[User] "It’s an honor to meet you again, Master Cecils. But when did you arrive in the kingdom, if I may ask? Perhaps it’s simply above our station to be notified, but we hadn’t heard of any Volakian visitors of importance arriving…"

[Assistant] "Oh my goodness, no, don’t worry about it. It’s not a failure of the old report-relay-review. I just decided to show up here—didn’t report to or review with anyone!"

[User] "Ah. I see." Julius had been trying to wheedle an answer out of Cecils, but he hadn’t expected that response. The knight wasn’t sure how to react. Julius had moved them off the main road, with its many eyes, to a little tea shop he knew. They wouldn’t be quite so widely observed here, though he’d had to drag Cecils, overjoyed at their unexpected reunion, almost by force. Now the interloper was calmly drinking some black tea, looking around the shop with curiosity and peppering the staff with questions about the exact varieties of tea leaves they used. Julius and Ferris watched him silently.

[Assistant] "What do we do?" This conversation took place entirely with their eyes.

[User] "First, we see what he’s up to." This conversation took place entirely with their eyes. They had, after all, run into a first-rank general of the empire while explicitly out on patrol in the capital. The two of them felt a little guilty, considering how pleased Cecils seemed to be to see them, but both of them were deeply conflicted. And when they discovered that his visit was unofficial, they started to hope this would all turn out to be some sort of nightmare. Thus, the retreat into the tea shop—and into the seats farthest from the door, in hopes of taking matters in hand as quickly as possible.

[Assistant] "Oh, you don’t have to look quite so panicked. I haven’t come to do the kingdom any harm." Cecils said with no hesitation, as if reading their minds.

[User] Neither Julius nor Ferris said anything.

[Assistant] "Do you really imagine that I, Cecils Segmund, would engage in base property destruction or assassination, even if His Majesty the Emperor ordered me to? Please, I’m above such underhanded methods. You can set your minds at ease."

[User] "Um… Even if Emperor Vincent ordered you?" Ferris’s voice was hard, his guard up, but Cecils could not have been more comfortable.


[User] "It would be such a blow to my reputation, to say nothing of my pride. If I’m reduced to that kind of skulking around, I might as well be dead. And I don’t intend to die anytime soon." Cecils sat easily in his chair, sipping his tea with no hint of hostility.

[Assistant] He had removed his swords, which were now leaning against the back wall—his way of demonstrating his good intentions, perhaps. At the very least, he didn’t seem set on causing any trouble.

[User] “…Very well, then, let’s go back a step. You say your presence here is not at the behest of the empire?”

[Assistant] "Never even asked—His Majesty and friends would have only made things so much more complicated. And I’ve heard it’s just a nightmare, the paperwork you have to do to cross the border. I seem to remember what a headache you all had coming to our place, no?”

[User] "But you should have been subject to the same—Wait, don’t tell me you forced your way in?”

[Assistant] "Nothing so outrageous. I just ran from my side of the border to yours, going as fast as I could the whole way. I really would have stopped if anyone had told me to.”

[User] Julius tried his best to curtail the frown that crossed his face at this rather overly honest response.

[Assistant] "" Julius thought back to his encounter with Cecils in Volakia.

[User] "Could it be that the real reason you’ve come here, Master Cecils…?"

[Assistant] "I don’t suppose you’d believe it’s just for sightseeing?” Cecils smiled wryly at the spirit mage’s change in demeanor.

[User] "Meow, we wouldn’t." Ferris, also in full view of the foreigner’s grin, pursed his lips.

[Assistant] "Though, we’d sure appreciate if that were true… Eh, unfortunately, even Ferri kind of figured it wasn’t.”

[User] "Ah-ha-ha, so even the lovely cat-eared lady has seen through me. How embarrassing. But men have their principles—I wouldn’t blame the young lady for not understanding." Cecils scratched his cheek in embarrassment.


[User] “Reinhard van Astrea." Cecils said brusquely. He gazed at the tea in his cup for a moment, then continued

[Assistant] “It’s a source of great pain to all of us, myself included, that we were unable to offer him appropriate hospitality on his recent visit to the empire. I come with apologies from the bottom of my heart.”

[User] "And what, you’re here to make it all better? Color Ferri meowy skeptical.” It was a mixture of exasperation, sarcasm, and plain, simple suspicion of a very dangerous man who had shown up unexpectedly.

[Assistant] Ferris stared daggers at Cecils, but the visitor adopted a self-deprecating smile.

[User] “It’s very much as you say, my cat-eared beauty. I myself admit to the most appalling of behavior and fully grant that I deserve only your suspicion. However—”

[Assistant] “'However,' what?”

[User] “—I may be rotten, but I remain the greatest of Volakia’s Nine Divine Generals. My complete and utter failure to overcome your Sword Saint bears directly on the authority of my nation. If I can’t expunge my dishonor of the other day, it will shake the very foundations of the empire. Consider it a proxy battle between the empire and the kingdom.” The swordsman spoke calmly, politely, and eloquently.

[Assistant] Cecils’s mind was made up, and although his thoughts were bent on violence, it was understandable.

[User] “I’m very much aware of how much weight I bear on these shoulders of mine. You two Knights of the Royal Guard must feel much the same. The color of what we carry may be different, but the substance is nearly identical.”

[Assistant] “I understand what you’re saying, Master Cecils. But I must wonder why we concluded a nonaggression pact, if you and Reinhard were simply going to have a ‘proxy battle.’”

[User] “Oops, I’m afraid perhaps you don’t understand. My suggestion is merely a fight to settle things. Any taking of life is secondary.” It seemed a bit of a counterintuitive point.

[Assistant] “He and I both have our places in our respective nations.


[User] "Though, I confess it would be quite a thrill to conduct a battle with our two countries riding on us, like the Silver Flower Dance of Pictat.”

[Assistant] "You’re referring to the battle between the Sword Devil and Eight-Arms, almost forty years ago?”

[User] "I think the highest heights of swordsmanship at the time had much in common with what we do now. How I would love to talk with the Sword Devil someday! You wouldn’t happen to know him, would you?” The Blue Lightning of Volakia was obviously bursting with curiosity, but Ferris and Julius both looked at him flatly.

[Assistant] Ferris, seeking to prevent further derailment of the conversation, clapped her hands. "All right, all right. We don’t know this Sword Devil, and we don’t want to know him—sounds like a problem waiting to happen—and anyway, we’re getting off subject! Why are you so set on battling Reinhard?”

[User] “…I must say, I agree with Ferris. My swordsmanship is quite underdeveloped compared with yours, Master Cecils, but even to my untutored eye, your chances of victory seem—”

[Assistant] "Hey, now, planning to challenge me yourself before the big day? Just so you know, the shortness of my temper is so notorious in the empire that it’s even come up in the Imperial Parliament.”

[User] "Yeah, must be pretty embarrassing when the empire’s strongest fighter can’t pass up an insult." Cecils’s tone had remained light, but Julius and Ferris looked at him sharply.

[Assistant] “Hmm.” He said, crossing his arms, as if their gazes had gotten through to him. “Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve never encountered a fight that really pushed me to my limits.”

[User] Neither of them responded.

[Assistant] “Surpassing intelligence and overwhelming physical ability are one within me. Truly, is such a being not destined to take the lead role? The Sword Saint is the first wall, you might say, that I’ve encountered. And walls can’t be avoided.”

[User] "Why?"

[Assistant] "Is it that confusing?” Cecils responded, appearing genuinely perplexed. “A character can’t run from the challenges of his story.”

[User] Julius nonetheless narrowed his eyes when he saw how natural and comfortable Cecils appeared to be. “Very well. I understand what you’re saying.”

[Assistant] “Excellent! That’s the nature of a bond born from trading blows! Two people really can understand each other after that!”

[User] “However, my position being what it is, I can hardly just look the other way while you run free, Master Cecils."


[User] "I will have to report this to the castle, after which I believe it will be in the best interests of both our nations for you to return home.”

[Assistant] “It turns out you didn’t understand me at all!” Cecils wailed.

[User] "However, I might see my way to entertaining your request, with conditions," Julius continued, interrupting Cecils before he could finish what would have been a very troublesome threat.

[Assistant] "Julius? !" Cecils was dumbfounded.

[User] Ferris shook his friend by the shoulders. "Have you lost your mind?! You’re actually going to listen to this nutty idea? !" The cat-boy’s face was pale.

[Assistant] “I’m afraid I can’t speak to the state of my own sanity, but my suggestion, at least, is serious. Besides, if we act too obstinate, the possibility remains that Cecils will simply dispose of us and go on with his quest.”

[User] “!” Ferris nearly choked.

[Assistant] Julius glanced at Cecils, he saw he had edged closer to where his swords leaned against the wall.

[User] “Heavens, I have no intention whatsoever of such overt violence. But…would you really consider my request?”

[Assistant] “As I said, there would be conditions. If you can follow them, then…”

[User] “Tell me." Cecils said, sitting up straighter as he registered that Julius was indeed serious.

[Assistant] Julius held up three fingers. “First, you are not to turn your sword upon any citizen of the kingdom other than Reinhard.”

[User] “But of course.”

[Assistant] “Second, if by chance your presence should become known to the knights, you are to respectfully turn yourself in and submit to their judgment, even if it results in you being ejected from the country.”

[User] “And if I accept this condition, will you not simply run to your unit and alert them to me?”

[Assistant] “You’ll have to trust that my pride is as dear to me as yours is to you, Master Cecils.”

[User] “…Fair enough. How can I object when you put it that way? Indeed, I admire it.” The Volakian agreed to Julius’s second condition with a battle-hungry smile. “I accept without further protest. If that’s all it takes to wash the humiliation from my name, it’s a small price to pay.”

[Assistant] “And finally…return to your empire alive. If you were to die, it would truly mean war.”

[User] “Ha-ha-ha, yes, I see. Ahh, you do know how to taunt a man.” Cecils, who himself had confessed to being easily provoked, frowned at this last condition. But then quite immediately, the mood of the Divine General changed, and he downed his remaining tea in one gulp.


[User] "I shall answer all with my sword, including your little tease. Is that all your conditions?"

[Assistant] "Yes. As long as you will hold to them."

[User] "Indeed, so I shall! Guide me forth, then. To my most perfect opponent, the Sword Saint!" Having heard and accepted the conditions, Cecils bounded to his feet. He returned his beloved swords to their usual position at his hip, and then he turned eager eyes on Julius, who nodded deeply.

[Assistant] "Master Cecils, before I guide you to where you wish to go, I have something very important to say."

[User] "And what would that be? My fervor is already at its greatest extremity, and I wish to go forth to my battle before it should wither or ebb!"

[Assistant] "The issue is Reinhard. He isn’t in the capital right now."

[User] "Huh?" The Volakian’s mouth fell open so wide, it seemed his jaw might drop off.

