Time flows back and forth—only you remain by my side.
[Can you really find her? Doesn't she have some kind of spatial ability?]
Within the Plane of Euthymia, Ei sat suspended in meditation, speaking through the rift before her to the Shogun in the corridor.
"Finding her isn't difficult..."
The Shogun had already left the main hall. She walked alone through the corridor at an unhurried pace, appearing aimless, yet in truth observing whether any abnormal spatial distortions lingered nearby.
Hummm—
Musou Isshin gathered in her hand, and she gently tapped the tip of the blade against the tile beneath her feet—
Ding—
A crisp sound rang out within space itself. From where she stood, ripples like splashing water began spreading outward across the floor, the range extending to cover the entire corridor.
"..."
She lifted her violet eyes, observing the flow of the ripples. Each time they swept past a door, a faint spatial distortion trembled in response.
Whoosh!
When the purple ripples passed one particular doorway, the distortion abruptly intensified. The space around the door quivered violently, emitting a dull, muffled vibration.
Found you.
She murmured inwardly, then walked straight to the door without hesitation.
Click!
She twisted the handle and pushed it open.
"..." ×3
What entered her sight was the magnificent interior of an enormous indoor library. Warm lighting bathed ornate walls. Towering bookshelves rose like high-rises. And within the room stood a man and a woman.
The 'woman' was, of course, Beatrice. The 'man' was Natsuki Subaru. Why was he here as well? She had assumed he had gone to the royal capital with the others to seek refuge. Had he not moved at all these past few days?
"No wonder the mansion's gotten noisy. So you've returned."
Beatrice did not look up. She continued reading the book in her hands as she spoke, her tone faintly complaining.
"Yo~! Isn't this Raiden—"
"!"
At that form of address, she instinctively frowned and cast him a cold glance.
"Eek! R-Raiden... Miss?"
Subaru immediately broke into a cold sweat and hastily corrected himself.
"You didn't leave?"
She asked.
"Yeah... I was going to look for you all, but I was too late. By the time I got there, you'd already left. So I figured staying with Beako would be safer... and she agreed, right, Beako?"
Subaru grinned teasingly at the small girl.
"Your shamelessness is incurable. You were the one pounding on the door, crying that you didn't want to die."
Beatrice exposed the truth without the slightest regard for his pride.
"Gah!! Hey! We agreed to keep that a secret, you brat!"
Subaru shot to his feet, face red as he shouted.
"By the way... I've wanted to say this for a while now. That sword of yours is quite remarkable."
Ignoring Subaru's noisy outburst, Beatrice shifted her gaze to the woman before her—or rather, to Musou Isshin in her hand. Curiosity filled her eyes.
"..."
The Shogun glanced at the blade in her hand but did not respond.
"It can even see through my spatial magic. Though I'm reluctant to admit it, it's impressive. No wonder Roswaal treated you so respectfully before."
Beatrice casually closed the book she had been reading halfway through and tossed it toward Subaru.
Thump!
"Ow!"
The book struck him squarely in the face.
"Put it back where it belongs. And fetch me a new one."
She ordered him like a master commanding her servant. Considering he was dressed in a butler's outfit, it suited him perfectly.
"Tch... get it yourself."
Despite his complaint, Subaru still got up and disappeared between the towering shelves.
"So then... what do you want with me, Raiden Shogun?"
Beatrice looked at her directly. Her butterfly-patterned pupils met the Shogun's gaze. Her words were sharp, perhaps tinged with a trace of tsundere pride. Altogether, it suited her personality.
"Have you been here the entire time?"
The Shogun did not immediately ask her real question, instead speaking casually.
"Hah. That's obvious. Why would I leave? It's boring outside. Noisy. And filled with the unpleasant stench of useless people. Why would I abandon this place?"
Beatrice sneered lightly, casting a disdainful glance toward Subaru in the distance before looking back at her.
"Why don't you—"
"What does that have to do with you?"
Beatrice cut her off sharply.
"Haa... you're right."
The Shogun paused, conceding. It truly had nothing to do with her.
"I'll be blunt, Raiden Shogun. Emilia may like you quite a bit, but that doesn't mean I do. Your origins—and the power within you—are highly suspicious to me. And dangerous."
Beatrice's voice turned cold. Her eyes sharpened as though trying to bore straight through her.
"..." ×2
The atmosphere dropped to freezing in an instant. Neither spoke first.
"Then... with such an impression of me, will you answer my next question?"
The Shogun exhaled softly, easing her tone as she followed Beatrice's line of thought.
"Hmph... that depends. Ask."
Beatrice gestured for her to continue.
"Do you know why Roswaal went to the Sanctuary?"
The Shogun took a few steps aside, leaning her back lightly against a bookshelf and folding her arms.
"Why ask me—ah, I see. That half-beast girl told you to come, didn't she?"
Beatrice began to question her reflexively, but halfway through she realized the answer herself, her expression shifting to understanding.
