...Trial?
"What do you mean?"
Emilia asked.
"What happens if you touch the barrier? Haven't you already experienced it?! Once a mixed-blood enters, they can't leave anymore! That includes you, half-elf!"
"!"
Emilia's expression stiffened.
"But you're an exception, woman. You're neither a demihuman nor mixed-blood. Judging by your appearance, you're not ordinary either, yet the barrier doesn't affect you. That makes me curious. You can freely enter and leave the barrier—but they can't!"
Garfiel looked toward the Shogun again, suspicion and scrutiny filling his eyes.
"The barrier doesn't restrict ordinary people. If you want to lift it, the only way is to challenge the Trial of the Sanctuary! But if anyone other than a mixed-blood attempts the Trial, they'll end up miserable like Roswaal."
He glanced at Roswaal, who lay on the bed covered in wounds.
"The villagers have nothing to do with this, do they? They can go back, can't they?"
The Shogun crossed her arms and asked.
"No! If you want the villagers to leave, you must lift the Sanctuary's barrier. You! You must undergo the Trial. If you fail to lift it, I won't let a single villager leave. Of course, you can't leave either!"
Garfiel pointed at Emilia with a fierce expression.
"..." × N
The group fell silent for a moment.
"So you intend to use them as hostages?"
Her eyes gradually turned cold.
"Mm... it's also a guarantee that you'll lift the barrier."
Garfiel folded his arms as he answered.
"Haa... There's no need to take the villagers hostage. Let them go."
"Mm. I will complete the Trial. Release the innocent people."
After the Shogun spoke, Emilia immediately echoed her words.
"Ha!! You think I'd fall for your tricks?! I—"
Boom!
In the next second, the Shogun appeared in front of him in an instant. She grabbed his throat and slammed him against the wall, lifting him one-handed.
"Gah—!!"
The sharp-fanged boy's face instantly turned pale. He tried to resist, but his throat was being crushed, warping under her grip. He could not even coordinate his limbs.
"I'm not negotiating with you."
After whispering that beside his ear, she seized his head and smashed it into the wooden cabinet next to them.
Bang!
With a deafening crash, one corner of the cabinet collapsed from the impact. Blood trickled down the wall.
"Release them."
She grabbed his hair and issued the command coldly.
"You bastard!! Don't think I'm easy to—"
Bang!
Without listening to his nonsense, she slammed his face against the wall again, pressing him hard and dragging him across it.
Crash!
Decorations shattered in succession.
"Gahhh!!"
His face covered in blood, Garfiel roared. The hand on the other side transformed into a beast's claw and slashed toward her face in retaliation.
She caught the claw cleanly. Locking onto the joint, she drove her knee down.
Crack!
"Gahhhhhh!!!"
His arm bent grotesquely out of shape.
"Shogun!!!"
"Lady Shogun!!"
"My, how violent~"
Ram and Emilia hurried forward to stop her, while Roswaal lay on the bed, watching with open amusement.
"Gahhh!!!"
Garfiel clutched his broken arm, screaming on the ground...
Bang!
The Shogun grabbed his hair again and smashed his head against the counter. She drove her knee mercilessly into his back, forcing him down.
Hummm~
She flicked out Engulfing Lightning, pressing the blade against his throat.
"I don't repeat myself."
She warned him coldly.
"Shogun! Wait! He's Frederica's younger brother!"
Emilia hurriedly grabbed her arm, pulling her up with some force.
"Lady Shogun... please calm yourself."
Ram also held her back and quietly urged her to restrain herself. She bent down to examine Garfiel's injuries. Fortunately, no vital points had been struck. As for the broken arm, it would eventually heal—after all, he was half-beast.
"Calm down, Shogun... sit first."
Emilia took her hand and pressed her into a seat.
"...Cough."
The Shogun withdrew her naginata and coughed lightly in faint embarrassment. She rubbed her temple, trying to steady the sudden surge of emotion.
"How uncomposed of you~"
Roswaal remarked.
"Be quiet..."
She shot him a cold glance.
"Ah, how frightening~"
Roswaal shrugged and said no more.
"..."
A flicker of complexity passed through the Shogun's eyes. She covered her forehead and steadied her mind.
"...What a violent woman—"
"That's enough from you!"
Ram coldly reprimanded Garfiel.
"Tch!"
He clicked his tongue, looked away, and struggled to his feet.
"I promise I will undergo the Trial. On the condition that you properly take care of the villagers. Three meals a day, no exceptions. Provide them a comfortable environment. Understood?"
While gently stroking the Shogun's hair to calm her, Emilia laid down her terms coldly to Garfiel.
"I don't need you to tell me that! Damn it."
Bang!
He slammed the door as he left.
Ram sighed and returned to Roswaal's side. Her eyes lingered with concern on the purple-haired woman sitting obediently while being soothed by Emilia.
Lady Shogun...
(...Feeling better? Your mood...)
Pandora, who had remained silent, floated in front of her in a transparent state and spoke directly into her mind, her tone filled with gentle concern.