[Assistant] "Reinhard’s meowy busy, being the Sword Saint. Right now, he’s off in the northern part of the kingdom, accompanying some kind of expedition. He’ll probably be back…what would you say, next week?" Ferris put a finger to his lips in thought.

[User] "B-b-but that means…" Cecils stared despairingly at the ceiling. "That means I’ll have to put off our fight again! I can’t stand it!" This was the second time they had heard such whining from the empire’s strongest, and perhaps unluckiest, fighter. That was hardly something to brag about, though—Julius and Ferris both just shrugged.


[Assistant] Julius's home was in the noble quarter. The Juukuliuses were of middling noble status, their reserve and uprightness being their defining traits. However…

[User] "Oh me, oh my, what a lovely house. I think I can expect to be very comfortable here!" Cecils, looking at the front hall as he came in through the main door, seemed thoroughly pleased.


[User] He glanced this way and that, his eyes lighting on the servants, all of them much surprised by this unexpected visitor. "Oh! Even the maidservants’ uniforms look different around here! Lugunican women never forget their elegance, even when they’re just serving girls! Ahh, it brings a tear to my eye. Wonderful, most wonderful!"

[Assistant] "Th-thank you for your kind praise, sir. It’s an honor…"

[User] Cecils nodded emphatically. "They even answer me with civility and modesty! Such deference makes the heart leap! Though, I confess, I still believe that cat-eared lass is the greatest beauty in all of Lugunica." Then he remembered Julius, whom he had left standing at the door, and went flying back to him. "Goodness, what am I doing, leaving the master of the house behind? I was simply overwhelmed—please resume guiding me."

[Assistant] "I appreciate your consideration, Master Cecils. But surely, a house of this scale is not such a surprise to you? I’m sure you’ve seen serving girls before."

[User] "Yes, well, of course, my own stipend is not inconsiderable…but I do spend much of it on my own amusements. That leaves me with rather precarious finances, hardly enough to hire maids."

[Assistant] The foreign swordsman gave a dejected shake of his sleeves, and Julius raised an eyebrow. What “amusement” could cost so much money that it left the empire’s greatest combatant with so little money?

[User] "As it happens, I collect swords both ancient and new from around the world. That way, I always have a prop ready to go—it’s my one vice."

[Assistant] "So you collect blades. I see; that makes sense…," Julius said, nodding, as his gaze wandered to the two swords at Cecils’s hip.

[User] "The most exceptional pieces in my collection are my number one sword, Murasame, and my number two sword, Masayume. I never had a chance to show them to you back in the empire, but both are enchanted blades with long and storied histories."

[Assistant] "A hobby that has some practical benefit, I see. That’s very informative."

[User] "Yes, but acquiring them takes a great deal of money, to say nothing of maintaining them. Not that I’ve ever begrudged it." As the overpowering aura of the swords threatened to swallow up their owner, Cecils used his own fighter’s spirit to suppress the force emanating from the two weapons.

[Assistant] Julius touched his knight’s blade and wondered whether he would be capable of such a thing. His sword had a history itself as a prized heirloom of the Juukulius household.


[User] How long he had spent mastering it, learning to use it to the utmost…

[Assistant] “Sir, would you be a visitor?” The question came from a young man who emerged from inside the house, interrupting their conversation. The young man’s fine facial features gave a soft impression.

[User] “My,” Cecils said, raising an eyebrow as the young man approached.

[Assistant] “Now here is one who seems to vaguely resemble you, Master Julius…”

[User] “My younger brother, Joshua. Joshua, this is Master Cecils. He will be staying with us for a few days as my guest. I apologize for the lack of warning…”

[Assistant] “I understand. A friend of my brother’s is a friend of this household.” The purple-haired young man, Joshua Juukulius, smiled faintly and bowed his head.

[User] “Goodness gracious,” Cecils said, shaking his head at being received so politely. “I offer my humblest apologies for such sudden imposition. I’m a very poor planner, you see, and didn’t think to reserve an inn for my little trip. Master Julius here was so kind as to ask if he could help… You have quite a fine older brother, Master Joshua; I’m almost jealous!”

[Assistant] “So you understand, sir?! You see what a wonderful person my older brother is!”

[User] “Ahem? !”

[Assistant] Julius’s younger brother leaned toward Cecils, who had offered a somewhat accurate explanation of the circumstances in lieu of a proper greeting. Joshua, his demeanor having suddenly and completely changed, quite ignored the foreign guest as he passionately clenched his hands into elegant fists.

[User] “If you’re such a fine judge of character as to see my brother for who he is, then I welcome you with open arms. Please stay as long as you like. Master Cecils, where do you come from? That strange outfit, is it not a kimono from Kararagi? I know them from books, but I’ve never seen one with my own eyes before!” After a moment, the slim young man continued talking to Cecils with a more familiar tone.

[Assistant] “Ah, so you recognize this? I fell in love with it at first sight on my first trip to Kararagi. I had one custom-made for me after that. A lead actor must be diligent about his appearance, you know. Such is what The Blue Lightning is determined to be and to do!”

[User] “The Blue Lightning…?” That brought Joshua to a halt, interrupting the fine momentum the conversation had been building.

[Assistant] Julius noticed and coughed pointedly. “Joshua, Master Cecils is tired from traveling. We should let him rest in the guest room before anything else.”

[User] “Oh… Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Elder Brother. I got a little excited…” Joshua scratched his cheek and blushed, embarrassed to have forgotten himself.

[Assistant] Julius smiled tightly at his younger brother, then turned to Cecils. “Apologies for my brother’s inconsiderateness, Master Cecils. He isn’t usually this way…”

[User] “My goodness, I don’t mind. We can talk as much as he likes later. I have all the time in the world to indulge him.”


[User] "Y-yes, certainly! Thank you very much, sir. Very well, I’ll retire to my room now, Elder Brother." Joshua bowed and returned to his own room, accompanied by one of the serving girls.

[Assistant] "Good. We’ll see you for dinner."

[User] Cecils watched him carefully as he left, and he spoke only after the young man was out of sight. "Hmm. This little brother of yours—would there be anything the matter with him physically?"

[Assistant] “…You can tell?”

[User] "Call it intuition, based on the way he talks and walks. It doesn’t seem like there’s any one part of him that’s in particularly bad shape; it’s more like he’s weak overall. Born that way, I suspect." Cecils crossed his arms.

[Assistant] Julius was dumbfounded by the keen observation.

[User] "Master Cecils, if you would be so kind, perhaps you could entertain Joshua with some stories of Volakia."

[Assistant] "Volakia, you say?"

[User] "My brother has never been outside Lugunica. He has striven to acquire all the knowledge one could hope for from books. Now, I would love for him to learn of things that can’t be found in books alone."

[Assistant] "I see… You do care for that brother of yours, don’t you?"

[User] Julius answered Cecils’s admiring remark only with a smile.

[Assistant] "I’m afraid you’ll be fairly restricted everywhere except in this house, Master Cecils. As such, I believe Joshua would make an excellent conversation partner for you."

[User] "Ho-ho, what a fine talker you are. If your brother is the bookworm you make him out to be, maybe I’ll learn a little something useful myself. I welcome it!"

[Assistant] "I’m glad to hear that… Out of curiosity, what would you hope to learn?"

[User] "Why, cool speeches and the most striking words with which to see off an enemy—naturally!"

[Assistant] Julius was left at an impasse by the forceful response.


[User] Julius showed the Volakian, who had come with minimal luggage, to the guest room, laid down a few ground rules for him during his stay, and gave the man a key.

[Assistant] "You are an interesting one, though," Cecils said softly as he took the key and set down his bags.


[User] Julius, not expecting this comment, raised an eyebrow.

[Assistant] The Divine General shrugged and replied, “Don’t believe me? You, good Master Julius, are capable of remarkably gutsy action for someone who looks and acts the way you do.”

[User] “Certainly, no more so than yourself, Master Cecils—the one who ran past a guard outpost in order to come here and challenge the Sword Saint to a duel.”

[Assistant] “My actions are meant to stupefy the world. But forget about that.” The kimono-clad man never stopped smiling as he sat on the bed and fixed his eyes on Julius. “The beautiful cat-eared one you were with… Her opinion seemed far more objective and correct. To say nothing of the fact that I take you for one who typically and unswervingly follows the path of righteousness. Am I wrong?”

[User] Julius did not offer an answer.

[Assistant] “That’s just my little personal observation, of course, and it’s always possible you’re simply a more madcap person than you appear… But I have my intuition, and I trust it, even if it doesn’t always work on logic alone.”

[User] Julius let out a small sigh at the way Cecils was speaking.

[Assistant] It was unlike the purple-haired knight to try to talk Ferris into something like this, to beg that he not reveal the Volakian’s presence to the other knights. It was enough to make one doubt Julius’s loyalty to the kingdom—so why had he done it?

[User] “I thought that was the question that might keep you up at night, quite apart from the issue of whether your little friend would report me.”

[Assistant] “…If you were to proceed by force, Master Cecils, neither Ferris nor I could stop you. Did my response at the tea house not clear up any doubts?”

[User] “I’m afraid not. I think you know perfectly well, Master Julius, that with the empire in mind, I could hardly cut the two of you down. These swords are really good for no more than a bit of rattling.”

[Assistant] Julius found himself at a loss for a response to the Divine General’s forceful inquiry. But it was not, of course, because he had closed his heart off, intent on not revealing what was within. It was precisely the opposite.

[User] The words wouldn’t come out because Julius couldn’t find any. He had no answer for the question Cecils had raised. That was the problem.

[Assistant] “Oops. Have I put you in a spot of trouble? Sorry, sorry. How could I be so thoughtless to the very master of the house I’m staying at?” Julius found that his peculiar guest saw through his flummoxed state with unsettling alacrity. With that, the imperial swordsman removed his weapons and stretched out on the bed. “Now, I think I’ll do just as you suggested and get some rest—may I?


[User] "It is something of a trick to run all the way here from the empire…”

[Assistant] “Very well. I hope you’ll soon feel refreshed. I’ll call you when dinner is ready. And I do hope you’ll be careful…”

[User] “To ensure no one finds out I’m the most powerful, most handsome swordsman in the Volakian Empire? I’ll be on my guard.” Cecils waved a dismissive hand at Julius, who nodded.

[Assistant] “I look forward to spending a few days with you—my dear coconspirator.” It was as fine an exit as if Cecils were the star of a story, and it needled at Julius’s heart.


[User] “There is no way that’s true. I can’t believe how gullible you are, Julius.”

[Assistant] “That’s quite a harsh evaluation, I’d say.” The purple-haired knight smiled drily at Ferris, who sputtered as the two walked down the hall of the knights’ barracks.

[User] “I guess it’ll be only another two or three more days till Reinhard gets back… But do you really expect him to fight this guy?”

[Assistant] “I intend to act as their intermediary. I do expect Master Cecils will honor his word to return to his home once he gets what he came here for. Until he achieves his objective, there’s no telling what he might do.”