"Correct. Frederica told me to seek you out. She said you would know."
The Shogun nodded slightly.
"Her judgment isn't wrong. However... even I don't know what Roswaal is planning this time. And it has nothing to do with me."
Beatrice shrugged casually.
"..."
The Shogun narrowed her eyes faintly, suspicion flickering within them.
"Doubting me won't help. I truly don't know. But Roswaal isn't the type to act without purpose. If he went to the Sanctuary, he must have his own intentions."
Beatrice immediately saw through her look and shook her head.
That was true. Roswaal was clearly no fool. He must be harboring motives—whether good or ill. And during the Witch Cult's attack, he had not shown himself at all. Though physically in the Sanctuary, he had remained silent. It was indeed strange.
Speaking of the Witch Cult reminded her of something.
On Petelgeuse's corpse, she had found a thick black book—the so-called Gospel, if she remembered correctly...
Perhaps Beatrice would know something deeper about it.
With that thought, she withdrew the book from her pocket and held it before Beatrice.
"Do you recognize this?"
She asked.
"...!"
As expected, Beatrice's expression changed drastically at the sight of the black-covered tome. Her face paled, as though recalling something unbearable.
Snap!
"The Gospel...? Why is it in your possession?!"
She snatched the book and rapidly flipped through its pages, her voice trembling.
"I picked it up. Its former owner was a Sin Archbishop named Petelgeuse."
The Shogun explained calmly, unbothered by her reaction.
"Petelgeuse... where is he?!"
Beatrice lifted her gaze, panic flashing within it.
"I cut him down."
She replied coldly.
"...I see. So you've finally drifted far away from me as well... Juice..."
Beatrice pressed her lips together. Her voice grew hoarse, sorrow and regret surfacing in her expression.
"You knew him?"
The Shogun frowned.
"...No. I did not. Forget what I just said."
Beatrice turned her back on her, hopping down from her chair and walking a few steps toward the bookshelves ahead.
"Haa... you still haven't answered my question."
Persistent, the Shogun followed after her.
"...Since you defeated him, then the Witch Factor should have—"
"...What?"
She did not understand what Beatrice was muttering.
"That can't be right."
Beatrice suddenly approached her and sniffed lightly around her.
"There's no scent of a Witch Factor at all? You truly are unusual."
She smiled faintly.
"Hey! Beako, I—"
"Bring me a few more!"
Before Subaru could finish, she tossed him another slip of paper covered in book titles, sending him off once more.
"You're just messing with me at this point, aren't you?!"
Subaru finally roared in protest.
"Then leave!"
Whoooosh!!
Unable to endure his noise any longer, Beatrice raised her hand and unleashed a gust of violent wind toward him.
"Wait—gahhhh!!!"
As expected, Subaru was blown into the air like a plastic bag. The doors flew open automatically, and he was sent flying straight out, accompanied by a series of dull impacts as he collided with something outside.
"She's so noisy. Honestly."
Beatrice muttered irritably, finally venting her frustration.
The Shogun casually brushed her wind-tossed bangs back into place, her face filled with speechless resignation.
"Raiden Shogun, the answers you seek are all in the Sanctuary."
Beatrice withdrew her hand and returned to the topic.
"..."
The Shogun looked at her in silence, her eyes filled with scrutiny and suspicion.
"Roswaal's purpose. The meaning of the Gospel. Every answer you want... is there. If you wish to know, then go."
"You clearly know everything. Why not tell me here?"
She asked, puzzled.
"Betty can't say it! Haa... Betty has the right to remain silent. I am bound by a contract. Now do you understand?"
Beatrice finally shouted in exasperation.
"The half-beast girl knows the Sanctuary's location. Go ask her."
Whoosh!
With that, Beatrice tossed the Gospel through the air toward her.
Tap—
The Shogun caught it cleanly. She flipped through a few pages, scanning briefly. The text remained incomprehensible symbols to her. She closed it and slipped it back into her pocket.
"Thank you."
Though she had gained no concrete answers, she still offered her gratitude out of habit before turning and opening the door to leave.
"That Gospel is dangerous. It may not affect you, but it's best to discard or destroy it as soon as possible. Nothing from the Witch Cult should be kept."
Just before she stepped out, Beatrice could not help but call after her.
"..."
The Shogun did not respond. She simply exited and closed the door behind her.
[That child doesn't seem very fond of us...]
Ei's voice remained gentle, devoid of temper, as if merely stating a fact.
'She need not be fond of me.'
The Shogun shrugged indifferently and walked back toward the main hall.
"Haa..."
After reuniting with Emilia and the others in the sitting room, she recounted her experience. Then, looking utterly drained, she collapsed onto the sofa, staring up at the ornate chandelier overhead and letting out a long sigh.
"So that's what she said... Well, that does sound like Beatrice."
Emilia gave a faint, wry smile. She had long since grown used to that personality.
