of demon beasts were charging furiously, as if trying to topple the tower. Meili was putting up a magnificent fight holding back the stampede using her ability to control demon beasts. As for the crises occurring inside, Julius was heading to Reid on the second floor. And Subaru needed to race as soon as possible to save Emilia, who had run into Batenkaitos, but…


[User] Despite fighting hard just moments ago, Shaula demonstrated a bottomless well of stamina and stood there calmly, stopping at once when Subaru called to her. There was no sign of unease or impatience on her face, no trace of any crafty, deceptive gleam in her eyes. It was unclear whether that was a skillful act or her genuine reaction. "Are you listening, Master? It seems like the others are wrapped up in something annoying, but…is there something I can do for you, Master?”

[Assistant] "Yeah, about that… Something you can do for me, huh?”

[User] "Yessir. If you asked, then I would even fly through hell or high water, or even through the Great Waterfalls.” Cheerful and totally devoid of malice, Shaula held out both of her hands as she boasted.

[Assistant] Studying her carefree smile, Subaru caught his breath just a little bit. He had come back. Every time, he came back to this moment. What he needed to do didn’t change. Not the people he needed to save, not the enemies he needed to defeat. So in order to confirm what more he needed to do, so that he wouldn’t waver, he performed a necessary ritual. "Shaula, would you do anything I asked?”

[User] “Of course! I’ll do anything you want, Master! As long as you’re the one who’s asking, I might even agree to something a little extreme. Ah, ah, ah, Master, are you maybe reaching your limit after seeing my sexy body? Is that why you pulled me away from everyone else?” Shaula’s face turned red, and she squeezed her cheeks and squirmed. “Mrgh, you, you, you! Master, you—”

[Assistant] “—Shaula.” Subaru paid no attention to her routine, looking her straight in the eye. “If I told you to kill yourself, would you do it?”


[User] As the tower collapsed, as Reid’s flash washed over him, Subaru Natsuki’s life burned out.

[Assistant] "I…"

[User] "But…"

[Assistant] "That’s why I…"


[User] "If I told you to kill yourself, would you do it?"

[Assistant] "—? If you told me to kill myself, I would do it." Shaula pointed at her own cheek and answers nonchalantly.

[User] Clutching his chest as he imagined that wound, Subaru exhaled deeply.

[Assistant] Shaula’s eyes widened in marvel as she watched him.

[User] She answered like she had been asked what was on the menu for dinner.


[User] It was clear to see from her straightforward, unwavering eyes that it wasn’t a lie or a joke. She had meant every word. If he had at least seen some trace of self-interest or deception, it might have been less painful for his heart. But reality gave him no way out. Whether that was a mercy or not, he couldn’t say at this point, but… "...I see..."

[Assistant] "Do you want me to die, Master? Umm, if you’re asking, then I’ll do what you want. I’m ready anytime, but this is kind of a strange time to take the leap, no? Things are popping off inside the tower right now…"

[User] "I know, I know."

[Assistant] Shaula still had her finger on her cheek as she cocked her head at Subaru’s hoarse response. As her head moved, her long braided hair—her scorpion tail—swayed.

[User] Scorpion tail… As Subaru thought of it now, it was an oddly apt name choice. Just like Shaula in Scorpio, her name revealed her identity. And it wasn’t just her name, either. There had been other signs. She never had any intention of hiding it. "Shaula, you wouldn’t happen to be able to transform into a giant scorpion, would you?" Subaru went right for the jugular, without beating around the bush. One of the five obstacles they had to overcome in the Pleiades Watchtower—the giant black scorpion. Subaru was confident that was Shaula. However, that was just something he had deduced based on the as-of-yet-unconfirmed power of his authority, that sixth sense he had suddenly developed. The fastest way to connect that intuitive answer to something more concrete was to simply ask her. Of course, if he had more time, he could have chosen a different method, and if he couldn’t trust her answer, he should have tried to find one.

[Assistant] Shaula just kept her head cocked. "Transform isn’t exactly how I’d describe it, but yeah, I can. Ah, but it’s hyper not pretty, so I don’t really like it much. I like this shape that Mom and you designed for me best." It was a question entirely out of left field, but Shaula again answered without hesitation.

[User] "" She had no intention of hiding anything. All the more reason why he didn’t have to doubt her words. That scorpion inside the tower was actually Shaula, and she was their… "...Enemy…"

[Assistant] "Master? You okay? You don’t look so hot? Want to rest your head on my lap? Or in my arms? Or on my chest? Get a little recharge?"

[User] "...Don’t say pointless stuff like that. You said it yourself, we don’t have the time for that right now."

[Assistant] "It’s true things are popping off in the tower, but you’re priority one, as far as I’m concerned, Master. Everything, eeeeeverything else can come second, or third even. So if you want to take advantage of the confusion to share a sweet embrace with me, I’m all for it. Burning for it, even."

[User] "No burning."


[User] "Put that crap out.”

[Assistant] “Meanie.” Pouting, Shaula sulked a little.

[User] Bantering with her like that, with that utterly normal expression on her face, it almost felt like they had found a moment of calm. However, reality wasn’t so kind, and it was a far cry from peaceful. Even as they were taking their time chatting, Emilia and Ram were busily holding back Gluttony while Beatrice provided them with support. Julius was clashing with Reid/Roy, and Echidna had met up with Patlash and Rem, to guide them to safety in Taygeta. And Meili was using her tamed demon beasts down below to hold off the stampede. The best possible hand was being played against all the five major obstacles at the moment. However, even that was nothing more than an excuse so Subaru could talk with Shaula. Because in this loop, Subaru Natsuki was—

[Assistant] “M-Master? Seriously, is something up? If you keep looking at me so boldly, I don’t know that I can hold myself back after four hundred years of waiting…” Shaula held her body as Subaru stared at her. She was pretending to act like normal, but she was not. In fact, she seemed to be feeling uneasy about Subaru’s attitude. It was unlike her. No, that’s not it. This is probably her real motive. She didn’t hesitate at all when Subaru mentioned ordering her to kill herself, but she always got flustered the moment he showed any signs of abnormality. Almost like an innocent baby bird yearning for her parent.

[User] When he asked his first question, he had envisioned several possibilities. The worst of them all was revealing her true self the moment he asked that cruel question and killing him on the spot. That would have meant all her behavior thus far had been a performance and everything they thought they knew about her had been a lie. That was the worst possible scenario he could imagine. —It wasn’t out of the question. Once she confessed that she was the giant scorpion, he knew she had killed Beatrice and Echidna once before. And it was likely that she, as the scorpion, was the prime suspect in the loop where he had returned to the tower to find everyone dead. That was what made Subaru’s first question a gamble. It wouldn’t have been strange if she shot him in the head the moment she heard his question. That gamble…he could call it a win now. But that wasn’t the last roll of the dice. The negative feelings Subaru had subconsciously built up, the chips that Gluttony and the Pleiades Watchtower had taken from him. Stringing together small wins wouldn’t be enough to make up for those losses. He would have to bet big.

[Assistant] “Shaula, sorry for asking so many questions, but there’s something I want to know. From what I’ve heard, there are a bunch of rules to the examination in this tower?”

[User] "You ask that right when I’m turning bright red?! …Well yeah, there are.


[User] "I talked about it before you hit your head on the toilet, too, but…"

[Assistant] "Let me hear them now." Poking her fingers together in front of her chest, Shaula didn’t hide her sullen disappointment.

[User] When he asked again, she held up her finger. "One, it is forbidden to leave before the examinations have been completed. Two, it is forbidden to break the rules of the examinations. Three, it is forbidden to show disrespect to the library. Four, it is forbidden to attempt to destroy the tower itself…" She counted down her fingers as she went through the explanations with practiced ease.

[Assistant] "And the fifth?"

[User] "…There isn’t one. Weren’t you listening, Master? I only said four. Are you bad with numbers, Master? That’s no good. I’m not great with them, but I can at least count that much…"

[Assistant] "Shaula." Subaru took an audible step forward, closing the distance with Shaula. They had already been rather close, but now they were close enough that they were almost touching.