[User] “Even if he went on a rampage, Reinhard’s the only one who could stop him anyway… He’s a dangerous customer. But are you really sure about this, Julius? Mew don’t feel like you’re selling Reinhard out?” “” Julius didn’t have an answer to that.


[User] "I mean, you’re keeping this a secret from him and everything… I know it’s because we don’t have a way to talk to him, but you’re really going to just drop Volakia’s strongest fighter on him when he gets back? It’s obvious he’s going to think you two are in league."

[Assistant] "In league with Master Cecils… Yes, I suppose it might well look like that." Julius nodded, forced to reconsider his own actions from this unexpected angle.

[User] "I never once imagined that Master Cecils might actually win."

[Assistant] "Yikes…" Ferris frowned; his ears drooped.

[User] "Didn’t expect that. Aren’t mew afraid you’re giving Reinhard too much credit, Julius? Not just to assume he’d win, but to never even consider another possibility?"

[Assistant] "…When you put it that way, I suppose you may be right."

[User] "But what about you, Ferris? Are you suggesting you can picture Reinhard being defeated?"

[Assistant] "Ferri can’t do it, but his assumptions are completely different than yours."

[User] Julius furrowed his brow in thought, taken off guard by the depth of Ferris’s response.

[Assistant] "It’s time." He says, pointing to the crystal’s changing color.

[User] "The captain wanted to see us. We’d better get going—we can talk later."

[Assistant] Julius was loath to leave the subject behind, but he knew what his priorities had to be. He and Ferris hurried to the innermost chamber of the barracks, the captain’s office.


[User] "Come in." There was a soft voice that greeted them when the duo announced their presence with a knock on the door.

[Assistant] "Julius Juukulius reporting, sir."

[User] "And Ferri’s here, too—ahem, sir."

[Assistant] "Felix Argyle, you mean. How many times do I have to tell you? Use your full name when reporting." With that gruff reminder, Marcus jerked his head, motioning for the two knights to enter. They stood in front of his desk as he instructed them.

[User] "What can we help you with, Captain?" Ferris fixed Marcus with his yellow eyes and said.


[User] "Ferri’s very busy, you know.”

[Assistant] “You could stand to learn how to conduct yourself a bit more like a knight… Ahh, never mind. Felix, you’re not the only one who’s busy. I’ve got my hands full, too. Guess I don’t know if they’re as full as yours, having to work on behalf of Duchess Karsten to prepare for the selection.”

[User] “…What’s that? I’m afraid Ferri doesn’t quite understand what mew’re saying, sir.”

[Assistant] “I mean your little side business as a healer. I don’t care what you do with that power as long as it doesn’t get in the way of your official duties. Even if you do go a little crazy trying to earn the duchess more supporters.”

[User] “Hey! You knew I was trying to put you off the scent just now!” Ferris didn’t take kindly to Marcus seeing through his dissuasion, but the captain shrugged away the objection. He slumped his shoulders; the demi-human knew how ruthless the senior knight could be.

[Assistant] “Yeah, yeah, that’s what I’m doing, and believe me, I’m working hard at it. So please don’t give me a bunch more to do as a royal knight.”

[User] “I’m afraid I can’t take that into consideration. You are, officially, assigned to the royal knights. If you choose to use your free time to assist the duchess, that’s your prerogative, but when I need you, you’ll work for the knights, and you won’t cut any corners. Understood?”

[Assistant] “Boo.” Ferris replied, blowing a raspberry. Marcus ignored the impudent gesture and turned to Julius. As he did, the captain’s gaze became almost overwhelming. It was the kind of look that could crack a man with a guilty conscience.

[User] “With the royal selection so close, the strain is getting to be too much in certain parts of the country. Here in the castle town, we’re hearing rumors about the demise of His Majesty, and others that even claim the entire royal family succumbed to illness. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, Julius.”

[Assistant] "" The topic Marcus brought up had nothing to do with Cecils. Of course not. If word of that Volakian’s presence had gotten this far, Julius had no intention of trying to deny it. He would confess to everything, knowing perfectly well the punishment it would bring down on his own head. Julius’s desire to grant Cecils the rematch he wanted was, in the end, simply a personal fixation. A desire, one might say, for something he himself did not have. A longing to touch the hem of the cloak that belonged to someone who lived life according to his own principles so unabashedly…

[User] “Julius?”

[Assistant] “…Pardon me, sir. As you say, captain, rumors are spreading in the marketplace. Many fear for the future of the monarchy. It pains me to say it, but your concerns may be completely correct.”

[User] “If the people’s peace of mind could be bought with one royal guard uniform, it would be worth the price.


[User] "But it’s more dire than that.” Though it had taken Julius a beat too long to respond, Marcus seemed unbothered, only casting his gaze downward.

[Assistant] “But that isn’t everything,” the captain added, as if reading Julius’s thoughts.

[User] “There’s been a lot of foolish grumbling. The royal guard is to continue to secure the capital, while the rest of the knight corps applies itself to other parts of the nation.”

[Assistant] “So we’re to continue on as we’ve been doing, sir?”

[User] “I wouldn’t call you here just to tell you nothing’s changed. As Felix says, we’re busy.” Marcus, putting his own feelings aside to keep the conversation moving, placed a paper on his desk and slid it toward them.

[Assistant] "Thank you, sir.” The spirit mage ran his eyes over the report.

[User] “Two envoys from Volakia have entered Lugunica.”

[Assistant] “Huh, s-so that’s it. Envoys, sure, of course. Envoys from the empire… Wait, what?! What are they here for?” Ferris’s face went through several swift changes as he realized this had nothing to do with Cecils’s unauthorized entry.

[User] “Excellent question,” Marcus said, looking at him sourly. “I’m sorry to do this to you after you went all the way to the empire and back just the other day, but we’re involved with the imperials again. If I had my way, I would bring the entire strength of the royal guard to bear on this issue, but unfortunately, there’s no one else I can deploy right now.”

[Assistant] “Wait, wait, wait, that’s not reassuring! Don’t tell me you’re planning to send Ferri and Julius alone to meet a threat you want the entire guard for?! That’s nuts!” Ferris’s relief that this had nothing to do with Cecils quickly vanished, and he began to lose his composure.


[User] Julius, frankly, agreed with him. This was too much for the two of them alone. But “involvement with the empire” couldn’t be ignored, either.

[Assistant] "Last time was nuts, too, but Reinhard helped us pull it off somehow, see? You just got the wrong guys. How about you have Ferri do something else and let Reinhard handle this instead—that sound okay?”

[User] “Quibbling won’t get you anywhere. I can’t assign someone who isn’t here. And anyway, don’t get ahead of yourselves. I’m not saying the two of you will have to face down the entire might of the Volakian Empire by yourselves.”

[Assistant] “But we know a fight is brewing, and that’s enough for me to know that you’ve got the wrong guy!”

[User] “Whether a fight is on the horizon depends on you two. And I’m counting on you to see that one isn’t.”

[Assistant] Ferris, clutching his head, stumbled backward.

[User] Julius caught hold of him, and the captain merely shrugged.

[Assistant] “My orders for you this time are simple. Accompany the envoys and help them do what they’ve come here to do. Then get them out of here with as little fanfare as possible. That’ll be all.”

[User] “In other words, roughly a mirror image of the position we were in before, sir.” Still holding fast to Ferris, whose eyes were brimming, Julius summarized. It had been a month now since Julius and the others had gone to the empire as emissaries themselves. Now just a few weeks later, the roles were reversed. It was hard not to feel there was something more at work here. Especially considering the distinct possibility that everything that had happened during their visit to the empire had been orchestrated by the emperor.

[Assistant] “We understand we’re to meet and accompany the emissaries from Volakia, sir. But what have they come here to do?”

[User] “I think it’ll be easiest to ask them yourselves. Summon them here and—”

[Assistant] A new voice seemed to slither into the ears of the three knights. "That won’t be necessary."

[User] Marcus’s face grew hard. The captain was looking at a tall, slim figure who was leaning against the office door.

[Assistant] “Many pardons," The figure said, raising their hand as Julius and Ferris puzzled over when they had arrived, "but I’m afraid I overheard some of what you were saying. My ears are rather too good, if I may say so.” The man laughed, but it sounded strange, almost like a cough. He had a most unusual presence, with white hair, pale skin, and a white coat that covered his entire body. Collectively, it gave the impression that all the color had drained out of him. Even his very presence seemed ambiguous, as if he might not have actually been there.

[User] “May I assume these two will be the good knights who shall accompany me?” The man looked back and forth between Julius and Ferris, who stood at attention.

[Assistant] “…Yes, this is them. Julius, Felix.


[User] "This is one of the emissaries from the Volakian Empire, Master Chisha Gold."

[Assistant] "An utmost pleasure to meet you." With impeccable politeness, the man—Chisha Gold—wore a colorless smile and bowed his head.

[User] "Master Chisha—if memory serves, I believe you’re one of the Nine Divine Generals, are you not?"

[Assistant] "So I am. Though only the fourth among them."

[User] "Whatever you’re here for, it must be a pretty big deal to bring a general on a foreign visit, right?" Ferris was bent on not showing that he was aware that Chisha’s colleague, Cecils, had already entered the country without permission.

[Assistant] "Indeed." Chisha said, his lips splitting into a grin. "We would hate for you to think that the Nine Divine Generals are mere errand runners for the empire, but the current concern could hardly be left to just anyone. Thus, I have come."

[User] "Wow, talk about an introduction that gives you a bad feeling about things." Ferris commented, frowning. Julius felt the same storm of anxiety in his heart, the same sense as the cat-boy that this was no small matter. It was something important enough to drag a high-ranking general from the empire and demand the cooperation of the royal guard. It must have been something that touched deeply on the relationship between the two countries.

[Assistant] "So are you gonna let us in on the big secret? Master Chisha, why’re you here?"

[User] "I request your cooperation in securing a certain person."

[Assistant] "A certain person." Julius repeated. Chisha’s portentous manner only made his concern grow.

[User] "It so happens that a certain character from the empire has made an unofficial visit to the kingdom. I am here to force him to come back home… Or if necessary, dispose of him."


[Assistant] Taking a close look at the exterior of his designated room, Cecils felt for the swords at his hip. All weapons needed to be diligently cared for, but katanas needed more care than others. These two blades of his, Murasame and Masayume, needed even more attention than most, as befitted two of the greatest works of a master swordsmith’s art. However, the most important thing for keeping enchanted swords in good fettle was not polishing or honing. What they sought was respect for what they were. Enchanted blades demanded blood and death.

[User] "All right, okay, yes. Just a few more days till the good Sword Saint returns, or so I’m told." Cecils murmured to himself, kicking his zori-clad feet against the ground. Above him, a light burned in the guest room, indicating the presence of an occupant. Joshua, most likely. Joshua was Julius’s younger brother, a boy with abundant interest in the outside world, in heroes; he was one who might well make a fine audience member in the future. He held no small affection for Cecils. And every great man of the stage needed an audience.