"I'm truly sorry, Lady Shogun... It was I who suggested asking her, and yet—"
Frederica bowed apologetically.
"Yes, Shogun... don't take her words to heart, okay? That's just how she is."
Emilia added gently.
"It's nothing... I don't mind."
She waved her hand dismissively, though she remained slumped against the sofa, making no effort to sit upright.
"So... what do we do next?"
Emilia asked.
"Haa... there's no other choice. We'll have to make a trip to the Sanctuary."
She could not force Beatrice to speak. The look on her face had been resolute. Pressing further might only backfire.
"Mm... I suppose so."
Emilia nodded.
"I will go alone."
The Shogun looked at her.
"Eh? No way! I'm coming too!"
Emilia instantly frowned, firmly rejecting the suggestion.
There was no way she would let her travel that far alone. Absolutely not.
"I have things to discuss with Roswaal as well. And I'm worried about Ram and the others. Frederica, can you tell us where the Sanctuary is?"
Emilia set her teacup down quietly and turned to the maid beside her.
"...?"
The Shogun also looked at the golden-haired half-beast woman.
"Sigh... I was instructed not to disclose that information. However, I will need time to prepare. Two days—would that be acceptable?"
Frederica raised two fingers, her expression tentative.
"That's fine."
The Shogun exchanged a glance with Emilia, and they both nodded.
"Very well... What I am about to explain concerns the confidential location of the 'Kremaldy Sanctuary' and the method of entering it—"
...
Around two in the morning—
The vast Mathers mansion had long since extinguished its lights, resting peacefully beneath the desolate glow of moonlight.
The midnight breeze was gentler than during the day, though still faintly cool. It slipped through a narrow crack in a window and stirred the curtains, which swayed under the moon's glow, casting fluid silhouettes like rippling water.
In the next instant, that silhouette subtly condensed into the shape of a slender figure.
(Raiden... Miss?)
A soft, ethereal whisper drifted into the ears of the purple-haired beauty fast asleep on the bed. Yet even such a clear murmur could not rouse her weary mind.
The shadow drew closer, each step accompanied by the faint, tender sound of bare feet touching the floor.
(Raiden... Miss?)
The whisper came again.
"Mmm..."
The Shogun stirred faintly in her sleep, letting out an adorable murmur as she turned over, instinctively nestling closer to the woman sleeping beside her—her mother.
(Hehe... what a little sleepyhead.)
The figure smiled softly.
"..."
The Shogun remained unresponsive, unconsciously burying her face against Ei's chest as she continued sleeping. Ei, sensing the pressure in her half-asleep state, instinctively wrapped an arm around her.
"..."
The figure stood quietly for a moment. Then she bent down, brushing aside a cascade of silver-white hair, and leaned her lips close to the Shogun's ear.
"Raiden Miss... it's time to wake up."
The words carried a strange magic. The sweet voice slipped directly into her consciousness.
"!"
The Shogun jolted awake, her eyes snapping open. What filled her vision first was a beautiful face—Ei's sleeping expression, close enough to touch. For a moment she was stunned. Realizing she was still held in Ei's embrace, a flicker of embarrassment crossed her mind. But she had no time to dwell on such trivialities.
She had heard someone calling her.
Not merely with her ears—but directly within her awareness.
Who? At this hour?
"...?"
She slowly turned her head toward the other side of the bed.
A blurred, unfamiliar figure stood at the bedside.
Her vision was still hazy from sleep. She could only make out a slender silhouette, backlit by the moon. Yet the eyes—bright and intent—remained locked onto hers.
"...Who are you?"
She lowered her voice carefully so as not to wake Ei.
In the instant she blinked, the figure vanished—like a dream dissipating.
"...Haa."
She grew alert.
This had not been a dream. Someone had truly been there.
She moved with utmost care, gently lifting Ei's arm from around her and tucking it beneath the blanket. Then she sat at the edge of the bed, staring at the slightly open window and the drifting curtains. The air felt cool.
Tap... tap...
Still dressed in her nightgown, she walked to the window and slowly closed it, restoring warmth to the room.
(Raiden Miss.)
"!"
The voice sounded again.
She turned instinctively toward the corner of the room.
There, in the shadows, stood a person. Because of her position, the upper half of her body remained concealed in darkness. Yet her slender frame and long, flowing hair made it clear she was a young woman.
"You are—"
"Shh."
The girl raised a finger to her lips.
"Be careful not to wake her."
Her sweet, delicate voice carried an innate tranquility and faint elegance.
"I came to see you tonight, Raiden Miss. Would you come with me?"
Her tone was soft, yet each word rang distinctly.
"..."
The Shogun glanced down at her nightgown, troubled.
"Hehe... I'll wait for you on the mansion balcony."
As if reading her thoughts, the girl smiled gently.
Whoosh...
And just like before, she vanished in the blink of an eye—like a ghost.
What is happening tonight...?
The Shogun frowned inwardly.
This truly felt like something out of a ghost story.