(Mm... I was just... haa.)
She shook her head slightly.
(Everyone has emotions... It is because we have hearts that we feel them. It's alright.)
Though she could not touch her, Pandora still let her translucent hand pass through the back of her hand in a comforting gesture.
"It's alright now, Shogun... don't be angry anymore."
Emilia also stroked her head. For a moment, it felt as though the two of them were comforting a child—and she was that child. The thought made her feel embarrassed.
She herself felt that something had been off these past few days... She had been easily angered, the kind she could not control. Why?
A faint purple light flickered in her eyes. A string of code appeared for a brief moment before she shook her head and forced it away.
Was she really... sick?
"I'll go check on the villagers in a moment. Will you come with me, Shogun?"
Emilia gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and asked in a soft voice.
"Mm... It would be fine to take a look. Roswaal, have rooms been prepared for us?"
She nodded and asked the clown-like man on the bed.
"Of course. Ram has already prepared them."
He replied.
'Ei...'
She called out to Ei inwardly.
[...What is it?]
Ei, who had been pondering the possible issue with her daughter, responded.
'You and Pandora should rest in the room later... I'll go with Emilia alone.'
[...Mm. Be careful on the way. Come back early.]
Ei did not insist on staying. She followed her wishes. Besides, she also wanted to speak with Pandora.
'Mm...'
She glanced at Pandora, who understood and nodded gently. Then she vanished like a ghost.
After Ram led them to their respective rooms, the Shogun left with Emilia to visit the villagers. There were two rooms in total—one for Emilia and one for the Shogun. Naturally, the Shogun would not be staying alone. With Pandora present and Ei as well, the room effectively housed three people.
After the Shogun left, Ei and Pandora manifested in the room together. They exchanged a glance and shared a faint, gentle smile. Though still somewhat unfamiliar with one another, there was no awkwardness between them.
"The Shogun has been a little strange these past few days..."
Ei stepped toward the window, gazing at the sky gradually fading into dusk as she spoke.
"Strange? I've only known the Shogun for a few days, so I don't know what she was like before. What do you mean?"
Pandora turned and asked.
"I can't quite explain it. It just feels off. She wouldn't lose her temper over something like this before—much less actually strike someone."
Ei shook her head.
"Are you worried that something is changing her?"
Pandora tilted her head.
"It had better not be..."
Though she said that, the worry in her heart only grew stronger. Especially when she occasionally saw the Shogun clutching her head in pain—each time, her own heart tightened.
"It's alright... In my view, the Shogun is not a fragile person. So as her mother, you should believe in her as well."
Pandora comforted her.
"...I hope so."
Ei gave a faint smile.
...
[Right now... I don't have the confidence to say anything beautiful...]
[I also can't say anything truly persuasive, the kind of words that would convince everyone...]
[Although it was only for a short time... I once lived together with your family members who aren't here... and that made me realize once again...]
[Family should be together. Always together!]
[I want all of you to return to your families. Even though I never made a promise to anyone... I swore it to myself!]
[That is... the reason you wanted to hear.]
[—So, I will accept the Sanctuary's Trial and let you all return home safely.]
Recalling the heartfelt words Emilia had spoken to the villagers just a few hours ago, the Shogun found her emotions complicated.
She understood how Emilia had felt at that time. As one of the candidates for the throne, Emilia knew full well that these villagers were an indispensable part of her supporters. She also knew the absolute trust they placed in her. But the greater that trust was, the harsher she became on herself. Perhaps deep down, there was even a trace of guilt—guilt over her own perceived inadequacy.
After all... the girl's heart was sensitive. Sensitive and delicate, easily hurt, yet unwavering when it came to her convictions.
She would not rest until she brought the villagers out safely.
That was the determination the Shogun had read in her eyes.
Coming back to herself, she lifted her gaze and looked at Emilia, whose silver hair glimmered faintly under the dim night. A trace of warmth entered her eyes.
Emilia was speaking with the lesser spirits. With Puck absent, this was her only option.
She had once asked her what "lesser spirits" actually were.
[Um... sometimes when Puck doesn't answer me, I ask them to give me some encouragement instead. They're kind of like my little pets.]
That had been her reply.
Encouragement...
So she was still nervous inside. Perhaps even afraid.
"Haa..."
After the silver glow faded, Emilia let out a soft breath. Her chest rose and fell slightly before she turned and walked over.
"Are you ready?"
The Shogun asked gently.
"Mm... I'm still a little nervous, but there's no other choice."
Emilia placed a hand over her heart and gave a wry smile.
"Everything has a first attempt. It's only natural to feel nervous during it."
She offered comfort.
"Hehe... I suppose that's true. Haa..."
Emilia exhaled again.
"Do you want me to accompany you?"
She asked.
"It's alright. Since it's a Trial, I should face it properly."
Emilia shook her head.
"Just wait outside for me to return, Shogun."
"Understood..."
That had been her intention anyway. She had never planned to abandon her.
"Mm. Then I'll be going..."