[Assistant] Chisha announced his intentions.

[User] Ferris stole a glance at Julius.

[Assistant] Even Julius was not so dense as to miss the anxiety in those golden eyes.

[User] "...Captain, we will accompany Master Chisha on his endeavor to apprehend this missing person. Am I correct in understanding that to be our duty?" Julius’s face didn’t so much as change a shade; the Spirit Knight looked completely unperturbed.

[Assistant] Naturally, it was Ferris who felt deeply shaken as he listened.

[User] "That’s right." The captain nodded. "I’ve explained to you what the kingdom wants. You’ll work with Master Chisha until his business here is over."

[Assistant] "Understood, sir. Ferris, I assume you have no objections?"

[User] "Huh? Uh, oh, ummm…no, we’ll, uh, certainly do our best…?"

[Assistant] "You don’t sound very sure about that. Say it like you mean it."

[User] With the demi-human’s stumbling acceptance, the orders were formally issued.

[Assistant] "I’m Julius Juukulius of the Knights of the Royal Guard. A pleasure to meet you." Julius walked over to Chisha and offered his hand to shake.

[User] "And indeed, you as well. This will be my first foray into the Kingdom of Lugunica. I do hate to think of troubling you, but I’m sure I shall be needing your assistance." Chisha shook Julius’s hand, then offered a handshake to Ferris as well.

[Assistant] The purple-haired knight watched his fellow knight accept it somewhat hesitantly, then turned to Marcus. "Very well, captain. If you’ve nothing further for us, we’ll proceed with Master Chisha."

[User] "Nothing from me. Make sure your behavior and actions uphold the honor of the royal guard." Marcus’s tone was more formal now that a Divine General was among them.

[Assistant] This last admonition seemed especially directed at Ferris, but in any event, the three of them silently left the room.


[User] "My goodness, he is even more fearsome than rumor told. I thought I was about to break out in a cold sweat." Chisha was the first to speak when they were safely out of Marcus’s office. The Volakian was referring to Marcus.

[Assistant] “I agree the captain’s got a scary face, but is that something one of the empire’s own generals should be saying? I thought any kind of weakness or fear was no good for your people.”

[User] “You wound me. Though, I must say, the empire’s way of life rather disagrees with me… One might say it’s only natural I should have wound up in the place I am now.”

[Assistant] “You simply wound up as one of your nation’s highest-ranking generals, sir? You are too modest. One’s talent often brings about one’s own destiny. Are you not living proof of that, Master Chisha?”

[User] “I must say, I find the thought rather lonesome…” The alabaster man shook his head slowly. He turned to look out of one of the windows in the hallway. “I pride myself on the elegance of our imperial capital, but I must say, your royal city has abundant charms of its own. Would that I could wander at my leisure through its streets…”

[Assistant] “Don’t you think you’d have a little too much on your mind to enjoy sightseeing? Hope you can wrap up what you’re doing and get out of here.”

[User] “Your consideration for me is much appreciated. Surely, one of the Knights of the Royal Guard could not rest at ease knowing an imperial like myself is traveling the streets of the capital freely. I suppose we will have to focus on business on this occasion.”

[Assistant] “When you’re right, you’re right. I sure couldn’t ‘rest at ease’ knowing that.” Ferris shrugged but managed to shoot a glare in Julius’s direction.

[User] The target of the look hunched over a little, knowing he was being rebuked for hiding Cecils.

[Assistant] Ferris’s eyes, though, carried more than reprimand; there was anxiety, too, showing a window into his complicated emotions at that moment.

[User] Thus, the spirit mage was eager to remove that weight from his companion as quickly as he could, but…

[Assistant] “Master Chisha, perhaps we might go somewhere to discuss this at more length. I have an idea."


[User] "What? !" Ferris said, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head.

[Assistant] The knight winked at Ferris and said softly, so that only his friend could hear "Don’t worry. I’m thrilled to know how dear you keep our friendship."

[User] "If you’re really ready to do this, Julius, then Ferri—then I, Ferris, can only watch." The demi-human was obviously filled with sorrow as he watched Julius lead Chisha to the Juukulius household in the noble quarter.


[Assistant] "Oh! Brother!" It was Joshua, looking pale.

[User] Julius frowned as he noticed his brother’s complexion; it was even more bloodless than usual. "I’m so sorry! I only took my eyes off him for a minute…"

[Assistant] "Calm down, Joshua. There’s no need to panic—just tell me what happened, one thing at a time."

[User] "Y-yes, well… In fact…" But there Joshua stopped, for he noticed Chisha standing alongside Ferris. Then, recalling that his brother didn’t wish Cecils to be spoken of too widely, he started again, choosing his words carefully. "In fact, he vanished from your room, Brother. Out through the window, it would seem… And his swords were gone as well."

[Assistant] "This is not good," Julius murmured, putting his hand to his chin.

[User] "I’m sorry, Brother. It’s my fault for not watching him…"

[Assistant] "Ohh, no, no, no, mew don’t have to be sorry at all, Josh, sweetie; meowby this is a blessing in disguise. Meow we have a little breathing room…"

[User] "Master Chisha, I must apologize. It seems the person you’re inquiring after is no longer in this house."

[Assistant] "Wha—? !" The fast-talking Ferris and the very deliberate, careful Joshua both looked at Julius, eyes as wide as saucers. Ferris grabbed Julius by the lapels, shaking him violently. "Why?! Why would you tell him that? I always knew you were too honest for your own good, but I never thought you were this naive! Ugh, you’re as bad as Reinhard!"


[User] "Is that why you two are friends? Birds of a feather? Arrrgh, my poor head!”

[Assistant] "P-please, calm down. You’re much too agitated…"

[User] "And whose! Fault! Do you think! That is? !" Finally, the cat-boy slumped to the ground as if he’d suffered a bout of anemia. Joshua caught Ferris and held him up while Julius straightened his own collar and produced a dry smile.

[Assistant] "Brother, I believe he’s right. Ahem, as he says—”

[User] "Forgive me. But should I understand from this exchange, Master Julius, that you are already in contact with the one I seek?" Chisha interrupted, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing.

[Assistant] "That’s correct. He was staying here as a guest in my house… But as you can see, it’s led only to my embarrassment.”

[User] “Indeed, indeed. He must have leaned on you after the diplomatic mission earlier."

[Assistant] "Leaned on us… Well, yes, I suppose. But ultimately, it was my choice to accept him."

[User] Julius and Chisha, ignoring the confused pair, nodded at each other.

[Assistant] "It seems we have common ground, then. Excellent. If only… If only he’d behaved himself for another half a day.”

[User] "And I had expected he would listen to me. Perhaps it was asking too much…" The pale man sounded faintly tired, and Julius brushed back his bangs to hide a sympathetic grin. Then he gestured to Ferris, who was still crouching on the floor, and nodded when he looked up at him with his golden eyes.

[Assistant] "Let’s go, Ferris. You said you would see this through to the end, didn’t you?"

[User] "Hmmm… I don’t know why, but I’m feeling meowy left out." The young man puffed out his cheeks, making his displeasure obvious, but he took Julius’s hand. Then they shook firmly and turned to look outside the mansion.

[Assistant] "This will be a fine opportunity for the sightseeing that Master Chisha wished to do, then. Plus, we’ll also find and apprehend the person he’s looking for.”

[User] Chisha, impressed by the confidence in Julius’s voice, bowed to him at the waist as a show of respect from none other than one of the Nine Divine Generals.

[Assistant] The purple-haired knight, seeing the disquiet in Joshua’s face, laid a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder. "There’s nothing to fear, Joshua. I’ll be back with good news for you, as always."

[User] "Brother… Yes, I’ll be waiting for you. And praying for your success.”

[Assistant] With a nod from Julius, the three of them ventured into the capital to pursue the empire’s strongest fighter.


[Assistant] "I guess it’s about time." He brushed his blue hair away from his forehead with a few fingers, then picked up his pace, almost gliding toward a narrow side street. Fetid air washed over him from the dim alleyway. It was amazing how the atmosphere could change so drastically from one street to the next. Ugliness hidden by beauty—that was the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica. "The empire is much easier to understand; that’s what I like about it. Everything you plan, everything you do—it’s all about decapitating your enemies. Always clear about what you’re up to—that’s how violence should be."

[User] "What are you babbling about, Bro?" A voice called out while the kimono-wearing man was rambling at the wall in a portentous voice.

[Assistant] The young man turned around slowly to see the mouth of the alleyway blocked by several figures. Altogether, they made fourteen, too many to stand abreast in the narrow alley. It was foolish, the way they lined up in depth. The men all possessed fearsome auras, though; they were clearly no strangers to violence.

[User] "Ah yes, applause and catcalls I welcome, but I must admit I would be all the happier if they could come from some women. What do you think, my friends?"

[Assistant] There was muted laughter among the men at this nonchalant greeting.

[User] "We think it don’t matter what you think. There’ll be some screaming before this is over, though. From you."

[Assistant] Now the young man withdrew his hand from his kimono with an appreciative sort of chuckle.

[User] "There’s nothing I like better than a bit player with conviction—but may I assume you’re acting on your own judgment? I must think you’ve been told not to touch me."

[Assistant] "Fancy you, knowin’ all that. Yeah, he told us to keep our hands off you, but what the hell—all work and no play, right? If we can go ahead and put you to sleep, it’ll all be over in a jiffy."

[User] "Yes! That’s the answer I was looking for. Then allow me to respond in kind!" Laughing aloud, the swordsman in foreign dress took a step toward the defenseless ruffians. No sooner had he done so than each of the men drew something out of their pouch.


[Assistant] "I must say, I imagine it might be more efficient to look for any commotions occurring in the capital rather than groping around in the dark.”

[User] “What makes you say that?”

[Assistant] “Because he is the kind who would go out to enjoy the rain in the middle of a storm.”


[User] Following Chisha’s intuition about their quarry, the three of them headed for a guard post in the capital, thinking they might be able to find a clue. “Are we sure, though? The guardhouses are always buzzing. Is that going to be enough to help us?”

[Assistant] “I should think we could at least narrow our search to places that have suffered some commotion.”

[User] “No, there must be a way to be even more precise. There’s one area in particular he’s frequented on his jaunts out of my mansion during his stay. That man’s hard to miss, so perhaps someone has seen him.”

[Assistant] Chisha squinted at Julius admiringly.

[User] Ferris’s ears stood up as he spoke up. “Wow. You mean you weren’t just keeping an eye on him at home, but you were staking him out when he left, too?”

[Assistant] “You make it sound so devious. I simply had my Sprouts trail him in case he should find himself lost in a strange town. Even then, that was only at night.” Julius had assigned his greater spirits to this task as a sort of insurance, and now it was paying off. He only regretted that he hadn’t imagined Cecils would leave the house during the day and so didn’t have a spirit watching after him now.