[User] "Master…are you playing with my heart? If you’re getting close to me and not the other way around… If you want to make me to talk, then you know, maybe keep it up and give me a hug…"

[Assistant] "If that would really make you answer, I will. I’d even call it a perk… But if my unreliable instinct is right, I don’t think that’ll do it."

[User] "Shaula, I’m asking again. What is the tower’s fifth rule?" Accepting Shaula’s mild rejection, Subaru asked again.

[Assistant] Seeing Subaru steel his resolve and clench his fists, Shaula inhaled slightly. "—Nuh-uh."

[User] "…Nuh-uh?"

[Assistant] She shook her head and crossed her arms in an X in front of her ample bosom.

[User] Staring into Subaru’s eyes as he stood in a dangerous place, her eyes were filled with extreme emotion. She shook her head again, like a child. "Don’t wanna. No. I won’t say it. The fifth rule? Who cares about that? It has nothing to do with our honeymoon…"

[Assistant] "There’s no way it has nothing to do with this. Me and everyone else here are taking this tower’s exam.


[User] "We can’t just assume we’ll be fine without knowing all the exam’s rules. So Shaula—”

[Assistant] "I don’t wanna."

[User] "Shaula!"

[Assistant] She covered her ears and looked away, like a child who refused to listen. Subaru stepped closer. He grabbed her shoulder to reveal the secret she was trying to keep hidden. "You should have your own role in this tower. You’re the tower’s star guardian, right? You’ve been keeping watch all this time, haven’t you? Four hundred years, if that’s really true! So—”

[User] "Four days."

[Assistant] “…Huh?”

[User] It was a whisper that cut Subaru short. A time span so short, it couldn’t begin to compare with the centuries he had mentioned. But it wasn’t that her earlier explanation was a lie. "Four days…? What are you talking about? You’ve definitely been here longer than that and—”

[Assistant] "It’s only been four days. You’ve only been here for four days.”

[User] “—Ah."

[Assistant] A hoarse rasp left his throat when he heard Shaula’s weak voice. The loneliness she was feeling was something he had not imagined—had not even tried to consider. And more than anything, the fact that he had not even imagined that might cause her to—

[User] "It’s four days."

[Assistant] The entreaty in her eyes was still there as her lips trembled again. "It’s only been four days since you came to this tower. And of that, you were asleep for the first two days, so it’s only been two days that I could see you, talk to you, be at your side…even though I waited four hundred years! Just two days…”

[User] "Shaula…”

[Assistant] "I thought a moment, even just a glimpse, would be enough."

[User] Shaula looked down, but she quickly stopped. It was like she didn’t want to waste even a single moment with him out of her sight. —No, thinking back, it had always been like that. As best he could remember, whenever she was in the same place as he was, she was always looking at him. Not because she was observing his every move, but because…

[Assistant] "I waited for you in the tower all this time, Master. Four hundred years. I thought I would be satisfied if I could just see you once. But that was a lie."

[Assistant] "You’re my everything, Master. All of you, all of my feelings for you—that’s all of me. Even if I had four hundred years, it wouldn’t be enough to tell you everything. But to only have two days…I don’t want that."

[User] “…That’s why you won’t tell me the fifth rule?”

[Assistant] Emotion coursed through Shaula’s whole body, making her who she was. Four hundred years—he had just thought of it as a number, but now, it felt like he finally understood a little of the weight of what that number truly meant. Her attitude had seemed so frivolous next to the heavy weight of four hundred years. He had convinced himself that maybe she just didn’t have the ability to feel pain or bitterness or sadness.


[User] “I don’t want to talk about the rule. Nuh-uh. ’Cause if I do…” Shaula pauses.

[Assistant] “If I do, you’ll realize how to clear the exam. So if I say it… If I say it, my time with you will be over.” Shaula hugged herself as she bared her heart for Subaru. Her voice, holding back sobs, tore at Subaru’s heart.

[User] This was an answer he had not anticipated, he thought.


[Assistant] “Master, do you hate me for lying?”

[User] “Do you hate me…and not want to see my face?”

[Assistant] I…don’t hate you.”

[User] “Because you kept quiet, I…probably suffered some crazy draining stuff, and honestly, if you hadn’t, I don’t think we would have our backs up against the wall like this.” Subaru answered honestly as Shaula listened in silence.

[Assistant] “—No.” He couldn’t hate Shaula.


[User] "—Ah" Suddenly, a soft gasp escaped from Shaula’s lips.

[Assistant] "Shaula?"

[User] "Ah, ah… Ahhhh…" She didn’t respond. She just covered her face with her hands. It was a pained, trembling voice that sounded totally unlike her.

[Assistant] "No…no…Master! Master, Master, MasterMasterMasterMaster…!"

[User] "Shaula?! What is it, Shaula?! Why are—?" Subaru reached out to shake her pale, trembling shoulders, but she grabbed his arms instead. Clenching his wrists painfully tight—

[Assistant] "—Someone broke the rules." Staring into her eyes, Subaru gulped.

[User] "" —There was a strange change in her large eyes. Her pupils had split into three and started pulsing with a red gleam. It happened to both eyes at once, giving her six pupils. —Three on the left, and three on the right. Six eyes.

[Assistant] "Master…! There’s still time…"

[User] "Still time?"

[Assistant] "If you order me now, I can… I can kill myself." Her eyes were pulsing red, and white steam started to rise from her body. Her pale skin was gradually getting redder, and he could feel an abnormal body heat from where she held his wrists. The cause was unclear. But her body was heating up and changing. This was probably the initial stage of her transformation into the giant scorpion.

[User] "It’s too late if I change. I’ll become a heartless killing machine and kill you, Master. I want you so much, Master…I want you so much, I can’t bear it…so…before that happens…please tell me to kill myself… If you do, I won’t…" …Have to kill you. That was what she couldn’t bring herself to say. But instead of words, her eyes, her trembling voice, her very soul said it all for her.

[Assistant] "" An incomparable dread welled up from inside Subaru. It was his human instinct in the face of a terror that seemed worlds apart from reality. The human Subaru Natsuki was scared of the monster in front of his eyes, Shaula. And so Subaru—

[User] "Shaula, tell me the fifth rule."

[Assistant] "This isn’t the time…"

[User] "If you tell me, then…!" Subaru shouted, interrupting her. Her shoulders trembled, and he grabbed them. They were hot. Hot enough that he thought they might burn his hands. Her body felt like it was on fire. Don’t let go. Don’t let go of what’s burning her body and mind.

[Assistant] "If you tell me, then I’ll give the order. Don’t worry. I’ll give the order before you become a monster."

[User] "" Shaula’s eyes widened as Subaru looked her right in the eye.

[Assistant] "Master…toying with women’s hearts."

[User] "I don’t remember doing that…"

[Assistant] "Then you’re toying with my heart."


[User] "A lady-killer, just for me…” Smiling faintly, Shaula gently put her hand over Subaru’s as he held her shoulder.

[Assistant] “—Five, the destruction of examinations is not forbidden.”

[User] "See, your eyes changed. To my beloved Master’s eyes.” Shaula pushed Subaru’s chest. He moved back, unable to hold on to her shoulders after the unexpectedly forceful shove.

[Assistant] Coughing slightly, he looked forward and saw Shaula holding her body, crouching down—

[User] “Ah, ahhh…ahhhh, ahhhhh…!” Red steam rose from her body. The steam changing color was a sign of danger. The pupils of her eyes disappeared, having changed into pure red eyes at some point.

[Assistant] “Mas…ter…hurry. Before I…lose myself…”

[User] "Say it. Tell me to die! If you say it, I…” With the same mouth that had pleaded so earnestly to keep them from finishing the examination, from leaving the tower, she was asking him to give the order that would end her life, giving her a way to avoid killing them—to avoid killing her beloved master.

[Assistant] Hearing her desperation, Subaru sighed. “Shaula…sorry, that was a lie.”

[User] “Eh?” Her eyes widened. Seeing her reaction, Subaru held his breath and took a big leap backward. Her pushing him back had been a blessing in disguise. If she had held on to his wrists, he would never have been able to do this.


[Assistant] —Subaru’s body passed over the balcony’s railing and out into the open air.

