Chapter 3: The Two of Royal Blood

15

“An opportunity has come,” Jubilia reported. “Some incident has sown chaos throughout the palace, and all the superior officers are meeting in the assembly hall. As things are now, I can guide you to the Sovereign.”

Saya nodded. Jubilia had been looking for an opportunity to grant her request to meet Kyou all this time.

“This way.”

She quietly followed the knight through the palace. Just as Jubilia had said, there were far fewer people around than usual. They kept walking for a while without meeting a single soul. After ascending a complex staircase, they arrived at an impressively decorated door.

“Within lies one of Lord Kyou’s living rooms.”

The soldiers standing guard next to the door looked at Jubilia and Saya, then gave them a silent nod.

“I have come to an agreement with them. The royal guards are not a monolithic group.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let us talk after we enter.”

Jubilia opened the door, revealing a violet-carpeted staircase. They began ascending the staircase as Jubilia spoke.

“The guards there are soldiers appointed directly to the Sovereign. They are well aware of Lord Kyou’s desire to meet his elder sister, so going through them was simple. The reason we had to wait until today is because Chairman Gratos’ subordinates had been protecting the passage leading here. However, they aren’t present today. Something dire must have happened.”

“What was it?”

“I have yet to be informed. There seems to have been some manner of insurrection, but information on it is being suppressed.”

Saya was curious as to what exactly an insurrection was, but there was something far more important to her right now. She had to ask Kyou about herself.

“We cannot remain here for long, but we should have enough time for you to speak with the Sovereign a little.”

Another door awaited them at the top of the staircase. There were guards posted outside this one as well. How many doors did they have to place before they were satisfied? What exactly did they have to keep sealed away so deep within this building?

“This is Lady Saya.”

The guard nodded back to Jubilia. “You may enter.”

“It’s Our dear sister!”

Kyou jumped to his feet the moment he saw Saya. His blond hair, which was immaculately well kempt, swayed in the air behind him. His golden eyes sparkled. It was as if there wasn’t a single sorrowful thing in this world.

“You came to play! Ivara, prepare some tea.”

The girl called Ivara gave an elegant bow before leaving through a door further into the room. She was a noble daughter chosen to be the king’s handmaiden because of her tremendous beauty. Her porcelain skin almost made her look more like a doll than a human, however. Perhaps this was an effect of her perfectly combed hair and the uniform that covered her entire body.

“Hello, Kyou.”

“Come now, sit over here.”

Kyou took Saya’s hand with a spring in his step. His hand was soft, much like her own. This was her little brother.

“I came because I have something I want to ask you,” Saya said.

“We shall speak of anything you wish to know.”

His golden eyes bore into her, causing Saya to avert her gaze. For some reason, she felt a little guilty about this.

“I don’t know what I am.”

“That makes sense. We had heard you were bedridden somewhere all this time.”

Saya nodded back ambiguously. Kyou truly appeared to be in a great mood.

“You are Our elder sister. Thus, you are one who possesses the qualifications of being the Sovereign,” Kyou said.

“What’s the Sovereign?”

Jubilia had already taught her about this, but Saya wanted to know what this boy thought of it himself. His answer was far too simple, however.

“Huh? The Sovereign is the Sovereign. The king. The one who rules over the land of Agartha.”

“Why? Who decided this?”

“Who...? Hmm... Maybe the Intelligence?” Kyou answered as he cocked his head to one side.

It was like he had never even tried imagining it for himself. His handmaiden, Ivara, came in with a tray of tea and set it down between Kyou and Saya.

“The tea leaves are from Leshva,” Ivara said, not that Saya knew anything about tea.

Saya took a sip as a mellow aroma filled her nose. The scent was extremely familiar—it was the same smell as the tea she had drunk in the Garden.

“I feel like I’ve had this before.”

“Leshva houses fields exclusive for the use of royalty,” Ivara replied. Her voice was rather thorny for some reason.

“They must have delivered them out to you as well, sister.”

Saya nodded, then returned to the topic at hand. She hadn’t come all the way here just to talk about tea.

“The Sovereign possesses the Sovereign’s Blood and was taught by the Intelligence how to make Amrita. There is Sovereign’s Blood in Amrita. Is that correct?”

“Yes. If not for the Sovereign’s Blood that We have inherited, Amrita cannot be made. If We were to die, you would surely inherit the Sovereign’s Blood. We are the only two members of royalty in this world, after all.”

“The only two?”

“The bloodline of the Sovereign died out in the chaos a long time ago, after the Intelligence left our world. We were the only two to survive. Although We do believe both of us were too young to remember any of it.”

“I don’t remember much of my life before the Forbidden Garden.”

She had repeated the same never-ending days in the Garden, far surpassing the lives of the commoners. During that time, Saya had completely forgotten what she was. No, until recently, she hadn’t been anything to begin with. That endlessly stagnant cycle of days sealed within a birdcage was all there had been to her life. The one who had broken that cycle was the boy who’d fallen through the glass ceiling.

To Saya, Nagi himself was her future. But right now, she was once more locked inside a cage—a prison filled with the rich scent of tea.

“We knew nothing of your existence either, sister. Everyone was hiding you from Us. But one day, someone let it slip.”

“Who?”

“It was Lernaean. He didn’t mean to, but We didn’t let it slide.”

Kyou puffed out his chest in pride, but Saya’s instincts told her that wasn’t the case at all. He hadn’t let it slip; Lernaean had said it on purpose in order to make sure Saya was brought here. Her conviction that he was the mastermind behind all of this was solidified.

“We pressed Lernaean for answers and learned of your existence. We wanted to meet you, but Gratos wouldn’t allow it. He said you were bedridden in the Garden, so We couldn’t see you.”

So, Gratos had been opposed to the idea. Lernaean and Gratos were apparently in disagreement over how to handle Saya.

“However, a bandit entered the Garden and kidnapped you, and Lernaean brought you back here.”

Saya instinctively grimaced at the word “bandit.” Kyou misinterpreted her reaction.

“Our apologies, sister. We heard you were safe, but you must have been terrified.”

“No, that’s not the case.”

“What happened to the bandit, anyway?” Kyou muttered. “ A simple execution wouldn’t suffice for the crime of frightening Our dear sister. We must inflict as much pain upon him as possible before bestowing a gruesome death. Those filthy commoners are truly repulsive.”

“Don’t call them filthy commoners,” Saya spontaneously said in a strong tone.

Kyou’s eyes grew to the size of saucers, and Ivara’s narrowed. The loyal servant was apparently unaccustomed to her lord being reproached like this.

“You are very kind, sister.”

“Aren’t the commoners your people?”

“Precisely. A king must protect such weaklings. Such is the Sovereign’s duty.”

There was no malice in his tone. Saya was unable to understand exactly what Kyou thought of the commoners. As such, Saya brought up exactly what was on her mind.

“What about the Crestfolk?”

“Lady Saya!” Jubilia interjected, but she didn’t make it in time.

“How dare you?!” Ivara bellowed.

It was unforgivable to mention that detestable name in front of the Sovereign. Saya didn’t know that it would be punishable by death if not for her special position. In contrast to those panicking around them, Kyou himself only tilted his head. He didn’t know. The Sovereign had no idea the Crestfolk even existed.

Suddenly, Saya realized that this king knew pretty much nothing about the world he ruled. Setting aside her discouragement, she continued asking her questions. There had to be something Kyou knew.

“Kyou, can you use a blood caliber?”

A vein bulged on Ivara’s brow at Saya’s tremendously rude question, but Saya had stopped paying attention to her by now. She was being allowed to ask, so she was going to ask everything she could.

“No. Royalty do not possess blood calibers.”

“Is that so?”

Saya found this unexpected and gave Jubilia a look.

“I don’t know,” Jubilia responded with a shake of the head. “This manner of question is beyond my status to begin with.”

Saya secretly believed that her blood caliber was what had killed the Garden’s guard when she was with Nagi. Was she mistaken, though? Just remembering that moment was chaotic and squeezed at her heart. She couldn’t think about it with a cool head.

“There’s absolutely no need for royalty to fight. It is our role to rule from the very moment we are born. The reason nobles possess a blade is because it is their duty to protect the Sovereign,” Kyou said, letting out a small chuckle. “If not for that, it would be like insinuating neither of us are adults yet, wouldn’t it?”

Kyou was apparently joking, but his words left a strangely strong impression on Saya. Kyou knew nothing. He was just like a child. Jubilia had said that a noble’s outward appearance reflected the maturity of their mind. Kyou’s childish figure certainly did, just like Saya’s.

“Only the two of us were born for the sake of ruling this world. So, if we are to wed, we shall rule this world for eternity.”

His words were endlessly innocent.

“Umm, what do you mean by wed?”

“Getting married. You, and Us.”

Now that he mentioned it, she recalled him saying something similar before.

“I feel like that’s a little strange, though. What do you think, Jubilia?”

“With all due respect, marriage between siblings is avoided by both commoners and nobles.”

Kyou glared at Jubilia. “That is surely because of the effects it can have on children. We have no need to have any children. Even without Amrita, royalty lives forever.”

“Dear knight, my liege’s thoughts are fathomless. They cannot be weighed by the standards of others,” Ivara said to Jubilia.

“Pardon my discourtesy.”

“It isn’t something you can simply apologize for.”

Jubilia broke into a sweat. Ivara’s status was likely higher than hers. It had been a mistake for Saya to imprudently pass the topic over to her.

“Thank you for the tea,” Saya said, forcing a change of subject as she stood up. She had just finished her cup, anyway.

“Are you leaving already?” Kyou asked.

“I can’t stay here too long. It’d be troublesome if Gratos or the like finds out, right?”

“That scoundrel... He’s so tiresome. Please come by again, sister.”

“If the opportunity arises.”

“We shall definitely prepare another such opportunity,” Kyou declared, then hesitantly asked, “How was the tea?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Saya replied, “It was a nostalgic flavor.”

With that, she excused herself and left Kyou’s room. Upon arriving at her own room, she found someone inside: Lernaean.

“I have been waiting for you.”

Just like always, this man with glamorous hair and a bulky body gave off a regal yet terrifying presence. He was the very embodiment of a noble. His aura was so powerful that Saya’s room seemed like an entirely different place altogether.

“Jubilia, you told him?”

“Lord Lernaean assisted with getting in touch with the royal guards.”

“Well, that makes sense. You are this man’s subordinate.”

This was Jubilia they were talking about. She was serious about abiding by the pecking order. Of course she would’ve reported everything to Lernaean. It was perfectly obvious now that Saya thought about it, but she was a little disappointed. She had started to take a liking to this serious knight, but the woman still wasn’t her ally. After being thrown a light glare by Saya, Jubilia looked at the floor.

“How was it?” Lernaean asked.

Saya didn’t feel like answering him honestly. She simply decided to speak of the most inconsequential part of her conversation with Kyou.

“He proposed to me.”

“What a foolish child. I can understand why he yet maintains such an infantile form. Well, Gratos and the like say this is a special circumstance of being the Sovereign, though.” Lernaean’s choice of words was so sharp one wouldn’t think he was speaking of his liege. “Don’t you feel the same way?” he asked.

“I do,” Saya answered. She was actually in complete agreement. It was surely intentional on his part. “So, what do you want?”

“Is there not something you would like to say to me yourself?”

There certainly was. It was now clear after speaking with Kyou that this man was the one who had plotted to bring her here. That was why she had to ask him directly.

“What do you plan on making me do by bringing me here?”

“That is precisely why I am here. I have a request of you, Lady Saya. However, before that, I’d like to hear your greatest wish.”

“My wish?”

“Think of it as our terms of agreement. In exchange for granting my request, I shall grant you one wish. Not a bad deal, is it?”

Despite there being an air of refinement to his voice, Saya could sense the risk in accepting his proposition. She couldn’t strike a deal with this man, so she believed. Yet she still felt compelled to speak nonetheless.

“I want to leave this place. And I want you to leave me alone.”

“Will you live with that boy, then?”

Lernaean had completely seen through her. Saya’s cheeks grew hot with embarrassment.

“Very well. He’s much better than that boy who calls himself a king. If he’s still alive, that is.”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems there has been an assault on Ronadyphe Prison. Information on those who performed the attack is a mess. Some say it was the Tainted... the Crestfolk, that is. Others say it was Cobalt. The attackers ultimately won, but there were heavy casualties on both sides. It wouldn’t be strange for one excitable boy to be among them, don’t you think?” Lernaean told her with a gentle smile.

“Nagi can’t die,” Saya responded, relying on her feelings without an ounce of reasoning.