[User] “However, if his objective is in that area, then combined with your suggestion, Master Chisha…”

[Assistant] “A compromise between the two to find him. Very well, let us proceed as you say.”

[User] “Fine, do whatever you want.” Ferris grumbled.


[Assistant] The three of them headed for the guard post in the section of the city Julius suggested—which was where they learned of the gang of thugs that had been beaten half to death.

[User] “We found these lowlifes in an alleyway, looking like death. Thankfully, none of them were actually killed, but something really awful must have happened to them—they’re all furious about it. You want to talk to them?”

[Assistant] “Yes, if I may. Any of them roughly sane?” Julius asked, and the guard in charge of the detention center brought out three men. Each of them was quite distinct: One was massive, another, medium-size but muscly, and the third, small and spindly.


[User] None of them looked very cooperative, and their faces puckered when they saw a knight standing in front of them.

[Assistant] “G-geez, what’s a knight doin’ here? None of us knows nothin’, all right? !”

[User] “Calm yourselves. I’m not here to hand out punishment to any of you. I simply have a few questions about the man who worked you over. For starters, why did you target him?” Julius was calm but got right to the point, and the three men collectively gulped.

[Assistant] When Ferris saw they weren’t eager to answer, he pursed his lips. “Just a second! Play along with us here. Trust me, if you don’t say anything, someone else will—all you’re doing is wasting our time. So come out with it already.”

[User] “…Okay, we’ll talk. But on one condition. We sing, and you let us out of this place. There’s a bad vibe here.”

[Assistant] “…Very well. I’ll see what can be done.” The offer came from the second of the men, the medium-size one. He was young and possessed very sharp eyes.

[User] Julius accepted his condition, and the three of them visibly relaxed.

[Assistant] “There was this guy with a lotta, y’know, style. Gave us each a gold coin and said to keep an eye on that cocky kid. Easy money, right?”

[User] “But it ended up being the most painful milk run we’ve ever been on.”

[Assistant] “It’s all because of those other greedy bastards; they went and got carried away! We tried to stop ’em, I swear!”

[User] “Anyway, point is, we tried to do our part, and look where it got us.” The excitable smaller man and the glum-looking larger one both settled down as the one in the center concluded the story.

[Assistant] “Hmm.” Julius nodded when they were finished. “And do you, perchance, know the name of the person who hired you?”

[User] “You don’t ask what you don’t need to know. Stick your nose in too deep, and you never know when they might decide to cut it off.”

[Assistant] “The only reasonable response.” Chisha said with a shrug. “And they’ve no reason to lie—another dead end, I suppose?”

[User] “No, not necessarily.” Julius said, shaking his head. Then he reached out toward the three men. Their eyes were wide. "Would you mind if I inspected the gold coins you were given for your reward?"

[Assistant] “The hell? You tryin’ to fleece us? You’re a knight—that’s, like, abuse of power or somethin’! That’s our reward for doin’ our job!”

[User] “A pretty shady bit of pay.”

[Assistant] “And then you didn’t even actually do the job—that’s just sad.”

[User] “Listen, kitten! Don’t think you can mouth off to us just ’cause you’re cute!” came the explosive response from the shortest of the three criminals. They stared at one another like small animals in a face-off until Julius intervened.

[Assistant] “Pardon me.” Julius interjected. “Ferris, restrain yourself. My apologies for this misunderstanding. The money is yours, of course. I simply wish to inspect it.”

[User] “Yeah, likely story!


[User] “You’ve done this before, haven’t you? !”

[Assistant] “Pfah. Give it a rest, Camberley. Here.” The medium-size man talked his companion down, then flipped a coin to the knight.

[User] Julius caught the coin in his palm and, felt the weight, ascertaining it was gold.

[Assistant] Spirit mage nodded, satisfied, and tossed it back. “Just as I thought… Thank you. That helps.”

[User] “…We don’t care what country it came from or whatever; it’s our reward. You better keep your promise.”

[Assistant] “Should I take that to mean you do, in fact, recognize where it comes from?”

[User] “Already told you, sir knight. Don’t sit well to go upsetting your generous benefactors. Not good to ask nosy questions.”

[Assistant] The man in the center snorted.

[User] The trio walked straight out of the guard post, but Julius called after them. “You’re free to go on this occasion, but…I sincerely hope you won’t do anything to find yourself in the hospitality of the guards again. A lifestyle like yours all too often leads to an early death.”

[Assistant] “Easy for you to say. Me, I think the air’s too thin to breathe way up high.” And with that, the three of them scurried away.

[User] “What is with them? !” Ferris exclaimed, and stomped on the ground.

[Assistant] “The nerve of those guys! It drives me up the wall! Shouldn’t we have just left them here?”

[User] “A promise is a promise. What’s more, they have some money right now. That means, perhaps, a chance to forge a new path in life.”

[Assistant] “Bah, I think that’s awfully optimistic! Their like never turn over a new leaf. I swear…” Ferris frowned, taking Julius’s faith in the men’s goodness as more than a bit idealistic. Still, his anger quickly cooled. “So what now?” he asked. “What’d that coin tell you? Did you get the name or the face of whoever hired them? Not that Ferri’s sure it would make our missing-person search any easier…”

[User] “A fair point. Well, let me start at the beginning. First of all, that coin was not minted by the kingdom, but by the empire.”

[Assistant] “An imperial gold coin…? So whoever hired those clowns—”

[User] “The answer to that is clear, Ferris. But first… Master Chisha.” He turned to look at the envoy, who waited calmly for him to continue. “Am I correct that we are not apprehending the hunter, but the quarry?”

[Assistant] “Most wise."


[User] "It is as you suspect, Master Julius.” Chisha bowed to him, openly impressed.

[Assistant] Though, was completely baffled. “Can someone explain to me what is going on?”

[User] “Let’s start by clarifying your question. Right now, there are two mysterious members of the empire in your mind. One is the unauthorized entrant whom Master Chisha is pursuing.”

[Assistant] “Right, and that’s…” Cecils, right? Ferris didn’t quite finish his sentence out loud.

[User] “I’m afraid not,” Julius said, shaking his head. He continued like a magician revealing the secret to his sleight of hand. “The runaway is the one who gave the gold coins to our three acquaintances and ordered them to watch over his own pursuer. And if so, what purpose do you think our mutual friend had in coming here?”

[Assistant] “You can’t be saying what I think you’re saying…,” Ferris said, belatedly realizing what Julius already knew.

[User] The other knight smiled as realization dawned on his friend’s face. “We were told two envoys had come from the empire—Master Chisha has a partner we haven’t yet connected with. Cast in that particular role is one General Cecils Segmund.”


[Assistant] With the door closed, the room was dark and silent. Under guard, its occupant hugged his knees to his chest, chewing his fingernails nervously. They were supposed to communicate on a regular basis, but the time for the next report had come and gone. He had set the thugs to tailing the most awful killer in the world—a murderer who was after him. When his bodyguards had informed him that the man had been sighted in the capital, his heart had raced so fast he thought it might explode. Fleeing the capital was an option, of course. But negotiations here were his last chance. He had abandoned his home country and ran to the kingdom in hopes of turning death into life. He’d prepared a souvenir. Now he just had to get it to Six-Tongue. The man had gambled in hopes of doing just that. Now he was waiting to discover if the risk paid off.

[User] “I will win. I can’t lose. It can’t end here… It can’t…!” The man clutched his knees and prayed, trusting his destiny. But then, remembering he had no one to pray to, he took an audible bite of his nails.

[Assistant] “Argh, when are they going to report?! What happened to those thugs?! Why aren’t they here yet? !”""

[User] “Hey!” The man got to his feet and directed a shout outside the room. To his surprise, there was no answer. He frowned to receive no response from the guards who should have been standing just outside the door. Then he swallowed heavily, and in a panic, he scrambled for the sword leaning against the wall in a corner of the room…

[Assistant] “Hullo, hullo! Pardon me for barging in, Viscount Glamdart.”

[User] “Wha…? Ah…?”


[User] !” The door opened, ushering in a comically stiff breeze. Cecils' hand, outstretched for his sword, was in the grasp of a young man wearing a kimono. The guest smiled pleasantly; he was holding a sword that shone with an uncanny light. The older man knew the younger one, of course. Knew his name and how powerful he was. “Cecils Segmund…”

[Assistant] “The very same. Player of the lead role in this world—and faithful blade of His Majesty.”

[User] “M-my guards… What did you do to—? Hrrgh!” It was a foolish question anyway. In the middle of it, Cecils’s foot met the man’s stomach, and the fugitive—Glamdart—went rolling across the floor. He briefly caught sight of blood dribbling on the ground in the hallway. That was all he needed to know about what had happened to the bodyguards. And what would soon happen to him.

[Assistant] “Now that just won’t do, Holstoy, you old dog. When your plans have unraveled, you should see yourself off the stage without delay. The head of your double and your little gift to the kingdom… Truly appalling. A stupendous performance as the villain!”

[User] “W-wait, Segmund…”

[Assistant] “But trying to make off with the empire’s crown jewel, the sky-dragon tamer—that can’t be allowed. Add that to the fact that you were the ringleader of the plot against His Majesty, and a hundred deaths wouldn’t expunge your sin.” The enchanted sword in Cecils’s hand glowed in a way no sword should have been capable of. The Divine General’s eyes were brutal as he informed Glamdart of his crimes; he clearly had not the slightest concern for life. The older man, all too aware of this, clasped his hands together.

[User] “Hear me out, Segmund! The scheme against the emperor was of his own devising—between him and Balleroy! I simply—”

[Assistant] “I’m not interested in your excuses, and I don’t care about your arguments. You targeted His Majesty’s life, absconded with an imperial secret, and worst of all, you continue to cling to the stage when your part has been played out. Let your blood wash away your disgrace.”

[User] “Heeegh—!”

[Assistant] “Ahh, I’m so glad for your sake that I’m the one who found you. I’m much nicer than the emperor, you know. For example, you deserve to die a hundred times, but I’ll settle for once.” Cecils smiled and raised his sword, which seemed to tremble nefariously. Just a flicker of that blade, and the thread of Glamdart’s life would be cut as surely as the sinews of his neck, his consciousness lost forever. Why? Why, despite this terrible knowledge, did the blade look—beautiful?

[User] “And now, farewell.” Those were the last words he heard before the stunning flash of silver descended toward his neck.

[Assistant] “That will be quite enough, Cecils.”

[User] “Oh-ho?” A voice interrupted Cecils in the middle of his stroke, inches before the blade found flesh. The sword came to a halt, and its owner glanced over at the source of the interruption.


[User] He looked pained as he registered the slim, pale man standing in the doorway. But the other man, Chisha, looked no happier. The two Volakian generals stood there, scowling at each other, then they looked down at the man who had fainted on the floor.