[User] “Ma—” Shaula’s shout was drowned out by the wind now whipping around him.

[Assistant] And with that, he was on a nonstop express to the ground several hundred feet below. He had not prepared anything to save himself. It was simple suicide. He had absolutely not wanted to do something like this, and he didn’t want to admit it, but he had intended this from the start. He had intended to do this on this loop if it was an option. Because now he could trust his own decisions without hesitation. Because—

[User] “Master!! !” Shaula had leaped over the balcony just like him and was hurtling after him. Her eyes were wide, and she was stretching her hand out, desperately chasing after Subaru. Not to kill him, but to save him.


[Assistant] —The giant scorpion was Shaula. —Shaula had intentionally hidden one of the tower’s rules. —Shaula had killed Subaru and his comrades multiple times and barred the way forward as one of the five obstacles. But—

[User] “Now I know I can save you.” He wouldn’t forget her plea for him to order her to kill herself, so that she wouldn’t transform against her will, so that she wouldn’t have to kill him. It was selfish, but he wanted to confirm that. Who to save, who not to save, who to defeat, who to protect, who to love. Without confirming that, he didn’t think Subaru Natsuki could advance any further. He didn’t have to be unsure of who he could love anymore.

[Assistant] “—Masterrrrrr!! !” Shaula’s form shifted as she followed Subaru, hand outstretched. Her arm swelled, transforming into a black pincer.


[User] There was no trace of her pale skin. It grew rougher and was covered in carapace, her flesh swelling from the inside. In an instant, her body transformed painfully, as if her flesh was bursting at the seams. The sinister giant scorpion was complete. The scorpion’s tail quickly took aim at Subaru. Most likely, the white beam launched from there would end Subaru’s life in an instant. He had no way to dodge in midair.

[Assistant] "Shaula would cry, so I’m not letting you kill me." Their fall would end before it could loose a shot. Subaru and the scorpion were plummeting toward the ground, where the demon beasts were swarming. Subaru wouldn’t see what came of it. Subaru Natsuki couldn’t survive a drop from several hundred feet up. He would be dashed against the ground and die. But just before he died, he had one last—


[User] "There is one reason, and one reason only, as to why I’ve called you here." Gruff and grave, the speaker had a face like a craggy cliff. He was a large man with close-cropped green hair. His abundant muscles were sheathed in armor. The man’s neck and shoulders were impossibly thick compared with those of an average person; this was someone who exuded martial spirit in a way only a trained and disciplined warrior could. He had squeezed his great bulk into a cramped chair, a vantage point he used to gaze across a black, lacquered desk with a look that would have been enough to bring most people to their knees. The man’s name was Marcus Gildark. He was a knight of the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica and captain of the Knights of the Royal Guard. He was called the strongest in the land, a battle-tested, old war dog. The man’s history and his skill with the sword left everyone in agreement that he was the second most powerful fighter in the kingdom. In other words, in terms of sheer strength, Marcus Gildark was one of the last people in the nation whose ire one would wish to arouse, but at that moment…

[Assistant] "Captain, please, you don’t have to act so tough. Ferri may look relaxed, but he’s meowy busy!" It was shocking that anyone would dare to address Marcus with such levity. The captain’s conversation partner smiled easily at him, undaunted by the stony glare that came back.

[User] "Felix."

[Assistant] "Hmph! I wish you would finally start calling me Ferris, captain. ‘Felix’ just sounds so…mannish."

[User] "It ought to." Marcus said with a grimace. "Because you are a man, and it’s your name."

[Assistant] "I’m not a little child anymore—don’t act like you can say whatever you want to me, even if it is true. Ferri won’t like the captain if he refuses to listen." At the moment, he busied himself by pursing his lips at Marcus in displeasure.

[User] "You always did run your mouth. Take a lesson from the two beside you and keep it shut for once."

[Assistant] "Okaaay," Ferris said, not sounding the least bit penitent. He straightened up and glanced to either side. Two others stood flanking him, both enduring Marcus’s withering stare. One of them looked downcast, while the other was resolutely maintaining a serious expression.

[User] "Way to back me up, guys." Ferris muttered to himself, clicking his tongue.

[Assistant] Marcus picked up the softly spoken words with his excellent ears, but he chose not to respond.


[User] “It makes me a happy captain to have such excellent subordinates.” It was as good a way as any of skirting the subject.

[Assistant] Marcus had straightened up and returned to the original topic of discussion. “Let’s get down to business. I’m dispatching you three as bodyguards for a very important person. Your destination is the Empire of Volakia.”

[User] “We’re escorting a VIP? To the empire?” The speaker was purple-haired and handsome. Currently, he had one eyebrow raised doubtfully. "Sir, I was under the impression that we weren’t to make any waves by making contact with the empire right now.”

[Assistant] “I hear what you’re saying, but that’s really above our pay grade, isn’t it, Julius? Let the brass sweat the small stuff. Any other questions?”

[User] “…I think there’s still good reason to question the choice of personnel.” The handsome young man, Julius Juukulius, glanced at the knight to his right and muttered.

[Assistant] “I agree. Bodyguard work is one thing, but I’m perplexed that my name would come up in connection with anything resembling diplomacy. Normally, I’m forbidden from even getting near the border.” The red-haired young man standing beside him nodded and said.

[User] “Nothing in the treaty specifically states that Reinhard van Astrea is barred from doing anything. More to the point, in this case, they asked for you.”

[Assistant] “Did they, sir?” The young man with the red hair—Reinhard van Astrea—gave a dubious look.

[User] Marcus nodded at the three of them, and then with a deep, serious sigh, he added, “The emperor of the Holy Empire of Volakia wishes to see you personally.”


[Assistant] “Reinhard, Ferris. What did you make of that conversation?” Julius asked as they left the captain’s quarters in the innermost sanctum of the royal guard’s barracks.

[User] Ferris’s eyes were wide. “These are secret orders, right? Aren’t you being too careless, talking about them right out here in the hallway?”

[Assistant] “Don’t worry. The Sprouts have confirmed there’s no one around. If you’re still uncomfortable, go ahead and ask Reinhard for a second opinion.”

[User] “Fine, just don’t expect too much from me… Yeah. The only people around are on the first floor of the barracks—or outside.”

[Assistant] Ferris said with a shrug, his ears twitching. "Looks like I can expect plenty from you."

[User] “Anyway, this isn’t an invitation I’m very happy to get. The kingdom and the empire are all but at each other’s throats, and they want to see the Sword Saint? If this is a joke, it’s not a funny one.”

[Assistant] “And at this moment, of all times."


[User] "If the empire pulled something on us now, it would be a major blow to the kingdom.”

[Assistant] The history between the Kingdom of Lugunica and the Empire of Volakia stretched back a long way, and it could hardly be called friendly. The struggle between them had persisted for more than four hundred years, before the Witch of Jealousy terrorized the world. Of the four major nations that now divided the map between them, Lugunica and Volakia had the longest history, and it was one of war. They often vied for each other’s territory, drawing and redrawing their borders over the centuries, and the only thing that had, at last, put a stop to it was Lugunica’s pact with the Dragon. The kingdom worked with the Dragon to seal away the Witch, and thereafter, the nation received the abundance and prosperity the Holy Dragon had promised. Their benefactor protected the country, keeping the menace of the empire at bay, leading to the dramatic cessation of hostilities.

[User] “The catch is that peace is broken in all but name."

[Assistant] "There are still skirmishes, even after four centuries. We haven’t seen any major battles, but if anything, I think the empire’s ambition is burning hotter than ever.”

[User] “Yeah, and I’ve heard it took a lot to keep them in check during the Demi-human War. And there’s also talk that the empire had something to do with the rampage of the evil dragon, Bargren, right?”

[Assistant] “Well, they’ve never publicly admitted to being involved, but at the time, there were some suspicious characters lurking around the kingdom that some suspect to have summoned the rampaging dragon.”

[User] “The empire does have sky-dragon tamers. It wouldn’t surprise me if they really could control the things…” Ferris straightened up, frowning.