“Anyone can die. Even us nobles. Well, it’s not determined that he’s dead. The probability is actually pretty low. Almost all the deaths on their side were apparently Crestfolk, after all.” Despite saying information was a mess, Lernaean spoke as if he had seen it for himself. “I shall grant your wish. But first, I would like you to fulfill my request.”

Saya held her breath, wondering what kind of request he would make of her. And what came was something she couldn’t expect at all.

“I want you to save this world.”

“Huh?”

“You should have witnessed the disastrous state of this world for yourself. The degenerate nobles, the oppressed commoners, and the Crestfolk whose very existence is denied.” Lernaean knitted his well-shaped brows. His eyes reflected a deep sorrow. “Nobles have forgotten their obligations and instead condemn the commoners. Commoners take that resentment and turn it on the Crestfolk, who are beneath them... Who do you think lies at the roots of this chain of hatred?”

This was a rhetorical question. As proof of this, Lernaean only paused briefly before continuing in a resonant voice.

“It is the Sovereign, along with the congressmen who borrow his authority, the members of the Traditionalists with Gratos at their core. We members of the Sovereignty Faction fight against them.”

Jubilia said worriedly, “Lord Lernaean, others may hear you.”

“There are no ears here. Be at ease,” he told her with a smile.

“So, what do you expect me to do?” Saya asked.

“Can’t you tell? You are the one and only member of royalty aside from that boy. Why do you think that foolish child has sat upon the throne for so long? There was nobody to replace him. Gratos hid you within the Garden so that he could create such a situation.”

Saya now knew the reason she had been confined within that miniature garden.

“But things have changed. There is someone who can replace him: you. Your very existence shakes the foundation of Gratos’ faction. It’s possible to reclaim the authority they have taken for themselves.”

“Are you telling me to become the Sovereign?”

“If you wish to.”

“I don’t want to be a queen or anything like that.”

“That is perfectly fine.”

“Huh?”

“The Sovereign is only required to create Amrita. It’s strange for there to be any authority to accompany that position. That boy doesn’t spare a single thought for this world or those who live in it. A system where someone like that stands at the peak is wrong. You can be the Sovereign. Kyou can be the Sovereign. It doesn’t matter either way, so long as the one who stands on top is one who truly considers the state of this world. According to legends, there was once a world where there was no Sovereign.”

“A world with no Sovereign...”

“It sounds like nothing more than a dream, doesn’t it? First, Gratos must be brought down. This brings me to my next point: I have obtained two weapons to do so.”

“Two?”

“The first is you. Your very existence shakes their foundation, after all. That’s why I would like to make your existence public.”

“How do you plan to—no, that can wait. What’s the other?”

“Cobalt.” The name that spilled from Lernaean’s lips was beyond unexpected. “You saw them too, didn’t you? Despite being commoners, they killed a knight. When I saw them fight, a thought came to mind—I wondered if I could form a common front with them.”

Lernaean had stolen Saya from Cobalt’s base. Had he been thinking of such things even as he attacked them with his blood caliber? Saya trembled at the magnitude of his schemes.

“They were just as I hoped they were. They managed to capture Ronadyphe Prison, of all places. The resulting uproar has turned the palace upside-down.”

Saya didn’t know what was so significant about Ronadyphe Prison, but there was no mistaking that it had been a major incident, and that Nagi had been involved in it.

Lernaean laughed with pleasure. “Aah, that boy... Nagi, was it? It seems he’s also part of Cobalt. He’s safe, even now.”

What was with this conversation? Lernaean had been acting as if he knew everything. How much of this was all just a part of his plan?

Saya mustered up all her courage. “What are you trying to get me to do?”

“As I said before, I would like to make your existence public. It’s simple. You just have to follow me for a short while. Unfortunately, it’ll be nothing but worthless banquets and the like.”

“That’s all?”

“In this way, we will gather numerous allies. It’ll be fine, nobles live long and boring lives. They’re all starved for stimulation. Everyone will surely be entranced with the sudden arrival of a beautiful princess.” Lernaean held out his hand. “Cobalt will destroy this country from the outside while you destroy it from within. After that, you may live as you please.”

Feeling like she had no other choice, Saya gripped his hand. She had no other way of getting out of here. Lernaean’s ice-cold hand caused a chill to settle in her heart.

16

On the night of Ronadyphe Prison’s conquest, Nagi was unable to get a wink of sleep. After he had been tossing and turning for some time, Tess and Bandore paid him a visit.

“Nagi, I’d like you to come with us,” Tess said. “Crow told us that Dimitri guy is going to talk, so we should bring a representative for the Crestfolk.”

“Why me?” he asked. After all, Nagi wasn’t a Crestfolk himself.

“I’m pretty bad with this stuff, and the others are even worse. Tess here has the chief’s trust. Besides, I have some other stuff to do,” Bandore told him. “Tess is clever, but I’m a little anxious leaving her on her own. She wants to take you along, too.”

“There’s nobody else?”

“Nope. All the people we brought are good at fighting but bad at thinking. Anyway, you’re Keele’s little brother, so you’ve got some clout, yeah?”

“Isn’t Keele exactly the right person for this?”

“That guy’s no good. His personality is kinda... you know. He’s Cobalt, through and through.”

Bandore was hinting at the friction that was beginning to form between the original Cobalt members and the new Crestfolk additions.

“So am I, though.”

“You’re our guest,” Bandore insisted.

“Fine.”

“Thanks, Nagi. You’re a big help,” Tess said.

Bandore nodded. “My work here is done, then. I’m off.”

“Where’s he going?” Nagi asked once he’d left.

“He’s going around the other villages to gather warriors. We know we can win now, so there should be more people out there who want to join.”

“I see.”

Nagi couldn’t say anything else. More people were sure to die. Nevertheless, stopping now would be unforgivable.

“Let’s go, Nagi.”

The main members of Cobalt—including Crow, Senak, and Keele—were gathered in a meeting room in the prison. Dimitri was seated in the chair farthest to the back.

“We’re here as Garuga Village’s representatives,” Tess declared as she and Nagi entered the room.

“You?” Keele asked, looking at Nagi and cocking his head.

“Nagi is a guest of the village. Bandore accepted him.”

“Well, I guess that works out fine. The guys in the village are all dumbasses. You’re more likely to get what we’re sayin’.”

Tess clicked her tongue in irritation.

“Everyone’s here now, so let us begin,” Crow said as he scanned the room. “We have successfully captured the prison. This is only the beginning, however. This fight was for the sake of freeing Dr. Dimitri here. He is the one who developed the very same Halahala that ensured our victory.”

“I told you that stuff was just a failure.”

“Don’t be like that. In any case, now that we have Dr. Dimitri’s cooperation, we can produce our own Halahala. Thanks to that, we can fight without worrying about our inventory.”

“What about the ingredients?” Nagi asked. This was the reason Crow had sought Saya’s help to begin with.

“There’s no need to worry about that anymore. We have procured a reliable source.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nagi asked.

“Let’s save the details for a later date. Right now, the information Dr. Dimitri has brought us takes priority. We’re having this meeting to share this information. Professor, please inform them of what you told me.”

“I’ve been repeating myself quite often, but I would like all of you to understand that what you call Halahala is nothing but a failed experiment. Do you hear me?”

Dimitri glanced around the room as everyone nodded back at him in a hurry.

“Hmm, good. The goal of my research to begin with was to uncover the secrets behind Amrita and the Sovereign’s Blood. To this day, far too little is known about them. There’s no mistaking that they were brought about long ago by the being known as the Intelligence. We still do not understand the reason behind this, however.”

“You mean that Intelligence?” Nagi asked.

Dimitri nodded. “I haven’t delved much into information regarding the Intelligence. Such research belongs in the realm of theologians. My own research concerns Amrita; I aim to learn more concerning the synthesis of this drug of immortality.” He paused as he locked eyes with Nagi. “ You, what do you know about Amrita?” Feeling pressed to answer, Nagi replied, “It’s made using the blood we give during the Blood Offering Festival, right?”

“Exactly! Also, there’s one other important ingredient. Do you know what it is? Then... you there, answer for me.”

“Sovereign’s Blood, right? You just said so yourself,” Senak replied after being singled out.

Dimitri didn’t pay an ounce of attention to Senak’s annoyed expression and simply continued his lecture. “Yes! By mixing Sovereign’s Blood with commoner blood and refining it, Amrita is created. The method itself is top secret and only known to a select few nobles. So, I tried to replicate it.”

The scholar’s eyes were sparkling. He was immersed in his own madness just from speaking about it.

“However, I couldn’t get my hands on Sovereign’s Blood. That’s why I tried all sorts of things by using noble blood as a substitute first. The result was Halahala. I suppose you could say it’s a failed replication of Amrita. Thinking back on it now, it truly was a pointless endeavor. The effect granted by Amrita comes from the Sovereign’s Blood to begin with, after all.”

There was great passion in Dimitri’s voice.

“To put it tremendously roughly, Amrita is the dilution of Sovereign’s Blood with commoner blood. Diluting it too much will make it lose its effect. That’s when I came up with an idea: there’s something the Intelligence planted within the Sovereign’s Blood. Commoner blood acts both as a solvent and as fuel. The foundation of life within commoner blood reacts with something within the Sovereign’s Blood to grant the recipient life itself. That’s how Amrita works. In truth, noble blood can also be used for the dilution process. They simply don’t do it because it’s meaningless to take noble life to grant noble life.”

Dimitri then turned his attention over to Nagi and Tess.

“Oh, you two over there, you’re Crestfolk, right? I don’t know much about the Crestfolk, but it’s said their blood can’t be used as an ingredient for Amrita. It’s as if there’s some sort of impurity mixed within. Tainted is quite the appropriate term for it.”

“How dare you!” Tess snarled.

“Oh, there’s no need to get angry. I simply stated the truth. Have you noticed, I wonder? Why is it that the Crestfolk have much longer lifespans than commoners? They say it’s because they don’t participate in blood offerings, but that alone wouldn’t do the trick. It’s possible that something akin to Amrita is at work. That’s what I mean by impurity. In a sense, you could say the Crestfolk are actually closer to being royalty. Mmm! This is a wonderful theory!”

Humming a tune, Dimitri started scribbling down his own thoughts. Nagi understood why this man had been thrown into a prison; his ideas defied the very essence of their society.

“Even nobles live short lives when deprived of Amrita. Actually, to put it bluntly, there’s nothing biologically different about nobles and commoners. Meaning... right. Nobles resemble commoners, while the Sovereign resembles the Crestfolk... I see, I get it now.”

Groans began to spread throughout the meeting room. The words Dimitri had stated as obvious were far too radical for the members of Cobalt who were trying to rebel against the nobles. Dimitri paid them no mind at all as he continued.

“Well, there’s much about the Crestfolk that remains unknown. I’ve been incapable of obtaining any samples,” Dimitri grumbled, then suddenly grinned as he shot a glance at Tess. “Oh, right! If you lend me your cooperation, I’m sure I can ascertain all sorts of information! I’d be truly grateful if you could provide me with blood or a corpse... No, while we’re at it, a living body which I can thoroughly examine would be amazing!”

“Definitely not.”

“Why?” Dimitri was disheartened by her rejection.

“Professor,” Crow cut in, “you’ve gone off track. Get back to Amrita.”

“Mm. In the end, I managed to get my hands on some Sovereign’s Blood using some rather extreme methods. I even succeeded in producing Amrita. Well, I was arrested for it, though.”

As the man spoke, Nagi realized something extremely important. “You can make Amrita?”

“If I have Sovereign’s Blood, yes. I even have proof. I secretly stashed away the Amrita I made before I was arrested. There’s not a lot of it, though. Having said that, there’s enough for everyone here... Oh, the two Crestfolk excluded. Everyone else would be able to become immortal for a while if they consumed it.”

Nagi felt as though he had just been punched. What had this madman just said? Nearly everyone here could become immortal?

“So, as long as you had some Sovereign’s Blood, you could mass produce it?” Crow asked to get things moving along.

“Of course. But it’s quite the pain to get, just so you know. I mean, I was jailed for it, so I would know. I threw quite a lot of money around and cozied up to a close aide of the Sovereign, but the Sovereign himself didn’t even seem to know the blood offerings existed. I have no idea how they conceal it from him.”

“Then how did you get Sovereign’s Blood?” Crow asked.

“I stole some from a crate being brought to the royal palace for the production of Amrita.”

“Wouldn’t it have been guarded by a tight security detail?”

“Naturally, but it’s always possible to find an opening. In any case, an opportunity comes around every year during the Blood Offering Festival. I’ve got all the time in the world, so I can just wait for the right opportunity. A few decades are nothing for the sake of accomplishing that.”