[Assistant] "There’s just in time, and then there’s just in time."

[User] "Hmm? Say, what are you doing here anyway, Chisha? Bit of sightseeing?"

[Assistant] "I’m here on His Majesty’s orders, naturally. Orders to find and stop a certain fool who went racing off the moment it became clear that the mastermind behind the recent rebellion had faked his own death with a body double and escaped to the kingdom. Do you need me to specify exactly which fool I’m talking about?" Chisha appeared relieved, in a certain sense, to have both found Cecils and to have found him with his target still alive. The swordsman cocked his head at Chisha’s explanation, then he saw Julius and Ferris behind him. In resignation, he sheathed his sword, but he stomped pointedly on the floor.

[User] "That’s that; all cleared up, then!"

[Assistant] "Uh-uh! Nothing’s clear at all, and I’ll thank you to explain it to me!" Ferris burst in before Cecils could sweep the whole thing under the rug.

[User] Julius let out a sigh at the exact same moment Chisha groaned. They exchanged a look and then a shrug.


[Assistant] "As a matter of fact, we knew from early on that Master Cecils was searching for someone."

[User] "What?! Did I let my objective slip? Very strange. For once, I thought I chose my words carefully…" The four had returned to the Juukulius manor and now sat in a conference chamber. Two royal knights, two imperial generals, and one very charged atmosphere. That said, there was no bloodlust in the air, of course. The real problem had already been resolved, and the story was drawing to its close. Joshua had been relieved to no end at Cecils’s safe return. All that remained was to explain to Ferris what exactly had happened.

[Assistant] "You needn’t worry, Master Cecils. You never once said anything to give away why you were really here."

[User] "Well, that’s a relief. Hmm? Then how’d you know what I was doing?"

[Assistant] "There was nothing in your words that exposed you, true enough, but you dropped clues here and there. Asking Joshua and the serving girls if they had seen any ‘strange people from the empire,’ for example, and sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night… Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend using imperial gold pieces at the marketplace again. That’s the sort of thing people tend to remember."

[User] "What?!" Cecils reached into his kimono and produced his coin purse, staring at it in disbelief. The fact that Cecils had used imperial coinage on the first day they’d met in the capital made him profoundly easy to track. The man was hopelessly unsuited to covert activities.


[User] “You never got to exchange currency, did you, the way you went rushing past that guard post? Guess that’d stand out, for sure.”

[Assistant] “And it led to your undoing. Perhaps I should give you some credit for maturing a little… At least you bothered to come up with a cover story for why you were here.”

[User] “No, that was no cover—I am here for the Sword Saint. Both stories are true.” Cecils could have just as easily let it go without that bit of clarification; Ferris and Chisha had just been coming around to him. Now his fellow general was staring daggers at him again; the empire’s greatest warrior hugged his swords and shrank down.

[Assistant] “But that doesn’t clear everything up. It was perfectly logical to think Chisha was here after Cecils, so how did you know, Julius?”

[User] “Simple enough. If Master Cecils were the runaway, Master Chisha and one other person would never have been able to apprehend him. There could only be one outcome against Volakia’s strongest swordsman—it’s the same problem you and I had.”

[Assistant] “Ahhh… Meow it makes sense.” The spirit mage nodded.

[User] “Embarrassing though it is to admit, I am not such a fine fighter myself, and Cecils would certainly defeat me in the blink of an eye were we to come to blows. His Majesty may order what he wishes, but the impossible remains impossible.”

[Assistant] “Ah! Chisha, you’re showing weakness! I will have to report this to the emperor! To think, a general of the empire mewling like a little baby! Oh, the shame!”

[User] “…I’m sorry to say that if anyone is in for a serious scolding when we get back to the empire, it’s you, Cecils.”

[Assistant] “Why me? !” wailed the Blue Lightning of Volakia, but his fellow general replied only with an irritated look. The easy tone of the exchange suggested they were not merely fellows in arms, but good friends. Perhaps Chisha was supporting Cecils’s endeavors, in his own way.

[User] “Much as my own friends shore up my shortcomings…”

[Assistant] “There you go again, Julius, always putting yourself down. They call you The Finest—you could afford to act like you believe it sometimes!”

[User] “It’s a title I hardly deserve anyway. In any event, I strongly suspected that Master Cecils’s secret goal, and Master Chisha’s stated one, were one and the same. Considering how Master Chisha’s alleged partner never materialized, it made sense to assume that was the role Master Cecils was meant to fill.” That was as much as Julius had grasped about the situation, although he had understood it quite thoroughly.

[Assistant] Chisha nodded as he explained

[User] Cecils laughed uproariously.


[User] "Viscount Glamdart, he was the one behind the plot against His Majesty—remember? You were there. We were quick to relieve him of his head, but wouldn’t you know it, it wasn’t actually him! We got a report that he’d left a body double behind and fled here to the kingdom."

[Assistant] "And in response, someone went running off before His Majesty could even give proper orders. Namely, the empire’s number one general. We thought he would at least pause at the border checkpoint—it never occurred to us he would enter without authorization. The thought made me even more pale than I usually am."

[User] "True, I didn’t have any solid leads, but thanks to Master Julius, I didn’t have to fret about food or shelter while I went after the fugitive—it all worked out."

[Assistant] Chisha’s expression soured more and more as Cecils calmly described his primary worries.

[User] Ferris, meanwhile, turned and stared at Julius. "So mew had ulterior meowtives of your own for inviting Cecils home?"

[Assistant] "For the most part, I meant what I said to you. The one thing I struggled with was whether allowing Master Cecils to wander at will through the capital might not make things far worse between our two countries."

[User] "In that, I concur with you."

[Assistant] "Thus, I chose to come to the castle without my partner, even knowing it might be quite futile. My meeting with you, Master Julius, could be considered quite a stroke of good fortune—or perhaps…"

[User] "…The work of someone who engineered it behind the scenes." Julius said softly, picking up on what the pale man was saying.

[Assistant] "I guess we could call this a fire prevention mission, then." Julius mused.

[User] "Hmmm… And you think we succeeded in preventing the blaze?" Ferris asked Chisha, not looking wholly convinced.

[Assistant] "For my purposes, and with your kind cooperation, all has ended well. The betrayer, Glamdart, has been apprehended, and I was able to locate our wayward general… Now we can at least claim that we entered the kingdom together."

[User] "Furthermore, my house can say, for all intents and purposes, that it never illicitly harbored a general of the empire. That’s provided, of course, that all involved will keep the details of this affair to themselves…" There Julius stopped and looked directly at Ferris.

[Assistant] "Ferris, you are free to say whatever you will, to whomever you will. I leave it to your judgment whether to speak and what to say."

[User] "Sigh…" Ferris pressed a hand to his forehead and shook his head. "I can’t believe you, turning all serious at the last minute.


[User] "Listen up, Ferri’s been treated like nothing but a third wheel this entire time, and that’s what you end on? Julius, you are the most selfish…!”

[Assistant] “…I can understand why you’re angry. What I did was—”

[User] “Argh, that’s not what I’m talking about! How do I always end up in this role?” Ferris pursed his lips, pressing a finger into the cheek of the contrite-looking Julius.

[Assistant] The taller knight twitched, shrugging his slim shoulders.

[User] “Fine, I forgive you."

[Assistant] "But you owe me one. And believe me, I’ll cash in that favor one day.”

[User] “…Yes, certainly. Thank you.” Julius nodded and smiled, thinking how Ferris-like such sullen kindness was. Julius knew now the demi-human would not make an issue of his little deceit on this occasion. Filled with gratitude for that kindness, the spirit mage turned to the two Volakian envoys.

[Assistant] “Well then, shall we go and make our official report about this fine moment of cooperation between the kingdom and the empire?” It was the last little bit of cleaning up they would have to do.


[User] 14 “This concludes our report on the capture of the unauthorized entrant from the empire, Glamdart Holstoy. He will be returned to his homeland to face judgment.” Five were in the captain’s office at the royal guard’s barracks: Julius, Ferris, and the two generals of the empire were presenting the report before the room’s owner, Marcus. The four had all agreed upon the details of their story, to which Marcus was now listening quietly, his eyes closed.

[Assistant] “Allow me to express our utmost gratitude for your prompt acceptance of our admittedly most uncouth request. It enabled us to prevent any further harm to the empire at the earliest possible moment, for which we can only thank you.”

[User] “…I’m certainly glad you were able to catch him before things got out of hand. And if my subordinates were able to be of help to you, then I appreciate knowing I made the right choice sending them with you.”

[Assistant] “Our emperor, His Majesty Vincent Volakia, is a most reasonable man. I’m confident this case will not go without its rewards. Our fervent hope is only that they bring further honor and prosperity to both our nations.” Chisha was careful to express his country’s gratitude in the most elaborate possible terms as they concluded the concocted report. This time, they had agreed, it would be the empire that was in the kingdom’s debt. It was an excellent compromise. Or it would have been…

[User] “Juukulius, Argyle.”

[Assistant] Julius and Ferris, standing side by side, straightened up.

[User] Julius and Ferris, standing side by side, straightened up.

[Assistant] The captain’s gravelly voice made it impossible to guess whether he was about to say something good or bad. The two of them waited silently. Finally…

[User] “…Well done, both of you. I hope I can expect the same in the future.”

[Assistant] Julius and Ferris let out the collective breath they were holding.

[User] Julius and Ferris let out the collective breath they were holding.


[User] They each snapped off a neat salute to cover how relieved they were. “Yes sir.” Julius said after a pause.

[Assistant] “Yes sir, Ferri’s on it!”

[User] And that was the end of the matter. Obviously, they felt guilty about giving a report that didn’t precisely match the facts of the case. But Marcus’s final bit of praise for them somehow freed them of that feeling. It seemed to them that he could tell what had happened. Otherwise, how could they explain why he “happened” to assign Julius and Ferris to work with Chisha? To the end, though, Marcus’s rugged face denied any attempt to read his inner thoughts.

[Assistant] “Ahhh, I’m so glad this is all over. I was told not to talk, but even so, I don’t mind telling you; my shoulders were so stiff…” Now that the interview was over, Cecils stepped forward, clearly very relieved. Despite being at the center of it all, he had acted like a mute doll throughout the report—and now that the official business was at an end, he turned to Marcus with a pleasant grin. “Still, what a pleasure to come face-to-face with Old Cliffside himself, Master Marcus Gildark. I would certainly love to see what I could learn from you in a match…”

[User] “The honor is mine. But I believe I’ll refrain.”

[Assistant] “Hmm, that’s too bad. Really too bad.” The Blue Lightning of Volakia slumped.

[User] “Don’t be too disappointed.” Marcus said with the grin of a true warrior, an expression full of blood and steel. The captain nodded at Cecils. “I know of a much better opponent for you. He’s just come back—and I’m happy to tell you he’s quite open to the idea of accepting your challenge.”

