Upon arriving at Liot Village, the soldiers had begun pitching tents for the night’s stay.
Ignoring their busy preparations, I followed the escort unit toward a private house they had apparently requisitioned from the villagers. I had been told that Nyau was inside.
"Master! We're here!"
Ryune threw the front door open with a flourish, her voice ringing out in an exaggerated shout.
Inside, several high-ranking officers appeared to have been in the middle of a discussion; they all turned as one to glare at us. Among them was Captain Garrett, the man who had reluctantly allowed me to join the unit.
"Ryune, come over here," Nyau said.
She was sitting in a chair at the far end of the room and beckoned her apprentice forward. However, as soon as she noticed me, her expression soured into one of blatant exasperation.
"I don’t recall inviting you as well..."
"Uh, well..."
I faltered, unsure of how to explain myself. I had simply followed along because Ryune invited me, but in hindsight, I probably should have declined. With the officers staring us down, I felt a sudden, urgent desire to be anywhere else.
"Oh, Ryune invited Kiskacchi to tag along!" Ryune chimed in with a casual tone.
"Common sense should have told you that your presence here is inappropriate. Honestly, Kiska, go wait over there."
As Nyau gestured for me to leave, Ryune interjected. "Ehh? But if Kiska leaves, who’s going to keep an eye on him?"
"Agh, fine, I get it! In that case, Ryune, you might as well leave too. There isn't much reason for you to be here either," Nyau shouted, scratching her head in irritation.
"If you're going that far, fine. I'll just head out."
I nodded, deciding it was best to simply obey. I didn't want to cause any more friction while the officers were watching, and I didn't have a compelling reason to force my way into the meeting anyway.
"What are you going to do, Ryune?"
"Hmm... I guess I'll head out too. It looks like things are going to be boring here."
Nyau sighed at Ryune's characteristically carefree response, though she seemed satisfied. "Then get out, both of you," she said, trying to usher us toward the door.
I took a step forward to comply, but just then, the door opened again as someone else arrived. It was Elsie, the maid who had guided me during my audience with the Second Prince.
"Everyone, I have a report. His Highness is feeling unwell and wishes to rest alone. Therefore, he will be absent from this meeting."
The officers in the room were taken aback.
"Wait, Elsie," Captain Garrett said. "There’s an audience with the Village Chief scheduled after this. What does he intend to do about that?"
"He will be absent from that as well."
Elsie’s expression remained perfectly composed as she answered the captain. Garrett scratched his head, looking troubled. "Now what am I supposed to do...?"
It seemed a problem had arisen. However, it had nothing to do with me, and I wanted to leave as Nyau had commanded. The only reason I was still standing there was that Elsie and Captain Garrett were blocking the entrance. As an outsider, I couldn't exactly push past them while they were talking.
"If that's how it is, then I shall excuse myself as well. Things are proceeding smoothly for now, so there is likely nothing left to discuss," Nyau announced.
"That may be true, but... um, Sage Nyau. Forgive my presumption, but may I ask a favor of you?" Captain Garrett asked, looking apologetic. "According to the schedule, His Highness was supposed to have an audience with the Village Chief. Would you mind greeting the man in his stead? I believe the people would be overjoyed to meet someone as legendary as Sage Nyau."
Nyau considered the request for a few seconds before answering. "Fine. Please bring him in later."
Though she was clearly reluctant, she gave her consent.
"Then the meeting is adjourned. Those who have no further business are dismissed," Garrett announced.
The other officers began filing out through the front door. Garrett followed, leaving with a quick word: "I will go fetch the Village Chief. Sage Nyau, please wait here until then."
In the end, I had lost my window to leave and ended up staying through the entire exchange. Not that it mattered; since the Second Prince had skipped out, nothing of substance was actually discussed.
Now then, I figured it was finally time to make my exit. My presence as an Alcusian would only complicate things if I lingered.
"Alright, I'm heading out for real now."
"Ryune’s taking off too~"
"Wait."
Nyau’s voice brought us both to a halt.
"Kiska aside, Ryune, are you really planning to leave me behind?"
"Wait, don't tell me... Master, do you actually want Ryune to stay?" Ryune looked delighted.
"I just thought you shouldn't push all the troublesome work onto me alone."
Troublesome work, huh? She certainly doesn't mince words. Was Nyau always this blunt a hundred years ago, just saying whatever came to mind?
"Ehh, if that's how it's going to be, maybe I will leave. Ryune doesn't want to do troublesome things either."
"You're always like this... Don't you ever think about being useful to your Master for once?"
The two of them began bickering. It was getting awkward, and I considered slipping away while they were distracted.
But just as I had that thought, I heard the front door open again.
An elderly man was standing there. "Pardon me," he said, bowing politely as he entered the room. "I am Robert, the chief of this village. I heard that the Great Sage Nyau was present...?"
It seemed the Village Chief had arrived. Once again, I had missed my chance to leave.
"I am Nyau."
"You are Sage Nyau? I have heard many rumors of your deeds, but to think the day would come when I could meet you in person... I am deeply moved."
"The pleasure is mine. We are grateful for your cooperation with this expedition."
"No, no, not at all. It is an honor for us to welcome such a legendary figure."
Robert seemed genuinely touched to be in her presence. Nyau, despite her earlier complaints about it being a "bother," was handling the situation with professional grace. Everything seemed to be proceeding without a hitch.
I happened to glance out the window.
Outside, the tents were lined up in neat rows, and the soldiers were spending their downtime as they pleased. Some were chatting, others were starting dinner preparations. I even saw a few of them playing with the village children.
It was a scene of absolute peace. If I hadn't known better, I never would have believed that a horrific tragedy was destined to shatter this tranquility.
"Kiskacchi, what are you looking at?" Ryune whispered, having moved beside me.
Nearby, Nyau and Robert were still conversing.
"I was just thinking that there isn't a single sign of demons appearing," I replied in a low voice.
I had hoped we might find some clue once we reached the village, but perhaps I had been too optimistic.
"Should we try talking to Master about it later?" Ryune suggested.
It would be reassuring to have Nyau’s help, but I doubted she would take my "prophecy" seriously without proof.
With that thought, I turned back toward the room. Nyau should have been right there, continuing her conversation with the Village Chief.
That was how it should have been.
There hadn't been a single omen. No suspicious sounds, no screams.
I have no idea what caused the event that unfolded before my eyes.
Nyau was sitting on the floor, her legs having seemingly given out beneath her. "Eh? Wh... Why...?" a bewildered voice escaped her lips.
Her entire body was drenched in bright, fresh blood.
Robert lay on the floor in a state of utter ruin. His body was so mangled it no longer looked Human; the skin was unnaturally stretched and torn, riddled with deep, jagged rents.
In a single, silent instant, the Village Chief had died right in front of Nyau.