[Assistant] Sky-dragon tamers were people with the ability to domesticate the creatures called sky dragons, which only the empire was said to possess. Unlike land dragons, which were mild-mannered and usually friendly toward humans, sky dragons were vicious beasts that showed no affinity for humankind. If the empire could tame monsters like that, perhaps they could force even more powerful dragons under their yoke.

[User] “If the rumors are true, it’s possible a huge army of them could attack Lugunica. Then we’d have to count on you to get rid of them, Reinhard—somehow.”

[Assistant] “If it actually comes to that, rest assured I’ll give every last bit of my strength to the cause,” Reinhard replied. He had a wan smile, but his answer to Ferris’s little joke was in earnest.

[User] Julius watched them banter, eventually commenting.

[Assistant] “Whatever the case, their animosity toward our country is one wound time hasn’t healed—much as it pains me to say it. And that’s just one of many things about this mission that doesn’t make sense to me.” There was no end to the vile rumors that circulated about the empire. It would have been hopelessly naive to take them all at face value, of course.


[User] “I’m also disturbed that the Council of Elders would go along with the empire’s request so readily."

[Assistant] "Any thoughts on that, Reinhard?”

[User] Reinhard winked and said, “Sure—there’s plenty about this mission that bugs the hell out of me, too. But orders are orders. If they want my help, then I’m inclined to offer it. Obviously, if they’re plotting something, they won’t be able to keep me quiet.”

[Assistant] “Yes; whatever the empire may be planning, I very much doubt they intend to harm you.”

[User] “Your position isn’t exactly optimistic, is it, Reinhard?”

[Assistant] Julius and Ferris, standing almost directly across from the red-haired man, glanced at each other and shrugged.

[User] “The kingdom is teetering on the brink, and they send the Sword Saint along with the chief of the Council of Elders to the empire… They must have really put the screws to the captain,” Julius mused.

[Assistant] “Guess we’ll just have to make sure nothing goes wrong.” Ferris said with an ironic smile.


[User] "Hmm. Still, it’s not a question of politics, but of the kingdom’s mode of survival," Miklotov murmured, stroking his long, white beard.

[Assistant] "Our inability to reply forcefully to the empire’s request can only be considered a sign of our own powerlessness."

[User] Julius, sitting across from Miklotov, shook his head. "No, sir, I don’t agree. The Council of Elders and all its members have done their utmost for this kingdom."

[Assistant] "And yet it hasn’t been enough. That is all there is to it." The giant next to Miklotov dismissed Julius’s attempt at consolation.


[Assistant] "Hmmmm? Julius, whatsa matter? Feelin’ a little sick? Want some healing?"

[User] "Not likely. This carriage benefits from the wind repel blessing, and besides, Julius is one of the best Dragon Riders in the royal guard. Don’t think you need to worry about him."

[Assistant] "You two are never any fun."


[User] "And suddenly, you’re smiling, Julius; what’s up?"

[Assistant] "Nothing at all." Julius shrugged.

[User] "Your blasé attitude might just be my salvation. I couldn’t help thinking I’m a bit pathetic, getting wound up with nerves and worry."

[Assistant] "Huh, news to me. So that means you’re capable of feeling worried?" Ferris said lightly.

[User] "Hmph," Bordeaux said, crossing his beefy arms. "Worry. A weak word. I guess the guards aren’t what they used to be." His gaze settled on the knight’s saber that Julius carried. "A slim weapon for a slim boy. You think that’s enough to safeguard an indispensable dignitary? Let me make one thing very clear: What becomes of me is of little importance, but if anything happens to Master Miklotov, there’ll be hell to pay."

[Assistant] "Don’t even have the guts to speak up for yourself? There was a time I’d have laid you out flat for an attitude like that." Julius simply endured Bordeaux’s tongue-lashing in silence.

[User] "A knight of the royal guard speaks not with his words, but with his actions. Captain Marcus taught us that." The response came not from Julius, who remained silent, but from Reinhard.

[Assistant] "Marcus, eh? …Razaac’s whelp has really made his way in the world."

[User] "Ho-ho-ho! Perhaps we should leave it at that, Master Bordeaux." Miklotov creased his bushy eyebrows and laughed. Then his wrinkled face assumed a thoughtful expression, and he ran a hand across his beard. "We requested Captain Marcus himself to choose the personnel for this mission. I’m given to understand we have with us the pick of the royal guard."

[Assistant] "You honor us," Julius said modestly, bowing. Reinhard and Ferris likewise inclining their heads.

[User] "Ferri thinks meowby he’s a little too idealistic," Ferris commented under his breath.

[Assistant] "That’s one of Julius’s better qualities," Reinhard replied, equally quietly. He cast a glance at the cat-boy. "It’s something I’d like to learn from him."


[User] “Mm. You can see the Crystal Palace now.” Miklotov acknowledged the young knights’ bows with a smile, then glanced out the window.

[Assistant] Julius emitted an admiring sigh after seeing this building, every bit as grand as the rumors, with his own eyes for the first time.

[User] “Holy moly! I’ve heard the stories, but that castle is in bad taste…”

[Assistant] “Ferris, I can’t accept that as your first reaction to seeing this building. Every inch of that castle has been carefully measured out and fashioned with the utmost care—surely, even you can see that?”

[User] “Aw, there it is. Ferri just hates these weird fixations of yours, Julius.” Ferris put his ears back to indicate he was not interested in talking anymore.

[Assistant] Julius winked an eye at him.

[User] “It may be elaborate, but it’s also remarkably functional.” Miklotov provoked a hearty “Ho-ho-ho”

[Assistant] “The empire is home to some truly accomplished sculptors of magic stone. The Crystal Palace is not merely beautiful but also offers the emperor virtually impregnable defenses.”

[User] “I’ve heard that at times of need, a single stone from the Crystal Palace can amplify magic to thousands of times its usual power… Is it true?”

[Assistant] “I wonder about that myself. If we have the chance, shall we ask His Majesty personally?” Miklotov’s lighthearted remark caused Julius to repent of his own childishness.

[User] Curiosity had gotten the better of him. That wasn’t going to increase Bordeaux’s confidence.

[Assistant] “I think it’s true for sure that they have amazing magic-stone sculptors. I mean—you know?” Ferris, seemingly oblivious to Julius’s internal turmoil, turned a pointed glance on Reinhard.

[User] Reinhard opened the collar of his uniform.

[Assistant] “A choker. Now that says Volakian Empire to me.”

[User] “I don’t know how normal this would be in the empire either.” Reinhard said, touching a hand to the accessory in question.

[Assistant] “A Collar of Submission, right? How is it? Does it really work on you, Reinhard?”

[User] “It makes me feel sort of lethargic."


[User] "I can’t tell exactly how limited my power is, but I suppose you could say it works insofar as I clearly can’t use my full abilities.”

[Assistant] This made Julius realize how nervous the empire actually was about Reinhard. The Collar of Submission, which Reinhard had been forced to wear, was less an item that limited the wearer’s abilities than one that curtailed his freedom. It practically bordered on slavery. Frankly, to demand that someone invited as a special envoy should wear such a thing was considered wholly unreasonable. “The way I heard it, whether I wear this collar might change the whole course of relations between our countries.”

[User] “…It truly pains me that you were forced to cede your freedom in this way,”

[Assistant] “And I applaud your decision.”

[User] "Act as solemn as mew want,” Ferris broke in. “It’s still a collar.” He shrugged dramatically. In the same breath, though, he continued, “But look at this. Two members of the Council of Elders and the Sword Saint… This couldn’t secretly be some plot by the empire to undermine Lugunica, could it? Do they want to assassinate Reinhard or something?”

[Assistant] “But that would unquestionably mean war, and the Dragon would not stand idly by… Or so I would like to think, but at the moment, I’m not so sure.”

[User] “Yeah. We can’t count on the Holy Dragon. Only thing we can rely on is our own strength! So listen up, Reinhard: Make sure you take down the whole empire before they get you. All by yourself.”

[Assistant] “Defense is a knight’s watchword, Ferris. If they attack first, that’s one thing, but I can’t go around slicing things up over a vague sense of unease.” Reinhard flashed a thin smile.

[User] “Y’know, the scary thing is that you didn’t say you couldn’t destroy them…” Ferris hugged his narrow shoulders and shivered.