Emilia made a small farewell gesture and walked a few steps toward the Sanctuary's entrance before stopping.
"Um..."
She turned back, her face slightly hesitant and faintly flushed.
"...?"
The Shogun looked at her in confusion.
"...Shogun, um—could you give me a little encouragement? Just a bit?"
She asked shyly.
Hearing that, the Shogun did not hesitate. She stepped forward at once, took Emilia's hands that hung at her sides, and gently lifted them. Looking directly into her eyes, she spoke.
"Good luck."
Simple and sincere.
"...!"
Emilia immediately revealed that familiar angelic smile and stepped forward to hug her.
"...I'll do my best."
She whispered beside her ear.
"I'll be waiting outside."
The Shogun smoothed a hand along her back.
"Mm~!"
Emilia slowly released her embrace and, under the Shogun's watchful gaze, climbed the steps one by one.
Hummm~
The ruins of the Sanctuary seemed to respond to her presence. A faint azure glow gradually radiated outward, appearing dreamlike beneath the dark night sky. Wisps of shimmering light drifted around her, wrapping her in their embrace. Even after she stepped through the entrance, the glow did not fade. It remained constant—likely the sign that the Trial had been activated.
Watching her slender figure gradually disappear from sight, the Shogun scanned the surroundings before finding a place to sit upon the steps. She leaned back slightly, supporting herself with her hands behind her, and gazed up at the endless river of stars in the night sky.
She did not know how long the Trial would take.
So she waited.
Today was their first day in the Sanctuary...
She murmured idly to herself.
Tap... tap...
While she sat there, the sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention. She withdrew her gaze from the night sky and looked ahead.
It was Ram.
"Lady Shogun..."
Ram performed a maid's curtsey when their eyes met.
"Mm... come sit."
She was not treating her like a servant. She lightly patted the empty space beside her, inviting her as a friend.
"Yes."
Ram nodded and came over quietly, smoothing her skirt before sitting down.
"How are they?"
By "they," she meant the villagers. Ram understood immediately.
"They have all gone to sleep. At first they were somewhat unsettled, but they have gradually adapted."
Ram replied.
"Lady Emilia has already gone in?"
The Shogun nodded.
"I see... I wonder how it will turn out."
"Regardless of the result, she has already tried her best. If it truly proves impossible to leave, then leave it to me."
She looked at Ram firmly.
"Lady Shogun... you..."
"I know. That's why I said 'if it truly proves impossible,' right?"
Unless absolutely necessary, she would not resort to force to break through.
"Mm... haa..."
Ram paused before letting out a small sigh of relief. A faint smile of helpless indulgence appeared on her face.
"There really is nothing we can do about you."
She complained lightly.
The Shogun smiled in response. She stretched out her legs and casually crossed them, the toe of her left shoe lightly pressing against the heel of her right. With small, unconscious movements, she let the shoe shift against the black stocking beneath as she absentmindedly drifted in thought.
"I'm sorry..."
She murmured suddenly.
"...? Lady Shogun?"
Ram's eyes flickered with confusion at the unexpected apology.
"Earlier... haa... I was too impulsive. I don't know why I couldn't control my emotions at that moment, so I struck him."
"..."
Listening to the guilt in her tone, Ram silently shook her head.
"He's your friend, isn't he? I'm sorry... that was my fault."
She straightened her legs, drawing them back properly, and lightly pinched the hem of her skirt before looking at the red-haired girl again to apologize.
"What are you saying...? You don't need to apologize to Ram at all. This isn't your fault. Besides... it was Garfiel's stubbornness to begin with. You merely—"
Ram tried to refute her, but—
"If you wish to criticize me, you may say so directly. I'm not someone who can't accept reproach. So—"
"Very well~! Then I will criticize you right now~! Next time, do not say such things to Ram. Otherwise, Ram will ignore you, you know? Although... if you coax Ram a little, there might still be room for negotiation."
Ram folded her arms with a deliberately pouty expression and turned her face away, crossing her legs as well.
"...If that counts as criticism, then I accept it."
Watching her, the Shogun felt warmth bloom in her chest, her mood easing.
"Hmph~"
Ram turned back to face her and gave a deliberately cute snort beneath her gaze.
"How is Rem?"
She gently shifted the topic and asked about Ram's younger sister. She had not seen Rem since that incident and wondered how she was doing.
"Rem is fine... Although her memories haven't returned yet, her body has nearly recovered. She even helps me with some cleaning from time to time."
At the mention of Rem, the red-haired girl's expression softened instinctively.
"Oh, and she calls me 'big sister' now."
Her demeanor changed most noticeably when she said that.
"Even without her memories, she still calls me 'big sister.' That's enough for me."
Ram smiled.
When she had witnessed Rem's amnesia firsthand—when Rem had looked at her with unfamiliar eyes—her heart had nearly shattered. That night, she had cried beneath the covers for a long time.
But now, Rem still acknowledged her as her sister. Though there was some distance, Rem's desire to understand her moved her deeply.
Even if the memories were gone, their blood bond remained.
And so did the connection between them.