“You’re a noble?” Nagi asked. He took a look at Dimitri’s graying hair. He didn’t look anything like a noble.

“More or less. Oh, my hair? My dosage of Amrita was slashed while in prison, so I’ve been aging little by little. That’s the kind of punishment we receive. It’s what works best against nobles, who tend to think they can live forever. I thought I’d go insane. If not for the passion for my research, I probably would’ve lost my mind long ago.” Dimitri laughed, but everyone else in the room was under the impression he was already insane.

Crow took over from there. “If we’re capable of taking the royal palace, we’ll be able to capture the Sovereign. That way, we can also get some Sovereign’s Blood. If it goes well, we’ll be able to distribute the Amrita the nobles have been monopolizing to everyone in Agartha.”

“I see. That’s a great idea! But distributing it to all the people might be rough. The Sovereign will dry out completely if you do that.”

“In that case, there’s also the option of distributing Amrita in rotations. That’ll be enough to extend everyone’s lifespan beyond what they have now, right?”

“Well, depending on the amount... yeah. Besides, my research should be able to advance dramatically. I might be able to make Amrita without relying on the Sovereign’s Blood this time! No! I’ll prove I can do it! Even if it takes centuries!”

“Amrita doesn’t work on us, right?” Tess asked.

“I might even be able to do something about that. Nothing is impossible unless it’s thoroughly tested and proven otherwise.”

Dimitri spoke with a glimmer in his eye. He could already clearly picture himself continuing his research with a large supply of the Sovereign’s Blood at his disposal.

“If we make this public, we should be able to find more allies among the commoners who have been uncooperative up until now,” Crow said with confidence.

He wasn’t wrong; so Nagi thought. Just the allure of living a little longer had been enough to motivate Nagi to sneak into the Garden. Many would surely leap into action if Amrita was dangled before them.

Nagi recalled the faces of the people of Strano Village. Unlike before, he could see many of them lending a hand. And if that happened in every village of Agartha... Just imagining it sent a chill down Nagi’s spine.

“Do you understand now? Our next objective is to secure the Amrita the professor has hidden away. Once we have that, we’ll expand our influence.”

Crow’s words resounded throughout the meeting room.

17

Even though it was nighttime, it was bright as day. The nobles gathered here were dressed to the nines, and a flowery scent permeated the air. At Lernaean’s insistence, Saya was visiting the residence of an influential noble.

“Your dress today suits you, as always.”

Saya was wearing a jet-black dress this time. It was tailored to match her girlish body. The outfit splendidly brought out her silver hair and red eyes. When she had first seen herself in a mirror, even she had felt a little charmed.

“I’ve said it many times already, but it doesn’t make me happy to hear that from you.”

She ached to show herself off to a certain commoner boy instead, but that day would never come. The sheen of the fabric showed how tremendously expensive this dress was. A commoner could go their entire life without seeing such a thing.

“How harsh,” Lernaean said with a refreshing smile.

He was also wearing a luxurious outfit to fit the evening party. It suited him so well that Saya hated it. When he grinned in response to her looking him up and down, she felt nauseous and averted her gaze.

“I think you look wonderful as well, Jubilia,” Saya said.

“Erm, thank you. I’m not used to this sort of clothing, though, so it’s a little hard to move in.”

Jubilia blushed. She was also wearing a dress. It was a subdued amethyst color with an elegant, minimalistic style. Nevertheless, the soft and mature womanly curves which were usually hidden beneath her uniform were far more charming than any unnecessary decorations. Her blonde hair was tied up in a different manner than usual as well.

“I can’t seem to calm down without my sword. I am here as your guard.”

Lernaean sneered. “What purpose is there in that? So long as you have your blood caliber, there is no point in bringing a sword along.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Lernaean had been continuously bringing Saya out to evening parties as of late, all for the sake of accomplishing his goal.

“You made it!” shouted the owner of the residence, waddling his way over.

He was a stereotypical noble, with a plump body. He was rather low in rank, but he held much influence in the capital because of his successful business ventures. That was what Saya had been told on their cogwagon ride here, at least.

“Lord Granapalt, Lady Saya, thank you for coming this evening. It truly is an honor to have the rumored Silver Princess visit my abode.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Lord Rudike,” Saya said with a courteous bow.

The baron was deeply moved. “Ooh, how lovely.”

The guests were astir upon seeing Saya’s figure as she entered the estate’s ballroom. After ten days of showing herself at evening parties, she had become a celebrity. The topic of the Sovereign’s older sister, who had been hidden up until now, had spread like wildfire among the nobles. They were constantly trading tales of her unusual silver hair, red eyes, and sweet appearance. It seemed many people had already asked Lernaean to bring Saya to them.

Her job was simple. All she had to do was show up to parties, exchange a few greetings, present herself pleasantly to those around her, then leave immediately after. Lernaean apparently wanted to avoid having her stay at the parties for too long.

“It would cause your mystique to fade,” he had said. Saya was actually grateful for this; she was completely clueless about the necessary etiquette, to say nothing about her complete inability to dance. Still, Lernaean didn’t mind. Allegedly, the nobles only sought the honor of having the rumored Silver Princess visit them.

She was planning to leave right away this time as well, but that didn’t come to pass. Right when she thought it was about time to head back, a maid rushed over to Lernaean and whispered something in his ear. His expression changed completely, which Saya found unusual. Had something that serious occurred? The reason for his expression quickly became apparent.

“Everyone, your attention please! The Sovereign is here!” cried one of the baron’s attendants.

Kyou, Gratos, and Ivara entered to the announcement. The guests were shocked by the impossible situation before them.

“The Sovereign himself has come to a baron’s estate?” someone muttered.

The host of the party, Baron Rudike, ran over and prostrated himself before Kyou.

He began, “For you to grace us with your presence in such a—”

“Lord Rudike,” Gratos interjected, “we’ll be intruding on your party. Forgive me, but this was the Sovereign’s wish.”

“There is no need to apologize! For you to come to such an insignificant affair in this humble abode of mine, I...”

“It truly is an insignificant party. You should not be in such a place, sister.” Kyou’s voice, cold as midwinter ice, sent shivers through all the guests, not to mention poor Rudike. It was the first time Saya had seen this side of Kyou.

“So, you really have been dragging Lady Saya around. I’m astonished, Lord Granapalt,” Gratos said.

“You say the strangest things,” Lernaean replied indifferently. “It was our liege’s request for me to bring Lady Saya around like this.”

“What?”

“Our liege stated that all of Lady Saya’s requests are to be granted. She asked to know about noble society. Thus, I have brought her here.”

Saya nodded as Lernaean prompted her for confirmation. Gratos definitely remembered the conversation himself. He made a bitter expression and fell silent.

“There is no worth in seeing such a pathetic party, sister.”

“That’s not true. All of this is new and unusual to me.”

The people around them began murmuring when they saw Saya speak with Kyou as if they were equals. Her next words caused even more ripples, however.

“I wonder how long a commoner could live on the money required for this single dress. They would surely never eat such overly luxurious food in their entire lives... And still, you call this party insignificant.”

Saya’s words decisively leaned in favor of commoners. The Traditionalists, led by Gratos, and the Sovereignty Faction, led by Lernaean, were in the middle of a heated argument in Congress over the treatment of commoners. The guests were left with the impression that Saya’s statement was very close to Lernaean’s position on the matter.

“Who cares about mere commoners? We shall prepare an even more beautiful dress for you. We shall also provide as much food as you’d like.”

“That’s not what I’m saying. The commoners live in poverty while offering their very lives to nobles; then they die. Why is that? Why was our world made this way? I want to know.”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s because both commoners and nobles all belong to the Sovereign,” Kyou declared. “And you also belong to Us, sister!”

“That’s wrong,” Lernaean refuted. “With all due respect, my liege, Lady Saya is the one and only member of royalty aside from yourself. Her standing should be right up there next to yours.”

“What are you saying?” Gratos shouted. “The Sovereign’s Blood chose Lord Kyou. That’s why he is the Sovereign. Even if she is his elder sister, she is no different from any other noble.”

“Hmm. Unfortunately, a youngling such as myself has never lived to see royalty other than these two. However, Chairman Gratos, you were alive at such a time, were you not?”

“I was.”

“In the time when multiple members of royalty coexisted at once, I’ve heard there was an order of succession. Lady Saya and Lord Kyou are twins. What happens to the succession in this case?”

“You know full well, you shameless little...!”

“Please answer me.”

“In such a case, the order of succession is equal. Hence, Lord Kyou was chosen.”

“If I may ask: why? Furthermore, why has Lady Saya’s existence been kept hidden for such a long time?”

“The answer to both questions is the same. Lady Saya had a weak constitution. She was bedridden the entire time from sickness. She has healed over the long flow of time and is now finally able to travel outside, with accompaniment. We have been concealing her existence out of consideration for her safety.”

“I don’t remember that,” Saya said, to which Gratos nodded.

“Of course you don’t. You’ve been sleeping all this time, after all.”

“So, Lady Saya was not chosen as the Sovereign because of her weak constitution?” Lernaean asked.

Gratos shook his head. “Nobody decides who will rule. The Sovereign’s Blood chooses. Has even this knowledge been lost to time? Or perhaps you’re pretending not to know.”

“It’s chosen by blood?” Saya asked.

“Lady Saya, the Sovereign’s Blood chooses who would be most suitable to rule among all members of royalty at the time of succession. No one may interfere.”

“I’ve heard of this theory,” Lernaean said. “That scholar came up with it, didn’t he?”

“No, it’s truly the case. It was common sense at the dawning of Agartha. That mad scholar simply discovered it in the ancient records. The Sovereign’s Blood chooses the most suitable ruler at the time. In the event that the Sovereign dies, as unforgivable as such an event would be, or if the Sovereign loses their qualifications to rule, the Sovereign’s Blood will be inherited by the next member of royalty.”

“So, Lord Kyou was chosen in such a way, you say.”

“That’s right. Pretty much all members of royalty lost their lives during the time of chaos. Only the twins here survived, and the Sovereign’s Blood deemed our liege fit to rule.”

“So, for argument’s sake—and I assure you, I mean nothing of it—say something were to happen to Lord Kyou. What then?”

“Say anymore and I’ll consider this treason, Granapalt!” Gratos roared.

Kyou held him back. “Calm down, Gratos. That’s why We’ve been saying that We should wed our sister. By doing so, everyone’s problems will vanish, won’t they?”

“I refuse,” Saya blurted.

Fires of rage blazed in her heart. Royalty? The Sovereign’s Blood? The order of succession? Hidden away due to a weak constitution? Having to wed Kyou? What were these people even talking about? How could they say such things as though she weren’t there? Why did they get to decide on everything of their own accord?

“Do you mean that, sister?”

“I have no intentions of marrying you.”

The Sovereign’s expression went blank, but only a moment later, his face contorted in anger.

“Curse you, Lernaean! You’ve tricked Our sister!”

Kyou moved to turn on Lernaean, but Saya shook her head.

“You’re wrong. It has nothing to do with him. I don’t know about marriage, but there’s someone I want to see again.”

Saya possessed very little of her own; all she had was a single, precious memory. She wouldn’t allow that to be trampled underfoot, which was why she couldn’t stop her mouth from moving.

“And who in blazes is that?! What sort of status does he hold?! It’s impossible for Us, the Sovereign, to be inferior to anyone!”

“He has no status at all.”

Saya met Jubilia’s gaze. As a lower-ranking member of nobility, Jubilia was not allowed to speak up here, so she tried to stop Saya with her eyes. She knew full well what Saya was about to say next, so she silently pleaded with her to keep her mouth shut. Saya understood, but she couldn’t help herself. She had to say it to reaffirm her own identity.

“The person dearest to me is a commoner, after all.”

A commotion broke out in the crowd. The guests had been enjoying themselves at first; it had looked to them like there was a rivalry going on over Saya’s love between Kyou and Lernaean. Before they knew it, it had become an extension of the debate going on in Congress. However, even if the ones participating were higher on society’s ladder than normal, this type of political debate was inevitable during evening parties. They could simply enjoy themselves while listening and having some wine.

But what about now? The Sovereign’s older sister, of all people, had just declared she chose a commoner over the Sovereign. The guests had no idea how to take it and were left in complete confusion.

Saya scanned the faces of the spectators. Completely shaken, Kyou couldn’t bring himself to speak. His handmaiden, Ivara, was glaring at Saya with burning rage. If it were possible to kill someone with a glare, Saya would have been dead by now. Jubilia looked like she regretted her inability to stop Saya, while also showing concern for her. Lernaean’s expression bore a mix of shock and irritation; it seemed this affair had thrown his plans into disarray.