[Assistant] Julius listened to the conversation and braced himself for another scolding from Bordeaux. “Knights of the Royal Guard should—”

[User] “Mm, going to reprimand them, are you? Back when you were a knight yourself, I remember you being even more daring.”

[Assistant] Bordeaux adopted a sour look and fell silent. He turned to gaze out the window, the approaching Crystal Palace reflected in his eyes. “The Sword Saint, ‘The Finest,’ and ‘The Blue’… True enough, it reminds me of all the trouble we had back then.” But nobody heard what he mumbled to himself; his words were swept away with the quickly passing scenery.


[User] "Raise your head. I grant permission." The voice had enough gravitas to send a shiver through the soul of any listener.

[Assistant] Saying nothing, Julius slowly rose from the bow he had made as befit propriety. In front of him were the two elders, and beside him were his two fellow soldiers, also raising their heads. Julius took them in at a glance, then looked once more at the dais in front of him.

[User] Julius could hardly breathe as he saw the man on the throne who exuded incomparable majesty.


[User] Julius and the other delegates from the kingdom had been ushered into the audience chamber of the Crystal Palace of Lupghana, where they knelt before the emperor and offered obeisance, as was proper etiquette for an imperial audience. Armored soldiers lined the room on either side, maintaining absolute silence. Every last one exuded an almost palpable martial valor. They made Julius both nervous and vigilant, and he naturally took extra care not to do anything that might be considered inappropriate in this place.

[Assistant] Vincent winked and said, “Miklotov, you’ve aged so much since I saw you last.” His expression never shifted as he offered a jabbing remark in place of a proper greeting.

[User] "Hmm." Miklotov said with a familiar sigh. “But you, Your Majesty, look ever more radiant. It makes it all too clear to me how much these old bones have wasted away… You see, even the color is gone from my hair.”

[Assistant] “An old tree never had so shrewd a tongue. It’s been seven years now since I assumed the throne, but I’ve never seen a single hint of color in your hair since the day we first met.”

[User] “Oh, you haven’t? Hmm. A slip of my memory, then. You know what age does to a man. Perhaps I ought to start making preparations to really retire.” Miklotov patted his white beard as he gently deflected the emperor’s comment.

[Assistant] “Hah.” Vincent chuckled, knowing Miklotov intended to do no such thing. “If you were to withdraw from public service, it would surely be a bitter blow to Lugunica. Though, we in the empire might welcome such a development. Ah, but enough of feeling each other out. Lay your heart before me, Miklotov.”

[User] “A rather intimidating command from Your Majesty.”

[Assistant] “Poorly advised wordplay will do you little good here. Be careful that a slip of the tongue does not sully your reputation in your twilight years.”

[User] “This princeling is even more uncouth than I’d heard. I guess I’d expect no less than perfect arrogance from the emperor of Volakia.” Namely, he chose to criticize the emperor, quietly, but to his face.


[User] His remark—indeed, his provocation—sent a shock wave through the audience chamber.

[Assistant] They lurched from their resting positions, straight swords pressed against Bordeaux’s thick neck.

[User] “What’s this? I figured you’d slice me up without a second thought—never thought you Imperials to be so compassionate.” Bordeaux simply looked around at the panoply of bare steel, huffed, and stood. The men around him had the honed builds of trained soldiers. Even so, Bordeaux towered over them.

[Assistant] The imperial soldier closest to the old man suddenly realized his quarry was gazing down at him and trembled slightly at the power Bordeaux radiated; the tip of his sword shook. An instant later, the terrified soldier forced his arm to stay still, forced the sword not to shake.

[User] “That’s enough. Remember whom you all stand before.”

[Assistant] The soldiers’ battle lust instantly vanished, and after a moment of hesitation, they sheathed their swords.

[User] “Very kind of you, Your Majesty. Did your Stargazers tell you to be especially nice to the envoys?”

[Assistant] “Our Stargazers are indeed farsighted, but we do not wish to become a puppet dancing on their strings. And we would not bother consulting them about your fate.”

[User] “Oh-ho?”

[Assistant] “Who would be so foolish as to lose their temper because of the yapping of one ill-trained dog. Or perhaps it has less to do with a lack of training than a lack of intelligence? If so, all the more reason to pity him.”

[User] “How dare you…” Bordeaux was infuriated when his taunt was seen and raised by an even greater one. He was obviously spoiling for a fight, and the imperial soldiers in the room began to perk up once again.

[Assistant] “That exchange just now was from The Guillotine of Magrizza. A conversation between an elder of great intellect and a father-king…”

[User] “What?” Bordeaux asked, befuddled by the unexpected murmur that forestalled his rage.

[Assistant] Vincent, however, responded with a “hmm,” his interest piqued by someone who had previously been all but invisible to his upswept eyes.

[User] It was Julius who now bore the weight of the emperor’s gaze.

[Assistant] “Please accept my profound apologies for my disrespect, Your Majesty. It is the height of presumption for me to encroach upon the conversation of an emperor.”

[User] “Forgiven. You see, we are merciful to all but the most despicable.


[User] “Even to the dogs…and doglike…among you.” Vincent managed to indulge Julius’s interruption and toss another barb at Bordeaux in the same breath.

[Assistant] Directing a sour expression not just at Vincent, but also at Miklotov, Bordeaux said, “Master Miklotov, I can see I’ve embarrassed myself without cause.”

[User] “Mmm. And it’s agonizing for you, I’ve no doubt… But don’t strain yourself too much. Both you and I cannot afford to behave like we did oh so long ago.”

[Assistant] “I could still crush that twig with one hand.” Bordeaux’s blood was boiling, and Miklotov could only smile wistfully.

[User] Then Bordeaux pointedly stopped smiling, put his palm and fist together in front of his chest, and bowed to Vincent. “I have offended Your Majesty. I apologize for my disrespect and my lack of study.”

[Assistant] “In that case, I suppose I must withdraw our comments about your resemblance to a canine, Councilor ‘Mad Dog’ Zergev.”

[User] The so-called Mad Dog looked less than amused to hear that name, but he dutifully went back to his place.


[Assistant] “Well, now that these various misunderstandings have been cleared up and all glib words mended, perhaps I may be so bold as to raise the matter that has brought us here on this occasion.” Miklotov stepped neatly into the opening, seizing the initiative in the conversation.

[User] Vincent winked at the old man’s suggestion, generously lowering his head slightly. “Very well. Time is finite; it is more valuable than gold. And ours is worth more than most.”

[Assistant] “We are grateful, Your Majesty. The reason for our visit may be simply stated: We come in hopes of concluding a nonaggression pact between our kingdom and your empire.”

[User] As he revealed his true intent, the impression Miklotov gave changed entirely. His grandfatherly warmth vanished, and what burned brightest now in the old sage’s eyes was a cold intelligence.


[User] Only a few people in the room showed no special reaction to the suggestion: Miklotov himself, Bordeaux, who was standing next to him—and sitting across from them, the very target of this blow, Vincent.

[Assistant] The emperor was silent, peering down at the sage who looked up at him. The ruler’s dark eyes had such power that it seemed they could set anything on fire with a mere glance. But the elder endured this gaze resolutely, utterly still even as it scorched him.

[User] “Beginning with Randohal Lugunica, every member of the royal family has been felled by illness.”

[Assistant] “The Dragonfriend Kingdom has been shaken to its very core, perhaps fatally so.”

[User] “Who can say for sure?”

[Assistant] “Don’t try to hide it; there’s no point. When a rumor begins to spread in the city, you may as well whisper it directly into our ear. Do not expect us to sit here and entertain your game of riddles.”

[User] “This is unlike you, the one everyone calls a sage. Caught flat-footed and a step behind. Once it becomes common knowledge that your royal family is in dire straits, the value of your nation’s diplomatic missions drops precipitously. Indeed, they are very nearly worthless.”

[Assistant] “Tell me, with the royal bloodline extinguished, what becomes of your contract with the Holy Dragon? We should think that would be of utmost concern to you above all. Without its backing, none of your nation’s royals are anything more than doting fools.”

[User] There was no malice in the emperor’s words. He simply laid out the reality of the Lugunican ruling family. At least some of what he said was fact—and a widely recognized political opinion.