[Assistant] “…! Captain, you don’t mean—?” Julius started.

[User] “Aw, you’ve got to be kidding… You are kidding, right?” Ferris added, all too aware of what Marcus had in mind.

[Assistant] Their shock came from different places, but the result was the same. Their reactions hinted to Cecils what must be going on, that his wish had unexpectedly been granted. “This better opponent—could it be…?”

[User] “The Sword Saint.” Marcus said, putting an end to all doubt. Then he added, “Reinhard van Astrea is awaiting Master Cecils Segmund in the training ground. Just…try not to kill each other.”


[Assistant] “Well now, if this isn’t just the most ideal outcome.” Cecils said as he was led into the arena. He felt for footing beneath his zori, soaking up the countless eyes upon him. He was absolutely savoring the situation, while simultaneously looking forward to what would come next.

[User] “I must say, I’m rather shocked.”


[User] "Perhaps he simply wants to see it for himself—the silver-petaled dance between these swordsmen from the kingdom and the empire."

[Assistant] Almost at the same moment Julius spoke, a murmur ran through the watching crowd.

[User] Reinhard van Astrea paused and smiled at Julius’s voice. The Sword Saint, returned from his inspection, chose a spot several feet away from Cecils and bowed politely. "A pleasure to see you again, Master Cecils. Permit me to welcome you to our kingdom."

[Assistant] "And allow me to apologize for showing up without warning you. I thank you for accepting my impetuous request. Got to say, I’m really surprised."

[User] "Are you now?"

[Assistant] "Mm. Assumed you would turn me down flat. But I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask."

[User] Reinhard only smiled wider at Cecils’s directness.

[Assistant] The man in blue pointedly tapped the hilts of his swords, saying, "You must be tired after such a long trip, but I’m afraid I’m not in any position to hang around here myself. I know that makes things a little unfair—hope you won’t hold a grudge."

[User] "It was my choice to accept your request. I won’t seek any further excuses for my performance."

[Assistant] "Ah, that’s a swordsman. All right, then—" The precombat formalities concluded, Cecils went over to the wall and removed his sandals. Chisha took them from him, and the two envoys from the empire proceeded to have some sort of conversation.

[User] Julius took advantage of the moment to go over to Reinhard and speak to him as well. "Reinhard, I must say, this—"

[Assistant] "Why’d you say yes to such an idiotic request? Are you as stupid as he is, Reinhard?"

[User] "Ferris…" Julius interjected.

[Assistant] Reinhard’s eyes widened, but he responded to Ferris’s attack with no more than a smile and a shrug. "I won’t deny I have a bit of a foolish streak, but I don’t think it’s idiotic to do this. Though, I am touched you’re so worried about me."

[User] "First Julius, now you, Reinhard… Nobody cares about Ferri’s feelings…"

[Assistant] "True, Master Cecils’s request came as quite a surprise. But the captain had a say, too. Go out there and show him just how strong Lugunica is! he told me." Reinhard, trying to imitate Marcus, dropped his voice to a forced growl that didn’t particularly resemble the captain’s at all.


[User] He glanced at the row of high-ranking knights assembled across the training ground, the captain sitting among them.

[Assistant] The craggy old warrior noticed him, grinned, and made a punching motion. "I don’t think he can hear us… Can he?"

[User] “This is the captain’s handiwork, all right."

[Assistant] “Maybe he’s madder at the empire than we realized…”

[User] “I’ve heard the two of you haven’t had an easy time of it. So this fight means something to me. I intend to requite the kingdom’s expectations and my friends’ suffering.” For all that, Reinhard sounded quite lighthearted, still smiling as he turned forward.

[Assistant] Julius and Ferris withdrew, and there was Cecils, waiting for the Sword Saint to make his entrance.

[User] Cecils Segmund, the most powerful fighter in Volakia, sandals off, his two enchanted swords in hand.

[Assistant] “Hold it, Reinhard."

[User] “We don’t have a sword ready for you. Wait there; I can have one prepared in a moment…”

[Assistant] Reinhard carried a sword that was like his own partner, yet custom all but dictated that it never be drawn. Even Julius had never seen it removed from its sheath. Thus, he assumed Reinhard would need a different weapon for this battle, but…

[User] “Don’t worry, Julius. I have a blade right here.”

[Assistant] Reinhard sounded no different than he had a moment earlier. And yet his voice sent a shiver through everyone assembled there. The kingdom’s strongest fighter, the Sword Saint, was about to duel the empire’s supreme warrior, The Blue Lightning. The crowd, gathered in hopes of seeing the battle of a generation, would first be treated to the display of a legendary sword.

[User] “The Dragon Sword Reid…,” somebody said aloud. Whoever they were, they spoke for all present. In Reinhard’s hand was a sword both beautiful and terrible. The blade was unclouded, the steel so finely honed that it did not seem made by human hands. Rumor held that it was a gift from the Sword God. Legend told that it had feasted upon many lives, and that it had even ended the Witch. The audience members were one of the few to ever lay an eye on a near mythical weapon.

[Assistant] “So that’s the fabled Dragon Sword.” Cecils’s heart raced with excitement at the chance to behold the legendary blade. What he felt first and foremost was not terror, or even awe, but gratitude.

[User] “I couldn’t be more grateful, more delighted, or more appreciative to see the sword with my own eyes.”

[Assistant] “I’m not permitted to draw the Dragon Sword except against a fitting opponent. This bout with you will be only the third time I’ve done so… Indeed, you are one who deserves to face the Dragon Sword.” Reinhard was constantly considerate of others and was always respectful. As such, it was not unusual to hear him praise an opponent. But his compliments now held weight that went beyond the words he said. Julius, recognizing this, felt a faint ache in his heart. Could it be…?


[User] "Cecils Segmund, general of the Volakian Empire, first among the Nine Divine Generals."

[Assistant] "Reinhard van Astrea, one of the Knights of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Lugunica, of the house of the Sword Saints." Filled with respect for each other, the two men gripped their beloved blades. Then at the same moment, they burst forth.

[User] "Now the time has come—"

[Assistant] "—To fight!" An instant later, there were flashes of light and blade. The force of the exchanges stirred up a whirlwind in the training ground, and the silver-petal dance rang out, echoing up toward the heavens.

[User] "You know, I learned something from the Sword Saint."

[Assistant] "Really?"

[User] "Yes. I sacrificed everything in my headlong rush to become the strongest, until I discovered I was all by myself at the very height of power… But it turns out I wasn’t alone." Cecils tapped the hilts of his swords, smiling brightly despite the wounds all over his face. "Being strong is a lonely business. There’s no one around you. Yet no matter where you go, you’re never truly alone. Our dear Sword Saint taught me that back in the empire."

[Assistant] "After that, I felt I had to teach the Sword Saint something myself. I had to show him that he wasn’t alone, either. That I was there. And there might even be others who stand with us. That’s what I wanted him to understand."


[User] "You walked a tightrope there… Satisfied now?"

[Assistant] The question came from Ferris, who was visiting the Juukulius mansion now that everything was over. They were in Julius’s room, sharing a drink.

[User] Julius considered the question. Satisfied? Well, what had he even wanted on this occasion?


[User] “In the end, perhaps it was…jealousy.”

[Assistant] “Jealousy…?” Ferris echoed.

[User] The purple-haired knight nodded slowly. Yes, that was it. The prickling Julius felt inside himself sprang from a helpless envy of Ferris and Reinhard, who had already decided the paths they would travel in life. It chilled him to realize how long ago it had begun…

[Assistant] “The very first time I saw Reinhard… I believe then and there was when I gave up the idea of ever standing on equal ground with him. I might speak only too eagerly of how I wish to be friends, how I wish to be equal to him, yet I had already all but given up the notion that I could ever attain the heights he has reached and ever see what he sees from there.”

[User] Then he had averted his eyes from this weakness, playing the part of a fine and knowing friend. His own insistence that he could never stand shoulder to shoulder with Reinhard had blinded him to his burgeoning jealousy.

[Assistant] “At first, it was incomprehensible to me why Master Cecils should want to face Reinhard, knowing he would never prevail. In fact, I think I deliberately chose to not understand. But now I see.”

[User] “Hmm?”

[Assistant] “Talk of ‘equality’ was simply an excuse, a front I used to try to distance myself from both of you. And yet at the same time, I had the gall to wallow in my loneliness when that distance opened up. It was the height of foolishness.”

[User] “So now that you’ve realized that…what does Julius Juukulius do next?”

[Assistant] “Outwardly, I believe he doesn’t change much. I do mean to be friends with you two, on equal terms. But now I’ve finally comprehended what that really means.”

[User] It seemed to Ferris that Julius had taken an awfully roundabout route to get to what struck him as an incredibly simple conclusion. The cat-boy simply put his cup to his lips and gave Julius an exasperated squint.

[Assistant] “Well, if that’s what works for mew, Julius, then I guess that’s all right. Plus, you’ve finally stopped going around looking all sad and serious, like you’ve been doing ever since we got back from the empire.”

[User] “Was it that obvious?”

[Assistant] “Uh-huh. I almost thought mew were eager to see Reinhard fight that guy just so you could feel better. Like a baby, that’s what I thought!”

[User] “I must say, even I’m not quite that uncouth.” Julius rested against the back of his chair as if shoved back by his friend’s particular interpretation of his behavior. There he stayed, soaking in the breeze that blew through the window, and the two of them passed a few minutes in silence. Then Julius had a thought.

[Assistant] “I suppose I do feel better, after a fashion."


[User] “My doubts have been dispelled, and I’ve worked out how to express my feelings.”

[Assistant] “I don’t think you really have to do anything different—you’re already more than equal with Reinhard and me, Julius.”

[User] “I’m touched by that, Ferris, truly. But it’s a matter of coming to accept it myself.” The spirit mage shook his head, gently rebuffing the word of consolation, then peered at the bottom of his empty glass. “I ask myself whether I would be able to appear your equal were we to step onto the same stage.”

[Assistant] “…! Does that mean you’ll help out Ferri and Crusch?”

[User] “I’m thinking it might be more interesting to throw my proverbial hat into the ring as a candidate myself.”

[Assistant] “Pfft, that wouldn’t be meowy interesting at all!”

[User] “I’m only joking.” Julius smiled. Perhaps the drink was going to his head; he didn’t normally make jokes. Ferris likewise turned red when he saw him smile so, and they clinked their empty glasses.


[User] His head was hot, and his mind was ablaze, but a chill coursed through his veins, and he felt like he was gradually freezing over.

[Assistant] “—Rghaaa!” He gritted his teeth and slammed his fists together ferociously, willing his sluggish blood to start moving again. Skillfully using the silver steel covering his arms, he shield-bashed his enemy’s thick arm, the impact shattering the stone pavement below them.

[User] That attack contained every scrap of strength he could muster, and he could feel a powerful reverberation shooting through his shoulder, but there was no indication that it had been a decisive blow. If anything, victory seemed to be getting further and further away with every move he made.