As for Gratos, his eyes looked cold, as if they didn’t reflect a thing. Saya felt a chill run down her spine upon realizing what lay deeper within him. Gratos was exhausted. It was as if his long, long years had suddenly caught up with him. Weariness was written all over his face.

“My liege, let us depart,” Gratos said.

“Right...” Kyou replied in a dazed voice.

The two of them walked off. Ivara turned around to shoot Saya on more glare. It seemed this handmaiden couldn’t forgive Saya for hurting her liege.

“Lady Saya, we should also depart.”

Saya nodded back at Lernaean. “Of course. Lord Rudike, I’m sorry for being a bother.”

“Erm, please, think nothing of it.”

“Wait a moment; allow me to fetch my sword.” Jubilia ran off and retrieved her weapon, then stood next to Saya. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

As they left, all the guests watched them go with bated breath.

Lernaean let out a deep sigh after boarding the cogwagon. He managed to get his emotions under control.

“You’ve done something terrible. You’ve brought disgrace to the Sovereign.”

His voice was extremely calm. It was his usual tone, as if he was making fun of her somehow.

“You’re going to be dragging him off of his throne anyway, right?”

“In the end, yes. But it’s too early. You have insufficient allies in the capital as of now. And yet, we’ve meddled this much...”

“You let your mouth run a bunch yourself.”

“Some things needed to be said. This is just stating the obvious, but there’s no way I’ll allow a wedding between yourself and the Sovereign. We had to object to it no matter what.”

“So, I objected.”

“In the wrong way. You completely threw any and all rules to the wayside. What do you think, Jubilia?”

“With all due respect, sir, I believe Lady Saya’s life will be targeted.”

“That’s probably true.”

“Huh?”

Jubilia’s comment surprised her.

“Your statement denounced and ridiculed the Sovereign’s authority. At least, that is how many nobles will take it. Furthermore, you are royalty. It wouldn’t be strange for people to interpret it as a declaration of rebellion.”

“I don’t plan on doing anything like that.”

“Nobody believes your... bold statement, either.” Jubilia stopped there. Saya implored her to continue with her eyes. “That you wish for marriage with a commoner boy over the Sovereign, that is.”

“Then how did they take it?”

“Many nobles believe it was just nonsense said purely for the sake of humiliating the Sovereign. Those angered by this will target your life.”

“We should get her out of the royal palace as soon as possible. It will take some time to prepare, however. Lady Saya’s escape should originally have taken place a little later... around the time a particular rumor reached their ears.”

“Rumor?”

“You’ll know sooner or later. I’m reluctant to say this, but with all that’s happened, there’s only one person we can rely on.”

“Who?”

“Gratos.”

Saya was confused. Gratos was supposed to be Lernaean’s political enemy. They had even had a heated argument just moments ago. Hadn’t this crisis come about because Lernaean had said needless things to Gratos to begin with?

“You made Gratos an enemy with your statement. He surely wouldn’t think of killing you, though. He believes you belong in the Garden. He should provide his cooperation in getting you away from the palace. In return, he will request you to be sent to the Garden.”

“I don’t want to go back there.”

“Is it better to be killed, then? I don’t plan to abandon our agenda over such a small roadblock. Cobalt is also gathering allies. As such, when we are victorious, you should be able to reunite with him.”

I want to see Nagi again. When I do, I wonder what will happen to this feeling in my heart? What kind of face will Nagi make? How will he look? If I can see him once more, I don’t mind returning to the Garden for a short while.

Once she had gathered her thoughts, Saya nodded. “Very well. I’ll call for a meeting with Gratos tomorrow.”

Lernaean and Saya confronted Gratos in his office. Jubilia wasn’t allowed to enter. The private office of the leading figure of the royal palace was far simpler than Saya had imagined. One could say it was a separate space from the rest of the palace, which was decorated with opulent grandeur. The scrupulously maintained furniture in the room was straight out of another era. The fact that it had all been in use for so long yet had no visible defects was proof of its quality.

One of the few decorations in the room was a box made of clear glass. The box was completely airtight and had no visible seams or lid. Enclosed within was water, aquatic plants, and small fish. The fish appeared to be alive and were nibbling at the plants. It was a mysterious scene, as if one section of a river had been cut away and isolated within the glass.

There wasn’t a single ornament aside from that. It was like a representation of Gratos himself. Only his deep eyes revealed his immense authority and personality to others. His well-groomed beard and combed hair gave the impression that Gratos was a sculpture created long, long ago. His eyes, which were like gems that had lost their luster, stared at Saya. Just from that, she felt like she was being sucked into them.

“You’ve done something quite troubling. To think you would insult the Sovereign in such a way.”

Gratos was in deep lamentation over this. Was this because of Saya’s safety, or perhaps the safety of Agartha that he continued to protect to this day?

“I didn’t mean to make fun of Kyou.”

“I wager you didn’t. However, noble society doesn’t take such statements at face value. Nobles are creatures who chatter about what they’ve read between the lines.”

“Are you not the one who robbed Lady Saya of the chance to learn by locking her away, Your Excellency?” Lernaean cut in.

“Everything was done with Lady Saya and the land of Agartha in mind.”

“You did all that for my sake?”

“Yes. Just as I said yesterday, your body truly was weak. As a child, you were always sleeping. Haven’t you ever found it strange that you possess no memories from before your time in the Garden?”

She did. Indeed, Saya had no memories from outside the Garden. Not only that, she didn’t even remember how long she had been in that place. Those never-ending, unchanging days seemed to stretch back forever.

“Lady Saya. It seemed that you were born too early. Even after your birth, you continued to sleep as if still within your mother’s womb. Regardless, you were slowly growing little by little. With our long lifespans, we could wait for your growth. Thus, we placed you in the care of a cradle until you grew up to be healthy. That was the Garden’s purpose.”

A cradle was meant to house a growing child, but it was something very different.

“I grew up a long time ago, though. Why wasn’t I let out of the Garden?”

“We thought to do so when you showed proof of being an adult. In other words, when you came into possession of a blood caliber.”

Gratos’ explanation contradicted Saya’s knowledge.

“Kyou said that royalty don’t possess blood calibers.”

Gratos and Lernaean exchanged meaningful looks.

“He even told you about that? Err, how should I put this? First things first—members of royalty do in fact possess blood calibers. However, theirs take on a significantly different shape from the rest. In that way, saying they do not possess blood calibers is not exactly wrong.”

“A different shape?”

“It was once called the royal caliber. It does not take the shape of a weapon. Even I have only seen it once, a very long time ago. Back then, it took on the shape of a swarm of butterflies. To this day, I have never seen anything quite so beautiful.”

“A swarm of butterflies?”

That certainly differed from a weapon made of blood.

“The royal caliber is proof of the Sovereign’s power. It dominates everyone and everything nearby, forcing them to submit.”

“Does Kyou possess that? It didn’t seem like it to me.”

“That’s the other thing. This truly is a secret known only to a select few.”

Gratos slightly lowered his voice. The door was shut, so it was unlikely anyone was listening, but the gravity of the matter simply urged him to do so.

“Even the Sovereign is not aware of this... He cannot manifest the royal caliber. However, it is far too cruel to tell him so. Thus, we told our liege that royals lack blood calibers entirely. Fortunately, there were no other members of royalty to speak of. Very few people knew of this in the past, so it was easy to conceal the truth.”

Blood calibers were the very manifestation of a noble’s pride. That was what Jubilia had said, anyway. If so, those who lacked them bore a considerable amount of shame. Saya could understand why Gratos had gone so far as to deceive Kyou to keep that hidden.

“Anyway, you’re saying I was locked away in the Garden because I’m not an adult yet?”

“Yes. If possible, I would like you to return there immediately. I’m sure you’ve heard from Lord Granapalt already, but your life is in danger.”

“Because I don’t possess a blood—no, a royal caliber? I have no means of defending myself.”

“Your arrival here was nothing more than an unfortunate accident to begin with. I am opposed to how Lord Granapalt has treated you, but we are at least in agreement about this situation. We would like for you to hide yourself until the situation calms down. Not in the Garden, which has already been compromised. We shall prepare another location for you.”

Saya cast her gaze to the floor in silence.

“Please be at ease,” Lernaean said. “An attack like the one on the Garden will never happen again. The one who was managing that place was slowly embezzling the security funds over a long period of time. That’s why the security was full of holes. They’ve already been dealt with, and we’ve tightened up our inspections. Such a thing will never happen again, I assure you.”

Saya was well aware of that. In all likelihood, Lernaean had been the one who’d inspired the manager to embezzle those funds, but he would never admit it.

Thus, she made her decision. No matter how she tried, it didn’t seem like she could avoid being locked up in another place like the Garden once more. Some part of her had known this from the beginning. As such, she wanted to at least get something out of their meeting.

“Very well, but I have one condition. Gratos, I would like you to answer a few questions.”

“If that is all, then ask away.”

The man before her eyes essentially controlled the world. Saya decided to have him address the doubts lurking in her heart. She had figured out a little about herself by now; it was the outside world she remained ignorant of.

“Why are the commoners and Crestfolk tormented so?”

After a short pause, Gratos replied, “Do you see that box over there?” He pointed to it. The fish swam about in the swaying, glimmering water. “This is something that existed long ago, before the creation of the land of Agartha. This box is completely airtight, and there are plants and small fish within. The fish eat the plants and breed, while the corpses of the multiplying fish become food for the plants, allowing them to grow. It’s completely isolated from the rest of the world. Normally, light is required to raise plants, but it seems this glass has some sort of mechanism which renders external light unnecessary. It is said this was created by the Intelligence.”

Even though she felt somewhat perplexed by the sudden change in topic, Saya silently waited for him to continue.

“This box has remained sealed for over a thousand years now. However, the world locked inside has carried on. If the small fish were to multiply too quickly, they would eat up all the plants, leading to the fish’s extinction. If there were too few fish, there wouldn’t be enough material to feed the plants, causing them to wither. The inside of this box is maintaining an extremely dangerous equilibrium. Agartha is just like this box.”

“How so?”

“Are you aware of the shape of Agartha?”

Saya shook her head.

“Agartha is surrounded on all sides by enormous mountain ranges. They are high enough that it’s impossible for humans to cross over them and survive. These mountains were created by the power of the Intelligence to isolate Agartha from the rest of the world.”

“The rest of the world?”

Lernaean opened his mouth to say, “That’s—” but Gratos stopped him with his gaze.

“That’s a secret known only to a few nobles. Before the creation of Agartha, the world was a vast place. The land of Agartha is but a tiny portion of the world itself. Long ago, the world was populated by over ten thousand times the inhabitants currently living in Agartha. However, all those lands are no longer populated. Agartha is the only exception.”

“Then, what of the rest of the world?”

“It is an impure world filled with poison and miasma, although no one can confirm it for us. They say just entering such territory causes one’s muscles to rot and one’s bones to dissolve.”

“How do you know if nobody can go there?”

“The Intelligence taught us. Agartha is a small box the Intelligence left for us in this world which can no longer be inhabited by humans.”

The small fish swam around in the glass box as bubbles floated to the water’s surface.

“The Sovereign, nobles, commoners... and the Crestfolk. They survive while maintaining a dangerous equilibrium within this sealed land of Agartha. Much like how these fish cannot live outside the water, we are also incapable of living on the outside. All we have is the incomplete immortality granted to us by Amrita, as well as the land itself. That’s why we drew the lines in the sand.”

Gratos closed his eyes. It was as if he was recalling ancient memories. In doing so, he seemed to age rapidly.

“We split the world by drawing lines. Between royalty and nobility. Between nobility and commoners. Between commoners and Crestfolk. Everyone is set apart by their bloodlines. Finally, the dangerous equilibrium of the world stabilized. The chaos we went through to reach this stage led to the near extinction of royalty and the loss of most knowledge from the past. Much blood was spilled for us to finally be able to create these divides.”

“That’s why everyone has to suffer?”

“Indeed. If not, then everything will fall into ruin.”

“But there’s no salvation for the people who are suffering now.”

“It’s just as you say. When one considers the grand scheme of things, however, there is no other choice.”

“That’s arrogant. Commoners only live for a few decades, don’t they? They’re not even allowed to consider all that.”

“That’s precisely why nobles—and royalty—must be the ones to see it through. This duty falls to you, Lady Saya.”

Gratos stared at her, his gaze unwavering. She couldn’t see a single hint of the weariness she had witnessed during the party.