[Assistant] Julius himself was perfectly well aware of these facts. He’d had the privilege, however brief, of being close to one member of the royal family before the young man died. It inspired in Julius a sort of mild panic. For another, who had been much closer to that prince, was right beside him…

[User] “You there, the beast-boy."


[User] “If you have something to say, say it with your mouth, not with your eyes.”

[Assistant] Julius couldn’t speak; his fears came true as the emperor’s gaze fell upon the kneeling Ferris. The boy was usually so easygoing, but the look he now leveled at Vincent roiled with emotion. Vincent’s words had clearly angered him.

[User] Still kneeling, Ferris took the ruler at his word and spoke up. “Then with all due respect, I shall say my piece, Your Majesty. Be they dead or alive, I cannot remain silent when the royal family is slandered, even if it is the word of an emperor. We are a special envoy from the Kingdom of Lugunica, and I am a member of the royal guard.” His careful choice of words kept him within the bounds of propriety, but his simmering anger was laid bare.

[Assistant] Vincent acknowledged Ferris’s hostility without so much as a change of expression. Public officials are different. Such seemed to be the message, and Ferris furrowed his brows deeper.

[User] “Think what you will, Your Majesty. But each and every member of the royal family was an upstanding person, worthy of loyalty. I myself served the prince with a glad heart…”

[Assistant] Vincent quietly cut Ferris off, drumming his fingers on the arm of his throne. “Bravery, loyalty, fidelity… No one cherishes these intangible merits so much as those with no other evident talents. They say loyalty can even inspire one to lay down their own life. However…” He turned his dark eyes on the row of imperial soldiers.

[User] And then… “You, the footman there. Yes, you.”

[Assistant] “Sir!” The emperor had indicated one of the soldiers who had earlier drawn his sword on Bordeaux. The man stepped forward and bowed deeply.

[User] Before he could rise again, the emperor said, “Take that sword of yours and chop off your own head.”

[Assistant] “Huh…?”

[User] A sound of sheer surprise came from Ferris.

[Assistant] Vincent ignored him, rapping on the armrest again. “I am compassionate; I shall repeat myself. Take your sword and chop off your own head. Can’t you do that?”

[User] “S-sir!” The man’s throat trembled at the emperor’s mad command. Hardly a second later, he had knelt in place and removed his helmet. He appeared to be a strapping lad still in his twenties. Gritting his teeth, he drew the sword at his hip and placed it against his own neck. His muscles tensed—

[Assistant] “I’m afraid I can’t stand by and watch this.” The instant before the young man’s head went rolling on the ground, someone stopped him. It was Reinhard, who had moved so quickly that he had been all but invisible. Surely, he had been kneeling just a moment before, but the red-haired man had traveled several feet in the space of a breath, intercepting the young man’s sword. Had anyone seen the swift movement?


[User] “Hmm. We had heard the rumors, but… Hmph, well, rumors cannot always be trusted. We have sorely misjudged you.” Vincent stopped drumming his fingers as he spoke.

[Assistant] “You must forgive me for being so forward… And for not meeting Your Majesty’s expectations.”

[User] “Quite the opposite. You wildly exceed them.”

[Assistant] Reinhard bowed at this word of praise from the emperor, then let go of the sword that had been poised for suicide. The soldier slumped to his knees in relief, and Reinhard returned to his place before the throne with a nod at Ferris.

[User] The young demi-human, struck dumb by these rapid developments, finally came to his senses.

[Assistant] “It is as you see, beast-child. Do not parade loyalty before us as if it were of any great worth. Obedience is simply the side effect of a ruler who is firmly in control. He who clings to loyalty is all the more fool for it.” Vincent rested his chin on his hands as he watched this all play out.

[User] “!” Ferris could hardly speak.

[Assistant] “And you, the soldier: You may step back. We have had quite enough sport for now. I confess, I do not see the pleasure in tormenting half-bloods.”

[User] Ferris’s heritage was more than clear from his cat ears and his body. He felt humiliated but was too smart to argue with Vincent any further, bowing even though he desperately wanted to do anything but, and knelt once more.

[Assistant] “What an amusing bunch this is. I had been told I was to be visited by a party of envoys from the kingdom, but perhaps they’ve sent us a troupe of entertainers by mistake?”

[User] “If Your Majesty is so inclined, we would not balk at offering some measure of amusement.”

[Assistant] “However generous my heart, I am not one to enjoy the spectacle of an old tree shaking off its leaves. Your request has been heard. Judgment will be rendered at a later time. Withdraw.” With a wave of his hand, Emperor Vincent motioned for Miklotov and the others to leave the audience chamber.


[User] It had all been diversions and detours; they had hardly spoken about the crucial topic; at least, that was how Julius felt.

[Assistant] Miklotov nodded obediently and bowed deeply once more. "We appreciate you giving us so much of your precious time and shall await your judgment.” He seemed perfectly accustomed to the emperor’s arrogance and prepared to politely retire.

[User] The others were disappointed but took their cue from the elder.

[Assistant] “Oh yes, that’s right.” A word from Vincent, barely a whisper, stopped them.

[User] Julius and the others halted with the door of the audience chamber practically in front of them.


[User] "We have said we do not speak three times. Yes?" The emperor looked very nearly bored atop his throne.

[Assistant] An unpleasant sound followed. “Hrggh…ghh…” A saber was stained with blood as the steel buried itself halfway into the exposed neck. The young man with the sword from before groaned, coughing blood, then collapsed where he stood. The act was performed with cruel courtesy. He had first stepped away from his post so he would not dirty the red carpet. The wound was fatal.

[User] "Wh-why? !"

[Assistant] Ferris swallowed after fully realizing what had just happened and tried to rush over to the fallen boy. But the other imperial soldiers drew their swords and barred his way.

[User] "Wha—?"

[Assistant] "This is what it means to have control in Volakia. You had best not forget it."

[User] After being turned away by bare steel, the emperor’s brutal words were directed at the speechless Ferris’s back. The reality weighed on his heart and made his chest tighten, and Julius felt the same. The philosophies of Volakia and Lugunica would never see eye to eye. The gulf dividing their two nations had become disturbingly clear, reflected in the blood spreading slowly across the floor.


[Assistant] "…I still could have saved him!" They had left the audience chamber and were somewhere in the halls of the Crystal Palace. Ferris was whispering to himself, his face dark and downcast.

[User] "Ferris…"

[Assistant] "If they hadn’t stopped me, I could have saved him… It just doesn’t make any sense." His slim shoulders were shaking, his voice thick with frustration. The depth of his shame was unmistakable, and Julius discovered he could find no words to offer. Ferris was speaking out of his pride as a healer, as one who supported life. Any attempt at comfort that Julius might’ve made would have seemed glib in the face of that. He was still searching for something to say when—

[User] "I’m sure it must’ve been quite a surprise for visitors from abroad." He was taken aback by the interjection of their guide, who glanced over at them. “”

[Assistant] For a moment, Julius said nothing, content to mull over the words of the imperial soldier who’d spoken to them. He had encountered more than a few of this country’s troops since crossing the border, and none of them were like their guide. Maybe it came down to the warlike character that radiated from most of the empire’s soldiers, but curiously didn’t from the man in front of them. This difference in disposition seemed to also be reflected in the man’s unique appearance. Volakian troops were usually covered from head to toe in iron and steel equipment, as if to boldly announce they were powerful soldiers. This man was conspicuous for his exposed and visible face. He was tall, with his gray-brown hair brushed back behind his head.


[User] “Yes, that’s true enough. I would be lying if I claimed otherwise. To elaborate on what my friend is feeling, I wouldn’t wish to think this is what passes for a greeting in the empire.”

[Assistant] “A greeting? Not exactly, but you’re not that far off either… Anyhow, I don’t blame you for being appalled. Maybe it was all a bit too exciting for foreigners.”

[User] “It’s not an issue of how exciting it was…,” Ferris muttered into the middle of the conversation.

[Assistant] “I believe here in Volakia, you would be a general, would you not?”