[Assistant] The enormous, black-robed inhuman figure before Garfiel was unmoved. Its eight arms were moving wildly, absorbing his attacks, deflecting them, and delivering their own destructive counters with a practiced precision optimized for killing. Garfiel’s cheeks, chest, and legs were all battered, bleeding, or both. He desperately tried to hold his ground even as his thoughts threatened to scatter from the pain and impact of each blow. He knew his opponent’s four swords were a complete offensive and defensive package—they were the famed set called the Devil Cleavers, the legendary blades wielded by the ultimate god of war. And Garfiel’s opponent was using those famed weapons like an extension of its body.

[User] No, not like an extension. For a warrior who had true mastery and enough experience, a weapon really could become a part of the body. —In which case, based on how this mysterious warrior was using the Devil Cleavers, then maybe—

[Assistant] “—Gah? !” A solid punch connected with Garfiel’s jaw, taking advantage of an opening right as his thoughts had started to wander.

[User] “Bh, gh…aaaa!” His bones groaned, and his vision started going red. The punch had rattled his brain, draining the strength from his knees for an instant. But that brief moment of vulnerability was more than enough to be lethal in mortal combat. And the war god who had once claimed to be the strongest in the land would not miss that moment. Each following its own path, all four swords raced toward a different vital point. The head, the neck, the chest, the waist—if any of these swings connected, Garfiel would die or, at the very least, be unable to keep fighting. And at the moment, he could do nothing to drive back the specter of death fast approaching.

[Assistant] Gritting his teeth, he looked around his reddening world, searching for any way out. And as he desperately clung to life, a phantom came into view, as if amused by his impending doom. A woman in a black robe with a crimson smile was peering down at him in his unsightly state.

[User] “—Eyes up, numbskull!” A roar rang out, followed closely by the sound of steel clashing and the dull thud of something biting into flesh.


[User] A broad, furry back appeared in front of Garfiel, shielding him after he failed to move in time. Ricardo had blocked the swords with his big hunting knife, using his torso to catch the one attack he’d failed to parry. “Gh, gaaah! That hurt, ya son of a bitch!” Coughing up blood, Ricardo pushed back with all his might, knocking away the swords. Taking advantage of the momentum, the war god leaped backward to gain some distance.

[Assistant] Now that he had some breathing room, Garfiel shook his head and adjusted his stance as he stepped forward, lining up alongside the man who had protected him. “My bad, tha—”

[User] “This ain’t the time for that! Are your eyes workin’? !” Ricardo cut off his apology. “It’s do-or-die!”

[Assistant] “Y-yeah, don’t have to tell me twice!” Hearing that, Garfiel tried to harden his resolve. “We gotta go all out just to have a shot at winning…” But even now, he was having trouble. His spirit was flagging like he was a drenched alley cat. Irritation, impatience, and a growing sense of self-loathing churned in his chest, almost as if they were trying to put an end to his miserable self. And his head was filled with a vortex of pointless thoughts, so maybe he really was trying to get himself killed. A powerful enemy was standing before him, one he couldn’t afford to take his eyes off of, and yet a corner of his mind couldn’t help but focus on the black-robed woman flitting in and out of view at the edge of his vision. Even though the city hall they needed to reclaim was right in front of him. Even though his comrades were up there waiting for them to come to the rescue. Even though every second longer he took meant another second of suffering for the girl he needed to help at all costs. “Hoo-ooooooooohh!” Recalling that bloody moment of regret sent his rage past the boiling point, and all the hair on his body stood on end. Goose bumps stood out for a moment before golden fur started appearing as he transformed into a beast. His body creaked as his bone structure changed and his small body grew larger. He would stifle all his unnecessary thoughts, all his self-hatred—everything—and become a tiger to obliterate the foe standing in his way. Transform, Garfiel Tinzel. Mow everything down. If you can do that—

[User] “—But will that really undo everything?” All of a sudden, a bewitching woman’s voice tickled his ears, penetrating the consciousness that had been on the verge of dissipating. It was a voice that shouldn’t exist. And just when it stole away his focus—

[Assistant] “What? !”

[User] There was a thunderous boom from above, and Ricardo was looking up, eyes wide.

[Assistant] Seeing that, Garfiel looked up, too, his green eyes finding a scene that left him dumbfounded. Flames erupted out of the top floor of the building.


[User] An enormous explosion blew out the windows, spewing fire hot enough to melt glass. The source was a black dragon sticking halfway out of the building, its wings covered in blood as they flapped. —That black dragon had to be the loathsome Archbishop of Lust. “General…!” As Garfiel called out to the person who was supposed to be fighting the dragon, the strength he had put into his clenched fangs started slipping away. For a split second, the charred black corpse of his friend appeared in his mind, and his heart leaped into his throat. And because of that, he was slow to react to the violent change that came immediately afterward.

[Assistant] “” Far in the distance, an ear-shattering roar erupted near the city’s walls. The sound of something enormous groaning echoed throughout the city as a fearsome harbinger of what was to come.

[User] Something colossal was approaching the city center, drawing closer to city hall, preceded by a growing tremor running through the ground. When he felt the vibrations beneath him becoming more intense, it set off alarms in Garfiel’s head. “C’mon now, this ain’t even funny……”

[Assistant] Ricardo’s face stiffened beside him. Even someone as brave and fearless in combat as he grew hoarse when faced with something so implacable. It was only natural, though. Because the tremors they were feeling and the deafening boom they had heard were actually—

[User] “—Sir Garfiel! Sir Ricardo! Get to high ground!” A sharp voice broke through the mental freeze that had held Garfiel. The warning came from the Sword Devil, the old man who had been trading blows nearby with the longsword-wielding cultist for the past two minutes. After crossing blades with his opponent one last time, Wilhelm quickly put some distance between them as he prepared to heed his own warning. But even leaping straight up, Wilhelm was unable to clear the gargantuan wave crashing toward them.


[User] "Gh." Wilhelm was swallowed up by a wall of water taller than most of the surrounding buildings.

[Assistant] After witnessing that, Garfiel was only a moment away from suffering the exact same fate. He dug in his heels on the stone pavement, readying himself for the shock—

[User] "—Bgh!" Garfiel's stance was easily broken by the intensity of the onrushing water. Hit by a force like the power of nature itself given form, Garfiel’s body was completely engulfed and at the mercy of the pitch-black world he’d been thrust into.

[Assistant] After what felt like an unbearably long time, his fingers caught on something, so he pulled with all his might, at last dragging his head out of the water.

[User] "Ghah! Daaaamn it all! Where did…everybody go…? !" Having grabbed the metal railing on a rooftop, Garfiel scanned his surroundings. The force of the churning water was ruthless, and everything around him had been consumed by the muddy torrent. Only a handful of particularly tall buildings were just peeking out of the water, and he was barely holding out against the powerful current.

[Assistant] "Boss man! Sword Devil…!" He called out to the other two members of his party, who must have gotten caught up in the same disaster, and he was concerned about where their enemies might have gone off to—but that thought was erased just moments later. As he clung there unable to move, he noticed something happening at the half-submerged city hall. The black dragon spread its wings and started flying away, leaving the upper floor still burning. The dragon was covered in wounds, and its claws dexterously held two people—a green-haired woman and a black-haired boy.

[User] "Gen—" Garfiel’s eyes widened, and he started to call out, but water rushed into his mouth, and he couldn’t breathe. His fingers slipped, and he could do nothing but watch as the two of them were taken away by the enemy—

[Assistant] "—?" Filled with shame, Garfiel desperately fought to keep his eyes on the damned black dragon. And as he did, he saw the dragon’s flight suddenly get disrupted as it let out a shrill cry. The reason was the fangs of a great serpent that bit into the black dragon’s wing. The serpent had suddenly appeared and lashed out at the dragon, calling the dragon a coward and viciously tearing into its wings.

[User] An instant later, the boy was released from the dragon’s claws as it shuddered violently.

[Assistant] "" His eyes wide open, Garfiel could only watch as it happened. He could only watch as the boy was swallowed up by the roiling waters that were in the process of consuming the entire city. He had fallen beneath the surface unconscious and was undoubtedly being carried away by the current, unable to resist, going far away, to a place where Garfiel could not reach him.

[User] "Wait…" Stretching his hand out toward the silhouette that instantly vanished somewhere below, Garfiel was dragged away by another surge.


[User] He desperately kept his head above water, shouting as he was pulled farther and farther away. “Aaaaah!”

[Assistant] Eventually, he slipped beneath the surface, still seeking Subaru Natsuki and cursing his own uselessness. Screaming without making a sound.


[User] "Emilia, are you a virgin? This is crucial." For a split second, Emilia couldn’t process what she was being asked.

[Assistant] "…" She was surprised by the suddenness of the question, but the situation being what it was, she struggled with how she should respond to such an odd confrontation. With only a single blanket to cover herself, Emilia took a deep breath. As she was forced to confront such an incomprehensible situation and try to understand what was going on, Emilia’s instinct was to try to recall everything that had happened so far. —Following an invitation from Anastasia, a fellow royal-selection candidate, she had traveled to the Water Gate City of Pristella, one of the five great cities in the Kingdom of Lugunica. During her time there, she met with Crusch and Felt, two other candidates who had also received invitations from Anastasia, and they all enjoyed the welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. The next day, after a rather tense breakfast, she set off into town with Subaru and Beatrice, running into the Songstress Liliana…and then finding out that Subaru and Beatrice were facing off against one of the Witch Cult Archbishops by themselves. As soon as she learned this, Emilia quickly joined the fight. Their enigmatic foe may have been covered from head to toe in bandages, but she proved to be a powerful opponent, wielding flames and chains with equal skill. Emilia fought her hard, but they had been pushed to a point where defeat was looking inevitable when— What did happen after that? When Emilia came to, she was lying on an unknown bed in a room she did not recognize inside an unfamiliar building. And when she stepped outside the room to see what was going on, she found herself in the hallway face-to-face with a white-haired man dressed in an all-white suit. Standing before him, she was unable to move, even forgetting to breathe. —Who is he, where are we, and why am I here? Now, as Emilia caught her breath and started to think—

[User] "Ah, my apologies. It seems I’ve surprised you. I must admit that was an error on my part." The white-haired man—Regulus Corneas—smiled and raised his hand.

[Assistant] "I am sorry for the sudden question. Truly, I apologize. You see, I’m the sort of man who can genuinely apologize when I believe I am in the wrong. There are utterly unbearable louts in this world who refuse to recognize their own faults and merely shift blame with an unending stream of excuses, but on a fundamental level, I stand apart from such lowly, inferior people. You agree, don’t you?"

[User] "Ummm… Yes, it’s important to be able to apologize from your heart, sure…"

[Assistant] "Just so! That’s it exactly. Being able to apologize is crucial. Thank goodness."