“I do not believe that to be the case,” Lernaean said from Saya’s side. “There are far too many problems in Agartha right now. It will surely hold for another hundred years, but two hundred is pushing it. I believe stability has already been lost.”

“Lord Granapalt, I know this is the pet theory of the Sovereignty Faction. I’m sure you’ve also filled Lady Saya’s head with such thoughts. As Agartha’s primary overseer, however, so long as there is no guarantee that what lies beyond your proposed changes is something we can weather, I cannot approve.”

“There’s no way we can provide such a guarantee. Nobody has ever walked this path!”

“That’s precisely why I’m telling you to figure out a way. If you can prove there will be no dire consequences, then I won’t object.”

“I’m telling you, we don’t have time for such a diversion!” Lernaean yelled, his voice louder than before.

“Lord Granapalt, this is not Congress. Time is of the essence, as you say.”

“Fair enough.”

“First, we must consider Lady Saya’s safety. Let us make preparations for a quick escape. Lady Saya, I have a request of you. Could you please meet with the Sovereign once more? He has been in low spirits ever since yesterday. I would like for you to at least bid him farewell.”

Seeing Gratos’ expression soften, Saya nodded.

The little fish in the glass box continued nibbling away at the plants, and the plants swayed to and fro as if in protest.

“Sister! Please do not leave!” Kyou yelled as he ran over to Saya.

She had come to his room with Jubilia in tow. It seemed he had already been informed that she was leaving the royal palace.

“I can’t afford to do that. Apparently, my life is at risk. I’m just reaping what I sowed.”

“From what We’ve heard, those targeting your life are Our supporters, are they not? Why do Our supporters do things that We do not wish for? That would make them Our enemies.”

The one to rebuke Kyou here was Ivara. “My liege, nobles are not that simple. They do not differentiate so simply between friend and foe when their relationships slide fluidly from one to the other.”

“You always try to befuddle Us like that, Ivara. You have watched over Us ever since We were little, but We are no longer a child!”

“Sulking like that shows you are still a child.”

“Urk...”

He wasn’t a child. He couldn’t be. Saya was astonished by this. Kyou should’ve already lived for several centuries. And yet, his words were that of a child.

“As a proper adult, would you listen to my explanation, my liege?”

“Fine. Speak.”

“First, you have some fault in this. Going to the baron’s estate was a terrible idea. I should’ve tried harder to stop you.”

“But We heard that rascal Lernaean was parading Our sister around. Many people have even been proposing marriage to her, have they not?”

That was the first Saya had heard of this.

“Even so, you should not have acted in such a way. It was also a bad idea to declare your marriage with Lady Saya in such a place. The Sovereign’s marriage is no trifling matter.”

“Mrgh... But she was going to be snatched away from Us.”

It was far too much of a mystery that this child was the Sovereign.

Ivara glared at Saya. “Also, you were far more at fault, Lady Saya. Comparing what could never be compared, and choosing a commoner over the Sovereign was something that should never have been spoken aloud.”

Saya didn’t reply; Ivara was right. Nevertheless, there was no falsehood in what Saya had said. As such, she didn’t regret having said it.

“Such a declaration is capable of shaking the foundation of the Sovereign’s position. The leader of Congress, Gratos, and the Traditionalists already have the Sovereign in their grip. They claim our liege is still a child and indulge themselves in the good and evil that comes from it. The current incident is something those who wish to save our liege from such a situation could not possibly allow. Those in the Sovereignty Faction are the ones targeting your life, Lady Saya.”

“Isn’t that Lernaean’s faction?”

Why would they target her life? They had just promised to form a common front, but Ivara’s next words dispelled Saya’s doubts.

“More or less. It has departed from its original meaning. The Sovereignty Faction is now nothing more than a label for all those who oppose the Traditionalists. Lord Granapalt, whom you’ve made your ally, is a prominent figure within that group, but only a portion of the other members actually heed his commands.”

The more Saya heard about the political state of the palace, the more her head throbbed. This magnificent palace disguised all sorts of poison. The people who lived here were surely used to it, but Saya was different.

“Even if the Sovereign wishes you to be his partner in marriage, there would be those who resent you, Lady Saya. To them, he is their one and only ruler. Despite your being royalty, they swear no fealty to you. They are frustrated by your sudden appearance. Now that you’ve made such an appalling statement in public, they will surely aim to take your life.”

“We shan’t allow it! We must stop them... She is Our one and only sister!”

Kyou rose to his feet, his eyes brimming with tears. He was just too honest. Saya realized that she didn’t hate this boy at all. He was the only little brother she had. Marriage was out of the question, but there was a choice of living alongside him. However, Saya had promised to help Lernaean overthrow this ruler. In doing so, she had chosen Nagi.

“That’s why I came to say my farewells. We’re not parting forever,” Saya said in a gentle voice.

“But... We’re lonely...”

“You’re an adult, right? You can’t be so selfish.”

“Even you, sister? You’re also treating Us like a child?”

“I mean, you’re my little brother, right?”

Kyou looked up at Saya in surprise. “Yes. We are your little brother.”

Saya nodded, surprised by the fact that this boy, who was supposed to have everything, seemed to have nothing at all.

“Is the place you’ll be hiding in even safer than the royal palace?” Kyou asked.

Saya didn’t have an answer to that, so she looked to Jubilia, who nodded. “It’s a noble’s mansion in the outskirts. Security is far tighter there than in this enormous palace.”

“Then what about getting there? How many guards are accompanying you?”

“We’re in a rush, so only a few chosen elites are going in a single cogwagon.”

“That’s far too dangerous!”

“Both the route and destination are an absolute secret. Currently, even I know nothing of them. It’ll be fine so long as information doesn’t leak. It was decided that wasting any more time would be even more dangerous.”

“In that case, how about we offer her a skilled warrior to go along as her guard?” Ivara suggested to Kyou.

“That’s a wonderful idea.”

Jubilia knit her brow. “With all due respect, I am already responsible for guarding Lady Saya.”

“We know nothing of your skills. You cannot be trusted.”

Jubilia gulped.

“Oh! Ivara, you shall protect Our sister.”

“Me?” Ivara replied as she stared back in wonder.

“Indeed. You’re strong. That’s precisely why you were assigned as Our handmaiden.”

“But I have my duties to attend to.”

“It is only until Our sister reaches a safe location. Then you can come right back! We will surely be fine for such a short period of time.”

Jubilia began to object. “That’s—”

“This is Our command! Understood, Ivara?”

“Yes.”

Both Jubilia and Ivara hesitantly agreed to his proposal. They had no choice but to obey.

“Please be at ease. I am fairly capable with a blood caliber,” Ivara said with an elegant bow.

Her sleek movements, which revealed no weaknesses, reminded Saya of the beautiful flowers that grew in the garden, their thorns softly swaying when caressed by a breeze.

18

About a month had passed since the battle at the prison. Surprisingly, the nobles never launched a counterattack. The capitulation of the prison had been far beyond any expectations. The royal palace was in chaos, so they had yet to determine any plan of action. According to Crow, it meant Cobalt’s collaborator within the palace was hard at work.

During that time, Cobalt’s situation had changed drastically. All of the Amrita Dimitri had left behind was recovered. With Amrita in hand, Cobalt chose two people to receive it as an experiment: Crow and Senak. There had been objections to the leader himself serving as a guinea pig, but Crow shot them down.

“I’m no good at fighting. If I don’t brave at least this much danger, nobody will follow me anymore.”

In the end, the experimental administration of Amrita was a success. Crow and Senak gained the physical strength and regenerative abilities of nobles.

“Still, you’re even weaker than a low-ranking noble. And you’ve got no blood caliber.”

That was Keele’s evaluation after a mock battle with Senak.

Dimitri had a hearty chuckle over this. “Obviously. Noble lineages are supposed to be chosen based on their compatibility with Amrita. It matches my hypothesis that commoners have poor compatibility. Well, it’ll probably get better over time with repeated doses, but we don’t have that much of the stuff.”

According to the scholar, the effects would fade away in about a month.

“This stuff’s amazing. I can actually have a proper fight with Keele,” Senak said in awe of his newfound strength.

“Lemme just tell you now, I held back a whole lot.”

“I know. Even a normal knight would be a cinch for you. Still, it’s crazy to think you’re not on par with the royal guards yet.”

Keele now had a large quantity of Halahala at his disposal and more experience fighting against nobles. His martial prowess was also greater than before. Nagi had been serving as his training partner. Well, he called it training, but it was pretty close to one-sided bullying. Nevertheless, Nagi had managed to grow from it, but he felt like the gap between their skills was growing ever wider. It was understandable for Senak to be pleased over having a “proper fight.”

“This will give our forces a real boost. And that’s not all,” Crow said. He was planning to apply the outcome of their experiments elsewhere. “We’ll also publicize the fact that commoners can use Amrita. Our bodies are proof of that. That’s the other reason Senak was a guinea pig for this.”

Soon after, Crow and Senak split up and began going around to villages in every region. They administered small doses of Amrita to people who came forward in each village. The results were dramatic. With the reality that even commoners could gain immortality from Amrita thrust before them, the people’s attitude changed completely. Rumors began to spread, and Cobalt gathered up allies all across Agartha in no time.

Meanwhile, Nagi was acting separately from them. He went back to Garuga Village with Tess. According to Bandore, they had to report to Zamin that Nagi was now their honored guest.

“You’re here,” Zamin murmured, lying in his bed. He seemed much weaker than the last time Nagi had visited. “No need to look at me like that. As you can see, I don’t have long left.”

With that, Zamin smiled in amusement. Nagi had no idea what to say.

“It seems Bandore has decided to make you our guest.”

“Yeah.”

“As such, you are one of us now,” Zamin said with a nod. “There is something I want to tell you. Tess, could you help me up?”

“You’re fine as you are, Chief,” Tess told him, but Zamin was stubborn.

“That won’t do. This is important. Tess, you must listen as well. I’m glad you came here, Nagi; Garuga Village is filled with hot-blooded types who don’t care to hear about the past,” Tess helped him sit up against the wall. “Now then, where to start...? Aah, let me tell you about Lady Saya first.”

“About Saya?”

“Yes. That is the name of the one with silver hair who bears the True Crest. Such is the legend passed down among us Crestfolk.”

“What makes the True Crest so special?”

“Our crests are imperfect. That’s why we suffer. However, it’s said that one day, the bearer of the True Crest will return and guide us.”

Nagi recalled how Zamin had treated Saya with a strange amount of respect when he first met her. The change came about when he had seen the color of her hair. Moreover, he had decided to cooperate with Nagi only after hearing Saya’s name.

“This legendary Saya is said to have the True Crest on the back of her hand.”

“Huh? She doesn’t have—”

Nagi stopped. Hadn’t he seen something like that before? The vague recollection tugged at his mind.

“Well?” Zamin asked.

“Wait a second.”

Back when Nagi had defeated the noble in the Garden, a crest had taken shape on the back of Saya’s hand.

“I saw it. Yeah, it was on the back of her hand. There was a red crest there for just an instant.”

“Oh my, it’s just as the legends say. We village chiefs have carried this story all on our own throughout history, merely hoping... Goodness me.”

A single tear ran down Zamin’s cheek.

“Chief, explain it a little more clearly,” Tess said with a troubled grimace.

“The Crestfolk were born long, long ago. It was right after the Intelligence departed Agartha. At the time, we devoted our loyalty to the bearer of the True Crest. However, its final inheritor, Lady Saya, suddenly vanished. Ever since then, we have been waiting for her return. And now, she has finally come back to us.”

“Hang on, that was a super long time ago, right? They can’t possibly be the same person.”

Nagi recalled that Saya was a noble, so she could have been living for hundreds of years. She herself had said that she was over a century old already.

“Was that person really Saya? She never mentioned anything like that.”

“It’s said that Lady Saya was but a baby when she vanished. It wouldn’t be strange for her to know nothing of this.”

If so, it meant Saya had been in the Garden ever since then. Nagi couldn’t even fathom the amount of time she had spent there.

“Lady Saya is the one the Crestfolk are meant to follow.”

“Does that mean Saya is also Crestfolk?”

Zamin was a little troubled by this question. “No, not really. If Lady Saya is a noble, then she isn’t Crestfolk. Amrita has no effect on us.”

“It has no effect?” Tess cut in. “So, even if Cobalt wins, we’ll be the only ones who can’t become immortal?”

“Indeed. Our blood rejects the power of Amrita. We do not participate in blood offerings because of our resistance.”

“So, even though we’re fighting alongside everyone, we’ll be the only ones left out? The commoners are going to be the only ones benefiting from this again?” Tess stared at Zamin.

