A back street in the Royal Capital. It was an area crowded with merchant warehouses, largely deserted once night fell. On the first basement floor of one of those buildings sat a tavern called the "Blue Eye."
In a secret room at the back of the tavern was a single, small round table. A pair of leather sofas sat on either side of it. Sasha, an executive of the Dark Guild, occupied one, while First Princess Selene sat across from her.
"What a surprise, Sasha, for you to be the one calling for me."
Selene wasn't wearing her hood as she had before, exposing her beautiful yet strong-willed face without hesitation. It was a testament to the trust she placed in Sasha.
"A number of things have happened, so I thought it best to report them to you."
"A number of things, you say?"
Selene repeated the words, her interest piqued.
"It concerns the person you previously mentioned—the one with the potential to seal the Fragment of the Evil God."
"The girl who lives in the Poison Swamp."
Selene narrowed her eyes as if reminiscing.
"Yes. It seems a strange occurrence is taking place in that swamp—the Dusk Hollow Wetlands."
"...A strange occurrence?"
Selene’s eyes widened slightly as she asked for clarification.
"The miasma that once choked the Dusk Hollow Wetlands has vanished entirely. In the place once known as the Poison Swamp, there is reportedly a pond of clear, transparent spring water. The water is so pure that people are traveling from nearby towns just to draw it."
Selene's surprise deepened. She placed a hand to her mouth, lost in thought.
"It couldn't be... Is it truly possible...?"
"What is the matter?"
"...The girl of the Poison Swamp may have awakened as a Saint."
Upon hearing the word "Saint," Sasha leaned back, her black hair swaying.
"A Saint...?"
"Yes. I heard from Count Bradley that such a possibility existed. He said the girl in the swamp, Neneva, possessed a Mysterious Power."
"But if she truly received the Job of Saint, wouldn't it be strange for there not to be a massive uproar by now?"
Sasha’s question was a logical one. Selene furrowed her brows, sinking deeper into thought.
"A faction that would find the existence of a Saint inconvenient must have suppressed the news of her birth..."
"Which would mean..."
Sasha stared intently at Selene, waiting for her to finish the thought.
"It is likely Second Prince Gaius's Faction and the Empire."
"...That could be a problem."
"What do you mean?"
This time, Selene waited for Sasha to explain.
"Actually, I’ve received word that the Mansion in the Dusk Hollow Wetlands is empty. The girl who might be the Saint has gone missing."
"How can that be..."
In that moment, the two women could do nothing but pray for the Saint's safety.
"Hey, hey—it’s a bit late to ask, but what exactly are the City-states?"
Inside the comfortably swaying carriage, Neneva asked me somewhat sheepishly. Until now, she had been following along with the conversation between Graymond and me, but she clearly hadn't grasped the details.
"The City-states are a region where each city functions as an independent nation. A group of them are gathered together in a loose alliance. You’ll find them to the east of the Imuris Kingdom."
"Hmm, just how loose is it!?"
Looseness...? Is that what you’re worried about? I had only visited the region once myself, so I didn't know every detail, but...
"Let’s see. It's the kind of place where people usually just give a light nod when passing each other, but everyone gathers to talk if a theft happens in the neighborhood."
"Oh, that's loose! I get it now!"
She seemed satisfied with that explanation.
"The place we’re heading to now is the one specializing in martial prowess among the City-states: the Asterion Sword Kingdom. It's a nation ruled by a Knight Order, and the Knight Order Commander holds the most power."
"And there's someone there who might take our side?"
"That’s the plan," I answered, thinking of Former Count Bradley.
"Do you think they'll welcome us? We won't be arrested when we try to enter the country, will we?"
Neneva’s expression suddenly clouded with anxiety. She was likely remembering the time the Shield of the Sky attacked us.
"The Asterion Sword Kingdom is a bit unique. They say sword skill takes priority over everything else there. As long as we prove our worth when we enter, we should be fine."
"What a strange country."
It certainly was.
"There's one more reason to feel safe."
"What is it?"
Neneva leaned in, looking up at me with her red eyes.
"The person I’m relying on is apparently close friends with the Knight Order Commander—the most important person in the country. And since I once saved that man's life, I doubt they'll treat us poorly."
"So it’s true that kindness is its own reward! Let’s celebrate Walt’s past good deeds!"
As she spoke, Neneva’s body was enveloped in a pale blue light that gathered in her right palm. The light bounced softly before wrapping around me.
A warmth spread through my body, and I felt a surge of strength.
"That's my Blessing of the Saint!"
"Heh, well, thank you."
"What was that? You could at least act a bit more humble!"
"Yes, yes."
Our carriage, having lowered the Flag of the Imuris Kingdom, continued at a steady pace. The highway was well-maintained, making for a smooth ride. At last, the City-states were close.
From the distance, I thought I heard the faint, metallic ring of clashing steel carried on the wind.