[User] “Ah, you’re well-informed. Yes, a common foot soldier is promoted to a private first-class. Above that, you achieve the rank of general third-class, then general second-class, and finally, general first-class—that’s the custom. When you reach the rank of general, you finally get free of that suffocating armor.”

[Assistant] “I’m told those in the first class represent the finest the empire has to offer, and that there are nine of them in total—the so-called Nine Divine Generals.”

[User] “Seems it’s not worth pretending, so I’ll confess—I am one of those nine. Balleroy Temeglyph, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

[Assistant] “…So our minder comes straight from the Nine Generals. The empire sure knows how to be hospitable.”

[User] “Goodness gracious. Not much to be said if you put it that way. Balleroy, unperturbed, tapped his own forehead.


[User] "You people sure have a strange sense of what it means to value someone." Ferris cuts in after being unable to endure any longer.

[Assistant] "Like I said earlier…" Balleroy winks and cracks the bones of his neck, sensing the charge in the air. "It might be a little too exciting for visitors, but fer us, it’s just a day’s work. Seems to ’ve sat especially badly with your pretty friend there.”

[User] "A day’s work? Are you insane?"

[Assistant] "Ferris." Julius tried to rein in Ferris’s overly direct response.

[User] “Aw, don’t worry about it. Think that reaction’s plenty natural, it is.” Balleroy, once again, seemed unfazed as he pointed to the Volakian crest emblazoned on the back of his light armor. “The pierced wolf, his eyes say he ain’t dead. That’s how things go in Volakia. Might be down to your last breath, but ya don’t use it to beg for your life.”

[Assistant] Julius and the others were struck dumb to hear Balleroy speak nonchalantly of life and death.

[User] "And you’re implying this attitude has something to do with the display in the throne room?" Seemingly oblivious to the envoys’ reaction, the general led the way with a sprightly step.

[Assistant] "’Tis simple. That soldier who killed himself was never going to leave that room alive. He pulled a sword on Councilor Zergev, but you could see he was scared about it. That’s the moment he died.”

[User] “The boy showed fear in front of all those people, and that meant we never were gonna be able to use him again. If he couldn’t’ve killed himself, the others wouldn’t have stood by and done nothing. Cowardice is a disease, and it only needs one weakling to spread. Then there’s the question of what would’ve happened to his family if he disobeyed an order from the emperor.”

[Assistant] "They wouldn’t seriously use his family as leverage, would they? That’s despicable…"

[User] “Cowardice spreads like wildfire. The people of the empire don’t need soldiers afraid of their own shadows. Look, though, I see how ’tis. Just something we don’t see eye to eye on; won’t ask you to understand.”

[Assistant] "Then you’re in luck. Because I absolutely don’t." Ferris replied firmly, his distaste for the empire hardening all the while.

[User] "Splendid." Balleroy replied, and he laughed merrily. "Whoops, here we are at your quarters, honored guests.”


[User] From the furnishing to the lamps, everything that populated the room was of the highest quality. Balleroy says, still standing in the doorway. “Fancy this. I finally meet the famous Sword Saint, and he hardly says a word.”

[Assistant] “…My apologies. I just wanted to minimize the chances of saying anything that could be considered rude.”

[User] “Well, how’s that for modesty. But why so?”

[Assistant] “When I do anything, it often seems to put people needlessly on guard.”

[User] Balleroy widened his eyes slightly at Reinhard’s answer, but he was soon chuckling somewhere deep in his throat. “Master Balleroy…?”

[Assistant] “Ah heavens, pardon me. Modesty, I called it, but I think I’ll be takin’ that back. Master Sword Saint understands his own strength, I see.”

[User] “You give me too much credit. And that title, Sword Saint—it sits so heavily on me.”

[Assistant] “So you say, but ya ain’t denying you’re the strongest.” Balleroy snapped his fingers. “Right?”

[User] Reinhard smiled wanly but didn’t answer.

[Assistant] “Well, bless me… Doesn’t matter the country; the strongest always just go their own way.”

[User] “Someone else you have in mind, Master Balleroy?”

[Assistant] “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. Our number one’s the same way, that’s all.” A complicated emotion appeared in Balleroy’s eyes. “’Fraid he’s away from the city on business right now, but maybe you’ll get a chance to talk to him sometime. Could be interesting. Might be surprised how well you understand each other.”

[User] “I hope to have the chance one day.”

[Assistant] “Right then, much as I hate to bore our esteemed visitors, I’ll have to ask you to wait here for the time being. When His Majesty makes up his mind, you’ll be summoned. Don’t know if it’ll be to the throne room or to a temporary residence, though.”

[User] “I simply hope it isn’t to a stone prison or to the exposed earth.”

[Assistant] “Ha-ha-ha. I’ll make sure to let His Majesty know.” Balleroy received his comment with a laugh and departed.


[User] Julius felt the tension drain out of his shoulders just as it did from the air around him.

[Assistant] “So Master Miklotov. How do you think our negotiations went?” Bordeaux, free from the eyes of their minder, made himself comfortable on the sofa as he started the discussion. He gestured to a chair in front of him, and Miklotov sat.

[User] “I’ve never spoken to the emperor before, so I couldn’t tell. Can’t say he seemed very convinced. And he didn’t look like he was sold on the idea of a nonaggression pact.”

[Assistant] “Mmm. Nonetheless, you played your part well, Master Bordeaux. I’m rather more disappointed by my own maneuvering—or the failure thereof. I hope we haven’t unduly annoyed His Majesty, but…in that respect, our youths have acquitted themselves well.”

[User] “Us, sir?” Julius raised an eyebrow in surprise as the knowing gaze of the head sage fell upon him.

[Assistant] “I’m very sorry, sir. I let my passion cloud my sense of duty… I wasted our time in the throne room.” His ears were pressed back against his head, and he nodded toward Miklotov with a dark expression.

[User] “Nothing of the sort. No one would blame you for what you did. In fact, I myself was deeply heartened to hear you defend the royal family.”

[Assistant] “A man can’t be called loyal if he would let a slight to his king or his prince go unchallenged. You spoke for all of us. Got nothing to be ashamed of, kid.” Bordeaux crossed his arms and nodded soberly.

[User] “In fact, Emperor Vincent might have been far more perturbed if we hadn’t argued with him. From that perspective, I don’t think there’s any cause to believe your actions have harmed our diplomatic position.”

[Assistant] “If… If you say so…” Surprised to find himself forgiven for his emotional outburst, Ferris seemed at a loss.

[User] “Nor was there any problem with the way the two of you spoke and acted. The fine upbringing of our Sir Julius and the prowess of our Sir Reinhard seem to have impressed the emperor.” Then Miklotov turned to Julius and Reinhard.

[Assistant] “Huh. Huh! Sounds like we’re doing great then, negotiation-wise.”

[User] “I’m afraid my withered eyes are no longer sharp enough to see the consequences of your actions, Master Bordeaux…” Miklotov looked dourly at his colleague, who appeared to have forgotten his own tense exchange with Vincent.

[Assistant] “Gotta say, I can’t seem to relax in here.” The huge elder pretended not to notice as he looked around the room.


[User] "We might not have one of the generals looking right at us anymore, but there’s so much mana hopping around here that it makes me feel sick.”

[Assistant] “Yes… The stones used to build the Crystal Palace include a number of magic crystals, exceptionally rare even among magic stones. They’ve been carved and sculpted by the world’s most capable technicians. The density of mana floating through this castle is exceptionally high. We must take care not to get inebriated.”

[User] “I think meowby they’re doing it on purpose.”

[Assistant] “Meaning that one would have to be accustomed to this environment in order to use magic at anything resembling their normal power." Julius mused. "That point alone shows just how thorough the Crystal Palace’s defenses are.”

[User] “And that means a bunch of emissaries from another country are on completely uneven footing compared to the imperial troops, who are all used to this amount of mana … Why do you look so happy?”

[Assistant] “…Do I look happy?”

[User] “Downright thrilled!” Julius had been contemplating the construction of the Crystal Palace out of academic curiosity, which seemed to upset Ferris. The cat-boy looked away, disheartened, and Julius turned to Reinhard instead. "What do you think?” he asked.