“Tess. Why did you decide to fight? For Amrita?”

Zamin’s words had Tess faltering. “I... I chose to fight because...”

“Why did you want to go with Nagi?”

“Because I want to be treated like a human... and I want to stop the sterilizations.”

“Then there is no need to worry about Amrita.”

“But—”

“Y’know, Tess,” Nagi called out to her, “eternal life probably isn’t all that great.”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t I tell you what Saya said to me when I first met her? Being given a long life with no purpose brings nothing but suffering. Saya has actually lived for a long time, so can’t you take her word for it?”

“Listen carefully, you two,” Zamin said abruptly. “This information is only supposed to be known to Crestfolk village chiefs. Now that you’re aware, the door to chiefdom is open to you, so you may take my place. I entrust the future of this village—and of all Crestfolk—to you.”

“Huh? Hang on a sec. I’m not even a Crestfolk to begin with.”

Tess whipped around to face Nagi. “What are you saying? You’re already our comrade. If you’re that worried about it, wanna get married? Everyone will accept you if we do.”

Her sudden proposal had him rather flustered, but Zamin brushed it aside and continued the conversation.

“What do you wish for, Tess?”

The girl thought it over and took a deep breath. She shut her eyes and remained that way for a while. After opening her eyes, she declared, “I want to follow Nagi until this fight is over. I can think about Amrita after that. I’ll save Saya—that’s what you want, right? You’re fine with that too, right, Nagi?”

Nagi nodded.

“Mm. Then you two may inform the other hidden villages about this. You still require more allies, don’t you?”

Nagi and Tess began visiting the hidden Crestfolk villages all over Agartha. The responses were varied; there were villagers who came forward with their assistance upon hearing about the bearer of the True Crest, but there were also those who rejected the idea of fighting alongside commoners. Nevertheless, they were gathering up a great deal of allies.

Even though they passed by Strano Village, Nagi didn’t stop to visit. He felt like he had been exiled from it. Besides, Crow’s group had surely made their way through it already. Nagi’s plan was to walk past the area uneventfully, but Nerthe ended up spotting him once more.

The first thing he said to Nagi was, “Hey. Is it true we can get Amrita if we join Cobalt?” His attitude was completely different from last time.

“Crow says Amrita will be available to everyone if we win the fight,” Nagi replied ambiguously.

“In that case, we’ll be able to live long lives like nobles, yeah? Amazing. I was on the fence about it, but I’m gonna join Cobalt too! Bring down the False Sovereign and grant everyone immortality!”

“The False Sovereign? What’s with that?” Nagi asked with a cock of his head.

Nerthe laughed. “Oh, come on. Cobalt’s gonna defeat the False Sovereign, right? You don’t know? They’re saying the Sovereign in the palace is a fake.”

“I see. Sorry, I’m in a rush.”

“Okay, then. Let’s meet again!”

Nerthe walked off in a great mood. After he left, Tess finally spoke up. She was wary of the unknown commoner, so she had her hood pulled over her face.

“I’ve heard that before. Loads of people are saying the current Sovereign is a fake. Together with our story, it’s turning into a fight to defeat the False Sovereign.”

“Why’s that?”

Cobalt’s objective was supposed to be to defeat the nobles. It seemed completely different.

“I don’t know. I think Crow and the others are the source of the rumors, at least. It looks like they’re spreading from the places they’ve been to already.”

Something about it felt strange. With that on his mind, Nagi decided to head back to Ronadyphe Prison for the first time in a while. Nagi and Tess left Garuga Village at dawn and arrived there at dusk.

The prison was currently being used as Cobalt’s headquarters. There were rumors of a large-scale dispatch being deployed from the capital to take back the prison, so everyone inside was hurriedly preparing for that.

At the entrance of the prison, he met Crow, who was just on his way out. “Hey, Nagi. You came back at a good time. It seems Lady Saya is away from the capital.”

“Huh?”

“Her life is being targeted, so she’s going to take refuge in Duke Griesfelt’s villa.”

“Wait, what?”

Nagi was shaken by the news. Crow went on to give him directions. Duke Griesfelt’s village could be reached from the capital by going west down the main road and turning south down the first ring road. If Nagi left from Ronadyphe Prison and went south down the first ring road, he could get there faster than a trip from the capital. It was possible to intercept them where the western main road met the first ring road.

“If you leave right now, it’s very likely you’ll be able to catch up to them. I thought to send someone, but if you’re available, I want you to be the one to go. You’re fast on your feet. Considering the path, you should be faster than a cogwagon.”

That was everything Nagi could hope for.

“Got it,” he responded with a nod.

Crow’s next words were far more outrageous than expected, though.

“You’d better hurry. We have information that someone has sent an assassin after Lady Saya.”

“You should’ve said that sooner!”

Nagi ran off without listening to another word. Although he didn’t realize it, he was fiddling with his necklace as he went.

19

The cogwagon Saya was riding was headed straight west down the main road. Jubilia, Ivara, and a royal guard who worked under Ivara were riding in the passenger compartment along with her. The knight had introduced himself as Gozo. He had a toned, muscular body which made his skill apparent, and his face was accented by extremely dark eyes.

“Today we’ll be going all the way to the first ring road; then we’ll stop there for the night,” Ivara said.

“Wait, why are you the one in charge?” Jubilia objected.

“Lady Ivara holds the highest rank among us, so it is only a matter of course,” Gozo answered, his tone arrogant.

“I am Saya’s guard here.”

“Weren’t you informed that the Sovereign appointed me to this post? Do you intend on defying our liege’s command?” Ivara challenged.

Even though Jubilia was displeased, she kept quiet. The atmosphere in the cogwagon was terribly awkward. Saya’s life was already in danger, so this just made her even more depressed.

The journey was completely different than when she had first gone to the capital. Absolutely everything she laid eyes on had been new to her back then. Now that she knew what lay beyond all this scenery, it didn’t shine in the same way as it had before. Even though her time in the capital had been quite short, she felt like she had learned more then than in the rest of her life.

Still, a thought occurred to her. Maybe the scenery only seemed to shine back then because she had been with Nagi. If she could meet him once more, would the world regain its light? Only by reuniting with him would she find out for sure.

She wondered where he was now. According to Lernaean, he had been part of an attack on a place called Ronadyphe Prison. Saya didn’t even know whether that was nearby or far away. Was this cogwagon bringing her closer to him? Or perhaps farther? Saya might never meet Nagi again.

Her heart throbbed painfully at the thought. The scenery sank farther and farther into the darkness. As the cogwagon shook to and fro, Saya began to doze off.

“Lady Saya,” Jubilia said as she shook Saya awake. “It’s a little early, but it seems we’re stopping for the night.”

They were at a small settlement where the western road intersected the first ring road.

“Apparently, one of the villagers is offering up their house for us to stay in.”

“Really?”

Ivara returned to the cogwagon and said to Saya, “Be at ease. We have secured the chief’s house, which is in the best state among all the buildings here. Still, the area is rather seedy.”

“What about the people who live there?”

“Who knows? They’ll sleep somewhere or other, I suppose. There are plenty of huts around. They won’t die from sleeping outside, either. Come now, this way.”

The chief’s house was in fact the largest in the village. It was split up into several rooms.

“Let’s assign this room to Lady Saya. The bed here is the best one, after all. You use that room over there,” Ivara declared.

Jubilia scowled at her. “It will be troublesome if I am not assigned to the same room as Lady Saya.”

“But there is only one bed in the room.”

“Then I shall use the floor.”

“You mustn’t,” Ivara replied coldly. “Do you not have any pride as a noble? A knight is one who exemplifies the difference between commoners and nobles, remember?”

“Nothing more than a common knight. Your bloodline is evident,” Gozo added dismissively.

Jubilia somehow managed to hold back her rage. Knights of the royal guard were of an entirely different status from other knights. Many of the royal guards were high-ranking nobles. On the other hand, many of the common knights, who had to come in frequent contact with commoners, were pretty much all lower-ranking nobles.

“Is there a room where the two of us can sleep together?” Saya asked.

“There are, but they’re terribly shabby,” Ivara said in an uncompromising manner.

“I’m fine with that.”

“You cannot. The Sovereign will scold me if you are not given the highest quality room.”

“Jubilia, or whatever your name is,” Gozo said with a scoff, “are you making light of the royal guard? We serve closer to the Sovereign than any other. If you cause any more trouble, then I shall have to start thinking of your punishment.”

“You do not possess the authority.”

“Do you really believe that?”

Jubilia had no choice but to fall silent. Seeing her like that, Saya decided to yield. “Jubilia, I’ll be fine on my own. Besides, it’s only for one night.”

“But—”

“Lady Ivara and I are here, and we’re more than enough of a security detail. You’ve got no role to play here,” Gozo said provocatively.

Jubilia bitterly bit down on her lip.

“Are we all in agreement, then?” Ivara asked with a saccharine smile.

She then whispered something in Saya’s ear, so quietly that Jubilia couldn’t hear. “When everyone is asleep, I will come to get you... and help you escape. I will take you to that commoner boy.”

Saya was shocked by what she said and just barely managed to keep herself from yelling. She kept a tight hold on her expression and nodded slightly, but she was unable to do anything about the hope and elation blooming in her chest. She was going to reunite with Nagi sooner than she expected.

With a glance at Jubilia, Saya could tell that the knight was still vexed about their separation. It truly pained her to try to run away from this woman who thought so much of her safety.

However, Jubilia was Lernaean’s subordinate. Their interests were currently aligned, but he wasn’t Saya’s ally. Her true goal was to see Nagi again.

That night, Saya lay in bed, fully awake. Before long, the time had come. The window opened without a sound, and Ivara slipped inside. Even as she descended from the windowsill, her movements were completely silent. If Saya had been asleep, she surely wouldn’t have noticed the intrusion. What Saya didn’t realize was that this proved that Ivara was no mere handmaiden.

“Lady Saya,” she whispered, rousing Saya from her bed. “This way.”

The floorboards creaked as Saya walked over to the window. It was likely a quiet sound, but it felt to her as though it echoed greatly through the stillness of night. Saya’s heart thumped in her chest.

Ivara whispered to her so closely that Saya could feel the woman’s breath tickling her ear. “Worry not; the other knights won’t hear this level of sound from their rooms. They’ve been placed a little farther away, after all. Come now.”

Saya nodded and hopped out of the window. Her room was on the first floor. The ground outside the window was soft. Ivara jumped nimbly through the window after her, then went ahead of Saya and gave her a slight nod. Saya took it to mean “this way,” and she nodded back.

Ivara broke into a run, and Saya ran after her. Thanks to the soft ground beneath their feet, Saya’s footsteps were nearly as quiet as Ivara’s. Their silhouettes seemed to glide through the darkness.

When they reached the edge of the village, Ivara finally spoke up. “It should be all right for us to speak after coming this far.”

“Thank you, but... why?”

“I wonder?”

Ivara smiled. For some reason, this expression made Saya feel extremely uneasy. She could only think of a single reason for Ivara to help her.

“Did Kyou order this?”

“Call him your liege lord,” Ivara snapped, her smile vanishing in an instant. “Even if you share his blood, you cannot compare to the Sovereign. Your attitude toward our liege is far too casual.”

Right then, Saya’s fight-or-flight instinct kicked in. She had to get away. This woman before her was way too dangerous.

“Excitation: Blood Claws.”

Red claws extended from Ivara’s fingertips—this was her blood caliber. The blades were thin and about the same length as a butcher knife.

“You must be made to know of the Sovereign’s greatness, and of his nobility. He is the one who supports this very world. Alas, how heavy is the burden on his delicate shoulders?”

Ivara’s voice dripped with ecstasy, as though she were whispering of her intimate love. She was unhinged. Regardless, Saya was unable to get away from her. She couldn’t even take her eyes off Ivara. It was as if she had been cursed in some way.

“Those who threaten the Sovereign’s place cannot be allowed to exist. Everyone must be made to understand that—including you and your foolish supporters.”

Her deranged eyes locked on to Saya. The chill running down her spine caused Saya to shout, “Jubilia!”

“It’s useless. That knight won’t come for you,” Ivara said with a giggle. “If I deliver your head to Granapalt or the like, those imbeciles who defy the Sovereign will surely realize their stupidity. But that isn’t enough. You can’t die without knowing the splendor of the Sovereign. That would be unforgivable.”

One of Ivara’s claws brushed against Saya’s cheek. She kept her strength perfectly under control, slicing only a single layer of Saya’s skin.

“I’ll teach your body all about the Sovereign’s majesty.”

With a grin plastered on her face, Ivara rammed an index finger through Saya’s palm. Saya let out a scream from the intense pain.

“What a beautiful voice. This is nothing, however. The crime you committed cannot be forgiven so easily. Now then, what to do? Perhaps I’ll take these beautiful fingers of yours and tear them apart one knuckle at a time. Aah, but that won’t do. It must be slower... Yes, first I’ll insert this beneath your nails.”

Ivara reshaped her claws into needlelike shapes and put them on display in front of Saya.

“Did you know that the fingers are some of the most sensitive parts in the entire body? Even a grown man would cry and beg for mercy if he experienced such punishment. But please, be at ease. I have honed this skill for over a hundred years. I’m well versed in the best way to do it. Cry out beautifully for me, okay?”

Ivara’s voice was rapturous as she imagined the scene to come, and she shuddered delightedly at the thought. The pain had released Saya from her curse, so she turned around and ran back toward the village.

“How foolish.”

Ivara caught up to Saya in two simple strides. Her speed rivaled—no, surpassed—Jubilia’s. Now standing next to Saya, Ivara stabbed a claw into Saya’s thigh.

“Let’s make it so you can’t run away, shall we? If you try to run again, I’ll cut it off.”

Saya collapsed with a screech, and Ivara laughed.

“You really don’t understand, do you? Your only choice here is to die. Aah, I see now; you lack all common sense.”

Ivara explained things with composure as Saya lay there on the ground.

“Those wounds won’t heal so easily. They’re wrought by a blood caliber, after all. Normally, you would heal in a couple of days, but unfortunately for you, you won’t be alive by then.”

Ivara held up the claw on her index finger and flicked it over Saya’s shoulder. The sharp blade of blood cut the strap of Saya’s dress.

“Repent,” Ivara whispered, using the same sweet voice she had used when she’d lured Saya out.

She then thrust the claw into Saya’s shoulder.

Saya shrieked. The intense pain sent tears flooding down her cheeks. Nevertheless, Saya didn’t lose consciousness; Ivara was making sure of that. She planned on inflicting continuous pain while keeping her just on the verge of consciousness. After that, she intended to kill Saya.

Ivara was far too fast; Saya couldn’t escape her grasp. Still, she didn’t give up. The only thing she was capable of right now was buying time. If she could stall long enough, Jubilia might notice her missing. Fortunately, they were still at the edge of the village. If Jubilia noticed, help was sure to come.

Jubilia woke up from her light sleep. She had ended up in a separate room from Saya because of Ivara and Gozo. Regardless, leaving that girl alone for the night was unforgivable. Thus, Jubilia intended to check in on Saya frequently. It wasn’t only because this was the duty assigned to her—before she knew it, Jubilia had begun to harbor feelings of kindness toward this mysterious girl said to be the Sovereign’s older sister.

At first, their relationship had been that of pursuer and pursued. After that, she had taken up post as her guard, keeping an eye on her. Now, she truly wanted to protect the girl. Saya was far too defenseless and desperate. Jubilia believed that she wanted to at least be her ally within the royal palace. She deeply regretted her inability to keep Saya out of danger.

“Where are you going?” a voice said as she came out of her room.

It was Gozo. He was also awake. Was he doing the rounds? His duty here was also to protect Saya, so it was entirely possible, but Gozo’s tone made Jubilia uneasy.

“I’m checking on Lady Saya’s room.”

“Give it up. She’s resting. Don’t interfere. I’ve already verified her safety.”

“You cur... Did you enter Lady Saya’s room?”

“Not me; It was Lady Ivara. Obviously a man wouldn’t be permitted to do such a thing. We royal guards aren’t so ignorant.”

“Then it’s no problem if I do the same. I’m going to check on Lady Saya. I won’t wake her.”

“Stop. Lady Ivara said she is not to be disturbed.”

Gozo was being strangely obstinate. The feeling of unease within Jubilia changed to suspicion.

“Step aside. I only plan to open the door and check.”

“You can’t. Are you refusing to listen to a royal guard?”

“Indeed. I am Lady Saya’s guard. Her safety takes priority above all else.”

Jubilia’s suspicion turned to conviction now that Gozo was refusing to budge. She flung open the door to Saya’s room. It was completely empty. The windows were thrown open to the outside.

“Lady Saya?! Where—”

“Excitation: Hardy Blade!”

Jubilia jumped from the spot at once as a bloodcurdling voice came from behind. In the next instant, an enormous sword—Gozo’s blood caliber—slammed down where she had just been standing.

“Where is Lady Saya?! What about Ivara?!”

“That’s none of your concern!”

Jubilia clenched her teeth. She had been deceived by the two of them. A sudden attack from a blood caliber proved they were up to no good. Saya was surely in danger.

The knight thought things over while dodging the strikes from Gozo’s greatsword. Getting caught up in a fight with him was exactly what they wanted. She had to go look for Saya as soon as possible.

However, the interior of this place was extremely narrow. The only exits were the door and the window. It would be difficult for her to get away while Gozo was attacking her. In that case, Jubilia only had one course of action.

“Excitation: Blood Blade!”

A slender red blade manifested in Jubilia’s hand.

“You’ll let me through.”

“You think I’ll step aside just because you asked?”

“I don’t.”

Jubilia lunged forward. Here in this cramped building, her weapon gave her an advantage since it was able to weave through any obstacles. Her attack was blocked by the small buckler on Gozo’s left arm. It was made of some sort of high-quality material. Even a blood caliber seemed incapable of easily piercing it.

“Tch.”

“Like an attack from a lowly knight could ever hit me. I’m a royal guard!” Gozo boasted.

Jubilia somehow managed to suppress her panic and think things over calmly. Gozo was strong. His enormous blood caliber put his status as a high-ranking noble on full display. The sheer volume of blood he was using was completely different from the slender sword Jubilia’s aptitude allowed for as a common knight. It was impossible for her to block that blade.

Nevertheless, Jubilia was confident in the skills she had drilled into her body. The only one to ever surpass her in a sword fight was that swordsman from Cobalt. As proof of that, Jubilia’s blade was overwhelming Gozo.

“I can’t believe you’re making me waste this much.”

Jubilia surpassed Gozo’s weapon with enough speed and repeated strikes to get him to grumble. At this rate, she was sure to win the battle, but it would take too much time. Gozo’s defense was tight, protected by the wide swings of his enormous sword and his shield. Jubilia’s only option to break through was to deliver countless blows. She was in a race against time, however. She had to go rescue Saya as soon as possible.

To that end, Jubilia decided to make a gamble. She pulled a small bottle from her pocket and chugged its contents.

“Is that Amrita?!”

She completely ignored Gozo’s shock. She didn’t have the time to pay attention to such trivial matters. A torrent of power coursed through her. Her entire body turned into a raging flame.

Jubilia corrected the grip on her sword. She focused on the blood flowing through her, imagining strength being delivered to every part of her body.

As she focused that strength into her legs and her dominant arm, her limbs burned with scorching heat.

Gozo held up his buckler in a panic. It was a reliable defensive stance. Jubilia had been forced into a hard battle because of it. But now, she didn’t care about her foe’s defenses.

She focused only on the power flowing through her body. She suppressed the rampaging heat, which forcefully surpassed her own aptitude through sheer strength of will.

“Excitation Overdrive,” she said as she unleashed a thrust.

Blood burst from Jubilia’s fingertips. Her blood caliber swelled in size, becoming enormous for a single instant, piercing through everything in the blink of an eye.

The shield Gozo held at the ready, his armor, and even his heart were all penetrated with ease.

Gozo died without even knowing what had happened. Perhaps that was for the best. He couldn’t possibly have permitted the defeat of a royal guard such as himself, so knowing nothing of it would surely leave him happier.

Despite winning the fight, Jubilia wasn’t exactly in good shape. Her blade returned to liquid form, and fresh blood pumped through her body. She staggered and nearly collapsed, but just barely managed to remain on her feet. Sweat came from her every pore, and she was just barely able to withstand the tremendous nausea that assailed her. The excess of power overflowing from within was now attacking her body.

Excitation Overdrive was a way of forcefully drawing out power to rival even a high-ranking noble. This technique had been granted to her by Lernaean. It was accomplished by taking an excess dose of Amrita, which was normally impossible to get. There were rumors of it being sold for ridiculously high prices on the black market. That was where Lernaean had gotten some to give to Jubilia.

By taking a dose over what was normally administered, Amrita brought out terrifying powers. However, the cost far outweighed the benefits, and the side effects were terrible. Fatigue and a dull pain spread throughout her entire body. It took everything for her to stay standing.

Still, she had to go. She had to protect that silver-haired girl.

Thus, Jubilia leaped out of the window.

Saya opened her mouth, ready to take a risk for her survival. She had to stall as much as she could.

“Kyou won’t forgive you for killing me,” she said daringly.

“You still refer to my liege as such.”

“He’s the one who told me to. I simply responded to his request. Do you plan on defying your liege’s orders?”

She used the exact same logic that Ivara had used against Jubilia on the ride here. Ivara couldn’t disregard this and thus remained silent.

“Did Kyou tell you to kill me? He didn’t, right?”

This question apparently prodded Ivara’s weak point. She said nothing, so Saya kept talking. As long as this conversation continued, she could stay alive. She was calm. It helped that the bleeding from her wounds had stopped, and the pain was beginning to subside.

“What exactly is your objective?”

“To erase all who defy the Sovereign and bring solidarity to this world.”

“Then you’re mistaken. I didn’t defy Kyou!”

“Lies. I know you call him the False Sovereign.”

“What?”

“It’s no use playing dumb. I know Granapalt and your Sovereignty Faction are secretly spreading insolent rumors of how the Sovereign is a fake, while you’re the true Sovereign.”

Saya had never heard of this before.

“I’m the Sovereign? There’s no way that’s true.”

“Exactly. It truly is worthless drivel, but there are those who believe it.”

“That’s why you’re going to kill me?”

“Precisely.”

It was no good. Saya wasn’t getting through to her.

“But Kyou told you to protect me!”

“You’re deceiving my liege. The Sovereign has no older sister. He is the one and only person I protect. Thus, my liege must remain alone.”

What she said caught Saya’s attention. She found it strange. Why did that boy, who sat at the peak of all authority in the capital, show such attachment to Saya? She thought it was because she was the only one in the world who shared his blood, but she realized that wasn’t all. Despite being surrounded by so many people, Kyou was alone, just like Saya had been back in the Garden.

“Have all of you been isolating Kyou on purpose?”

“Of course. That is how the Sovereign should be.”

“That’s not right!”

“In this way, the land of Agartha continues to exist. Change is unforgivable. Your existence is impermissible—even if my liege doesn’t wish for this to happen. Aah, how pitiful he is.”

Ivara scowled as she spoke ecstatically. She then turned a sudden and serious gaze at Saya.

“I now understand that it’s impossible to get you to realize how magnificent the Sovereign is. So, the time for talking is over now. All that’s left is for you to die.”

Ivara raised her hand, and Saya held her breath.

“You won’t lay a hand on her!”

Jubilia charged in with her slender sword in hand. Ivara dodged the thrust with a click of her tongue. Jubilia slid between Saya and Ivara, holding her blade at the ready.

“You being here means Gozo is...”

“Dead.”

“I see.”

Ivara nodded at Jubilia’s curt reply. Her attitude showed a complete lack of concern for the life of her subordinate.

“I didn’t think he would lose so quickly. You’ve pushed yourself a little too far to accomplish that, haven’t you?”

Just as she suggested, Jubilia’s breathing was unnaturally rough and her entire body was steeped in sweat. Even if she had sprinted all the way here, her condition was abnormal.

“Lady Saya, I apologize for being late. Please run away from here.”

“It’s futile,” Ivara said coolly. “Her leg is useless now. I’ll be able to catch up right away.”

“Then I’ll strike you down where you stand.”

“Unfortunately, that’s also futile. Judging from your state, you used Excitation Overdrive, didn’t you? I’m afraid to say the side effects are far too great. How foolish... Or maybe not? You wouldn’t have been able to eliminate Gozo so quickly if you hadn’t done so. This girl would’ve been dead already.”

Jubilia groaned in response. Ivara had seen through her completely.

“But the result is the same. Both you and that girl will die by my hands; then it’ll be over.”

“Neither one of us will be dying here.”

Jubilia took another swing at Ivara. Her movements were as deft as usual, a testament to her tenacious spirit. However, when faced with a formidable foe like Ivara, even the slightest deficiency could cost Jubilia her life. Ivara easily dodged the thrust and even had the leisure to criticize her.