[Assistant] “Me? I’m not sure… That spirit of inquiry is one of the things I like about you, Julius. And your analysis just now seemed thorough and thoughtful…”

[User] “Not the point! Forget about Julius!” Ferris burst out.

[Assistant] “I was only kidding,” Reinhard said with a wink.

[User] Reinhard, meanwhile, gazed around the room with his blue eyes as if to take in the entire castle. "All the mana in here doesn’t bother me too much, honestly. I’ve never been much for magic, and the density of mana doesn’t do me any harm to speak of one way or the other.”

[Assistant] “Oh, that’s right. You seem like you can do anything, Reinhard, so I’m always really surprised to remeowmber you can’t use magic.”

[User] “Anything, heh!” Reinhard forced a smile. “Sometimes, it feels like there’s nothing I can do.” Those last words sounded a touch harsh. They showed that Reinhard was in no way taking their situation lightly.

[Assistant] “Plus,” Reinhard added, his fingers brushing the metal choker at his neck, “right now, my powers are suppressed anyway. I already couldn’t use magic before—now I feel truly useless.”

[User] “Hmm, I guess I get it.


[User] "Your whole self-worth is directly related to your strength, isn’t it?”

[Assistant] "Ferris, I think you’re going too far—”

[User] "It was a joke, just a joke!” Julius, finally feeling Ferris had crossed a line, leveled an intimidating gaze at him, but Ferris slapped his hands over his head. If nothing else, it suggested he had finally begun to let go of what had happened in the audience chamber. Relieved to see it, Julius decided to forgo a proper scolding. He looked at Reinhard, who was no more genuinely upset about Ferris’s jab than he was, but—

[Assistant] "Mm? Reinhard, what are you looking at?”

[User] "Eh, just the town. You can get a sense of the capital from here.”

[Assistant] "I see; you’re taking the lay of the land." Julius joined Reinhard in looking out the window. The guest chambers were on a high floor of the Crystal Palace, and from their vantage point, they could see almost half the capital city. Unlike the capital of Lugunica, which spread out in a circle with the castle at its center, Lupghana was ensconced by walls, which formed a square around the city. And unlike the kingdom’s capital, where the rich and the poor were clearly separated, the appointments of the citizens of the empire seemed to vary little from one part of the city to another. Its development seemed quite distinct from Lugunica, where the nobility and downtrodden commoners lived in contrasting realms of light and shadow.

[User] "Quite a different-looking place from our home."

[Assistant] "Yeah… The land and the weather have something to do with it, but mostly, I think it comes from the ethos that the emperor promotes. Sometimes, competition among people really can lead to prosperity."

[User] "Reinhard," Julius interjected. "Do you think it’s right?”

[Assistant] "Some of it. But I can’t abide abandoning of the weak," the Sword Saint responded firmly. It was his one and only response to the imperial way of life…

[User] "I agree. I pray you’ll always remember that.” …and it was that ideal that made Julius proud to call Reinhard, the Sword Saint, his friend.


[User] “What are they mewing? Are they doing this just to tormeownt us?! We’ve been sitting here for ages!”

[Assistant] “Ferris, that’s enough. I sympathize, but we’re in the royal palace of another nation. Your behavior here will reflect directly on our kingdom. In all things—”

[User] “Easy for mew to say! If Ferri’s jabbering was such a problem, they would’ve burst in ages ago!”

[Assistant] “Hmm…”

[User] “But instead, they leave us here! Do you think His Meowjesty has completely forgotten about us?”

[Assistant] That was hardly likely, but Ferris’s pessimistic outburst got Julius thinking. The point of this special mission had been to propose a nonaggression pact to the empire. The empire, wishing to bargain from a place of strength, wouldn’t hesitate to do anything that would improve their position, including psychological warfare. From that perspective, the protracted delay and the refusal to acknowledge Ferris might have been deliberate stratagems. Whatever the case, if things didn’t develop soon…

[User] But just as he was starting to worry, a knock came at the door.


[Assistant] “I request a moment with the Lugunican special envoys.”

[User] “Mrow!”

[Assistant] When the longed-for action finally arrived, Ferris looked at Julius with wide eyes.

[User] Julius nodded at him, then faced the door and invited the caller in.

[Assistant] A soldier in full armor appeared. "My apologies for interrupting you." He said as he bowed, though it seemed he couldn’t have known whether or what he was interrupting.

[User] “It’s no trouble at all. Have you come with a summons?”

[Assistant] “Yes sir. But if you’ll forgive me, sir, I’ve only been instructed to summon one person.”

[User] “Just one, you say?”

[Assistant] “Yes sir. I was told to return with the Sword Saint, Master Reinhard.”

[User] A faint look of surprise crossed Julius’s face. He wasn’t the only one; everyone in the room was startled, including the summonee himself.

[Assistant] Reinhard cocked his head, perplexed. “Emperor Vincent asked for me by name?”

[User] “Yes sir. His Majesty wishes to speak with you. May I request that you come with me?”

[Assistant] “I’m willing, but…” Reinhard cast a quick, hesitant glance at Miklotov.

[User] Reinhard wouldn’t answer without his leave. The elder nodded quietly at the Sword Saint. “Having you accompany us has been a condition of these negotiations from the beginning. Go see His Majesty and do your best to be polite.”

[Assistant] “I understand. All right, lead the way.”

[User] With Miklotov’s blessing, Reinhard was ready to go back to the emperor. As he made to follow the armored guard out, though, the red-haired man spared a glance at Julius. His meaning was clear enough: With Reinhard away, the only knights left in the room would be Julius and Ferris. And Ferris barely counted when gauging strength in battle, so for practical purposes, Julius would be the sole guard.


[User] Reinhard didn’t expect Julius to do anything rash, but in a foreign country, one could never be too careful.

[Assistant] “I wonder what the emperor wants with Reinhard." Ferris said when the young man had left, staring at the door he had closed behind him.

[User] “Fine question." Julius said with a shrug. "If he just wanted to talk, he could have done it in the throne room. But Emperor Vincent is deliberately separating Reinhard from us… Who can say what he wants?”

[Assistant] Julius and Reinhard were both Knights of the Royal Guard. But Reinhard had succeeded to the name of Sword Saint before he was ten years old, and it was well-known that, ever since then, he had received orders directly from the leaders of the kingdom, fulfilling many sundry roles—more than a few of which he couldn’t talk about. To give a recent example…

[User] “The Pleiades Watchtower in the Auguria Dunes.”

[Assistant] “Ferris, I—”

[User] “I know, I know. You were choosing your words carefully, Julius. Besides, Ferri would never imagine criticizing Reinhard for something like that.” Ferris waved a hand and tried to sound nonchalant, but Julius could see clearly how hard he was straining to force a smile. Ferris was not as good at controlling his emotions as he thought he was. Perhaps his perfect physical control left him more vulnerable in the emotional realm.

[Assistant] "." For a moment, Julius was silent. Ferris was referring to a certain mission Reinhard had been given. One so important, the result could have shaken the Kingdom of Lugunica down to its foundations: He had been ordered to seek out the Sage, famously said to be all-knowing, in hopes of finding some way to counteract the plague that was devastating the Lugunica Royal Family. Four hundred years ago, the Witch of Jealousy had cast the world into terror and chaos. This all-knowing Sage had been one of the three heroes who had sealed that terrible creature away. The Sage still lived, residing at the Pleiades Watchtower in the Auguria Dunes, which was on the kingdom’s extreme eastern edge. That old seer was the royal family’s last hope—a hope that had been entrusted to Reinhard. But he had failed in his mission.

[User] “So the royal line died out, and we lost our guarantee that the covenant with the Holy Dragon would continue."

[Assistant] “And that’s why we’re here in the empire.”

[User] “Meowby Reinhard blames himself for that.”

[Assistant] Julius paused.

[User] “'Maybe you judge yourself harshly as well, Ferris. Am I wrong?” He probed at the cat-boy, who pondered Reinhard’s state of mind. Julius’s two close friends both suffered from their inability to save the royal family. Reinhard, because he had failed on his mission. And Ferris, because he was called The Blue and served as Lugunica’s best healer—curing illnesses and mending wounds was his very pride. Both of them felt that the kingdom, the royal line, had died out because they hadn’t been strong enough.