“How magnificent. To think a lower-ranking noble could display such skill. It’s enough for me to want to invite you to the royal guard. But this isn’t enough to reach me.”

Ivara caught Jubilia’s sword using two of the claws jutting from her fingers. The slender blood caliber creaked under their might.

“Ugh!”

Jubilia’s weapon dissolved, falling to the ground as flecks of blood.

“A wise decision. Had your blood caliber broken like that, then your mind would’ve suffered major damage. But what will you do now? You’re already weakened from using Excitation Overdrive, so wasn’t that the last Excitation possible for you? Your only choice now is to fight without a blood caliber. The reality that your weapon was about to break is proof enough that you should simply acknowledge your defeat. Give it up.”

Jubilia didn’t answer. Instead, she drew the sword at her waist.

“And what do you plan on doing with that toy?”

Ivara laughed. A moment later, however, she suddenly rolled to the side. The sound of something cutting through the air rushed through the space she was just occupying as an arrow flew past her.

“Reinforcements?!” Ivara yelled.

A human figure ran her way as if to answer her question. The intruder readied their bow once more and unleashed another arrow. Ivara dodged this one as well, and the figure dashing toward her drew a knife. Ivara spread out her claws in both hands and stood ready to intercept.

It was unbelievable, but there was no way Saya would mistake him for anybody else.

“Nagi!” she yelled.

Emotions gushed up from within her. Their intensity made her feel like her thoughts would come to a complete stop. Nagi had come to save her. But it was no good. Nagi couldn’t win against Ivara. He was going to get killed.

And yet, she couldn’t contain her joy.

She couldn’t let Nagi die, so what was she to do?

Delight and fear roiled within her heart, growing into a tempest. Then, something within her began to arise.

20

Nagi ran as fast as he could. He sprinted down the shortcut from Ronadyphe Prison and came out onto the first ring road. He then headed straight south toward the intersection with the western highway Saya was taking.

He suppressed his growing impatience as he covered a distance that would normally take half a day of walking. He simply kept running.

It had already been evening by the time he’d left Ronadyphe, so he arrived at the intersection in the dead of the night.

He wavered, wondering which way to go. If Saya had already passed through, he had to go south to chase her to Duke Griesfelt’s villa. On the other hand, if she had yet to come this way, Nagi had to head east toward the capital to intercept her.

It was highly likely that Saya was riding a cogwagon meant for nobles, so it would stand out considerably. If he asked around the local villages, he could find out if a cogwagon had passed through. He decided to take a short nap, wait until morning, then ask the locals for information.

However, his plan never came to be. When he arrived at the village he planned to rest at, he heard someone scream in pain. There was no way he would mistake the owner of that voice for someone else.

Nagi forgot about the fatigue from his journey in an instant and ran toward the voice at full speed. The screaming continued. Something bad was definitely happening. He could see three small shadows in the distance. One of them was Saya. He would have recognized her no matter what she was wearing. Another one of the figures was probably that knight, Jubilia. The last was a woman he didn’t know.

As he grew closer, he saw that Jubilia was fighting against the unknown woman. It looked like the familiar knight was protecting Saya behind her. However, she wasn’t in good shape, so she was being pushed back. In that case, perhaps the other woman was the assassin Crow had mentioned. Saya’s life was in danger. Nagi’s rage and anxiety bubbled to the surface.

He reflexively drew a Halahala-coated arrow from the quiver on his back, pulled back the string of his bow, and unleashed a shot. His target was somewhat far away, but this was still within Nagi’s effective range.

The assassin dodged Nagi’s arrow and yelled, “Reinforcements?!”

Nagi drew the knife at his waist and ran. Although his protective instincts had nearly taken over, a small part of him remained calm. He knew his enemy here was far beyond him. Regardless, Nagi didn’t stop.

It was clear that Saya would be in grave danger if the assassin wasn’t stopped now. Having grown as a warrior, Nagi could clearly envision his own death at the hands of this opponent. In terms of strength and power, she was way out of his league.

The assassin dodged Nagi’s knife and thrust at his vitals with her claws. He knew it would be the death of him, but this might give Jubilia a chance at victory. Even if there was the smallest possibility, he had to stake his life on it.

He used his very life to protect this girl, just as he had promised. He stepped forward, coming to terms with his demise.

A crimson butterfly fluttered through the air.

It was so beautiful, he thought he was seeing a hallucination on the verge of death. Both Nagi and the assassin stared at it as it flew—and then it swooped down upon her.

Her movements came to a sudden halt, and the life vanished from her eyes. Nagi wasn’t one to let this opportunity pass; he reflexively slashed at her throat. Strangely enough, the assassin didn’t even utter a sound as she collapsed. The butterfly fluttered up from her frozen body and danced about among the gushing blood.

It was a repulsive yet entrancing sight. The scene had his heart astir. The butterfly landed on Saya’s wounded palm and dissolved into her blood. There was a crimson crest on the back of her hand, and her eyes were dyed a deep red.

“Saya!”

Nagi ran over to her and grabbed her shoulders as she sat there in a trance. Saya’s eyes returned to normal, and at the same time, her consciousness returned.

“Nagi?”

He embraced her tightly. She was soft, warm, and alive.

“We meet again,” Saya said, feebly returning his embrace.

He could hear the beating of her heart, and she could hear his. How great it would be if their two hearts could become one. By doing so, they could share the same blood.

There was so much he wanted to say, but all of his words were lost in the warmth of her body, the feel of her skin, and the comfort of her scent. That didn’t go on for long, however, as Nagi remembered Jubilia was still nearby.

“You have my thanks for protecting Saya, but I’m going to have to ask you to release her,” he told Jubilia, putting his hand to the hilt of the knife at his waist, ready to draw it at any time.

“I cannot possibly comply with that. I have been charged with Lady Saya’s protection. I shall escort her to Duke Griesfelt’s villa.”

“There’s no guarantee it’s safe there anymore,” Saya said, turning to face Jubilia herself. “It’s entirely possible there are enemies like Ivara hiding there.”

“It’s still better than the capital.”

“No, there’s an even better place. I’m going with Nagi. To Cobalt.”

“You know I’m with Cobalt?” Nagi asked, surprised.

Saya nodded. “Lernaean told me. He says he has a common front with Cobalt.”

“No way. Lernaean is our enemy, right? We actually fought with him that one time.”

“He thinks his goals are in alignment with yours. He’s likely already in contact with someone there. He knew about you being a part of the group. How did you know I was here?”

“Crow told me. He said you were leaving the capital... Oh, I get it. Lernaean was the one who told Crow.”

That wasn’t all. Crow was strangely well informed of the situation in the capital. If his source of information was in fact Lernaean, nearly everything else made sense. Still, it was rather odd.

“In that case, why did Lernaean attack Cobalt?”

Saya looked straight up at Jubilia. “Tell us what’s going on.”

“I can’t,” Jubilia muttered, averting her gaze.

“Is she actually going to tell the truth?” Nagi asked.

“It’s all right. Jubilia must tell me anything I want to know.”

“Ugh...”

“You’re sworn to your duty as a knight, right?”

Nagi was somewhat confused by their conversation. Their relationship had changed a great deal since he last saw them. They used to be predator and prey, but now they were like two good friends.

“Very well,” Jubilia said with a sigh. “There are many things I do not know about Lord Lernaean’s plans, but I’ll offer my thoughts on what I do know. His goal is to change this distorted world where nobles thrive and commoners suffer. To that end, he intends to overthrow the organization Chairman Gratos built around the possession of the Sovereign. That’s what he needs Lady Saya for.”

Nagi was shocked. His objective sounded extremely similar to Cobalt’s.

“Long before I came into his service, Lord Lernaean put many things in place to accomplish his goal. He isn’t one to lose his patience in the face of his objective. His plans have gradually been moving forward over a tremendously long period of time.”

“Just like how the guards at the Garden slowly vanished over the years. Nagi, how did you find out about the Garden?”

“Keele told me. He got the intel from Cobalt. Huh, maybe Lernaean was their source from the very beginning.”

“Lord Lernaean has sown many seeds, waiting for them to sprout. The Halahala you use is one of them.”

“Lernaean was behind this?”

“You probably know of the scholar who made it, but Lord Lernaean was the one who was secretly supporting his research into Amrita and the Sovereign’s Blood. The Halahala, a coincidental byproduct, was then smuggled elsewhere. Most likely, it went directly to Cobalt.”

Nagi shuddered at the thought. According to Jubilia, Nagi and Cobalt had been moving according to Lernaean’s plan from the very beginning.

“But at the time, Lord Lernaean prioritized Lady Saya over Cobalt. That’s likely why he decided to have them take responsibility as her abductors. However, the combination of Halahala and Cobalt was far more than he could have imagined. His assessment changed completely when he saw a knight defeated by a commoner.”

Jubilia turned her gaze to Nagi.

“Then, your group proved capable enough to capture Ronadyphe Prison. I believe this convinced Lord Lernaean that there was a prospect for victory behind the combination of Lady Saya and Cobalt. Her existence was elevated to a serious threat in the eyes of the chairman and the Sovereign. That’s why they are targeting her life like this. The incident at the party was just the trigger, but that wasn’t the only reason.”

“What party?” Nagi asked, cocking his head.

“Jubilia, shh! Umm, I’ll tell you later,” Saya said, turning red to the cheeks for some reason. She then took a deep breath. “Right now, we need to decide on what to do.”

“Come to Ronadyphe. It’s Cobalt’s headquarters now,” Nagi suggested, gripping his knife again. “If you say you’re going to bring Saya back to the capital, then I’ll stop you by force.”

Jubilia returned his gaze.

“Ronadyphe isn’t very far, but there’s a mountain path on the way there, so a cogwagon won’t be able to get close. Lady Saya can’t go that way with her injuries.”

“It’s all right. I think I can walk now.”

Jubilia turned her attention to the wound on Saya’s leg and balked. “The bleeding has already stopped? Even though you were wounded by a blood caliber?”

Saya tilted her head. “It stopped a while ago. Maybe the wound was a lot shallower than I thought? It doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

“I don’t think Ivara was the type to make such a mistake with her level of skill, though.”

Nagi cut in, “If you can walk, then it’s fine to go to Ronadyphe.”

“Very well. So long as there is nowhere else to go, I have no choice but to accept,” Jubilia replied.

Nagi was relieved to hear it.

“I’d like to come along too,” Jubilia continued, “but I suppose that would be difficult.”

“They’d definitely attack you on sight if you suddenly showed up.”

Nagi’s older brother would be the first to rush out for sure. He had quite the fixation on Jubilia.

“Then I shall return to the capital for now and seek instruction from Lord Lernaean. Nagi, be sure to protect Lady Saya.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that.”

“I can tell that your skills have improved. If you were a noble, I’d even nominate you for knighthood.”

“Huh? That can’t be right.”

“I’m well aware that this sounds strange,” Jubilia said, nodding with a strangely proud expression. “There aren’t many nobles who could stand and fight against Ivara.”

She turned her attention to Ivara’s corpse a short distance away, then gasped in shock. Upon following her gaze, Nagi and Saya immediately understood why. The corpse had completely dried up and was covered in wrinkles.

“Did I do that?” Saya asked in a trembling voice.

“Lady Saya. Was that power you used... the royal caliber?”

“I don’t know. Was it?”

“Do you not know how to wield it? A noble who awakens to their blood caliber naturally gains mastery of it, much like how a baby is capable of breathing and walking without having to be taught.”

Saya closed her eyes and focused, but she quickly opened them again.

“Not at all.”

“I see. In that case, it means you haven’t fully matured yet.”

“What do I have to do to be able to use it?”

“I haven’t got a clue. Lord Lernaean may know, though.” Jubilia paused there before changing the topic. “We shouldn’t remain here much longer. Please head to Ronadyphe. After asking the people of the village to deal with this body, I shall return to the capital.”

“Thank you, Jubilia,” Saya said.

“Think nothing of it. It was simply my duty. Lady Saya, we part here. I am honored to have served as your guard.”

“I’m also glad you were with me. Even though I was locked up again, it felt completely different having a friend nearby.”

“A friend,” Jubilia muttered with wide eyes.

“Sorry, am I wrong?” Saya asked bashfully.

Seeing her like that put a smile on Jubilia’s face. “No, thank you very much. I was in no position for such a thing, but in truth, I also felt as though you were my friend.”

Jubilia’s smile looked ever so fleeting to Nagi.

“Yeah.”

Nagi and Saya left Jubilia behind and headed north. If they traveled all night, they would arrive at the prison come morning. Countless stars shone overhead as they walked. For some reason, Saya felt like she could reach out and touch them.