The Holy Deception

Ahh......

Thillelille is so happy to be back!

That was a long journey indeed... It feels as though it's been ages since I laid eyes on it.

But in the end, we were beaten to the punch on this trip...

Either way, this is certainly a fresh, new feeling. Showing up late like this.

Especially for Melina and myself. This could well be the very first time we've been late for anything.

You speak as though you know every detail of my life...

That's because I do. You are a top priority for surveillance after all♪

Hold up! Thillelille hasn't been late a day in her life, you know?!

Hmph... Nobody cares.

Despite our delays, we've reaped some unforeseen benefits. You could say it was for the best.

So this is the church headquarter you were traveling to...

It's even grander than you had lead me to believe!

It is indeed... However...

Is something wrong, Clarte?

No... It's nothing.

It's just... I guess I don't know what I expected.

You mean your memories?

Putting everything together, there's little doubt that I met Melina and the others at this church before. Correct?

I thought that when I finally saw the church before me, I might remember something... At least, that is what I had hoped...

Well... We did meet each other inside the church. It's still a little too soon to lose hope.

There's no need to hurry, Brother Clarte. Memory is something beyond our control, after all.

Even if you can't remember yourself, maybe you'll find a hint if you ask Johann, the Tower Defender!

Ask the Tower Defender... That seems like a sound plan.

Just let me know if you wish to pay a visit to the interrogation room♪ It's quite enlightening...

That room should be off limits for personal use.

Teehee... That may be the case, but don't underestimate my ability to come up with an official reason.

You scare me sometimes, Rosetta...

Who, you mean me? Teehee... 'Twas but a slip of the tongue. Even without resorting to such measures, Johann is sure to find some way to chastise you.

Let's leave the interrogation room for another time...

I want to do whatever I can to help Clarte get his memories back. There's probably not a whole lot I can do, but still...

Thank you, Aldo... And everyone else... I'm truly fortunate to have made it this far with all of you.

Ahhh! This is no time for any sappy stuff!

Haha... I suppose you're right.

Well then, onward into the church... The place of my deepest wish.

Wow... The architecture is unbelievable! Having lived in homes made from materials found on a cliffside, I could never have imagined such a place.

Yeah! It has an overwhelming air about it, different than even Palsifal Palace. However...

I'm more worried that you're focusing too much on the building.

Could I be dreaming? Is it just me, or are there wings coming out of that girl's back?

This is no dream... She's flying around like it's nothing...

Th-This will not do! All these people are staring at my wings!

EVERYONE! STOP STARING AT HER!

Thillelille isn't an expert, but staring at Winged People's wings is a big no-no!

Prai! If you're so set on protecting a maiden's honor, now's the time!

Wh-What's this?! All I can see is some guy burning with a heat like Salamander!

I've seen many things, but even I feel the urge to look away...

Why have these people gathered around as though something unusual happened? Surely pious believers such as these would know the wings of the Winged Beings, right?

The symbol of the bridge between our human realm and a higher power, right?

You are quite correct, Aldo. See, even a non-believer such as yourself knows this♪

How dare you stare so brazenly at a Winged Person because they're of another race. Do you wish to soil the church's good name?

......

Th-Thank you, everyone...

Even still... We can't change the fact that you stick out like a sore thumb. Judging by the response of those curious onlookers, we can easily guess the reactions of others.

At the very least, we should probably avoid staying in such a large group like this.

Understood. Let's split up for a while. Mistrare, come with me.

Huh? Me?

Split up, huh? And just where does Melina think she's gonna go, leaving poor Thillelille all alone like this...

I plan on making the first move, and reporting everything that's happened thus far to the Supreme Cardinal. I'm sure he's heard that we're traveling with one of the Winged People from the priests delivering supplies to Merlot Ward.

I thought that things would go smoother if Mistrare herself came, too. I plan on having her along as a guest.

What's that, you hot-blooded priest? You're not on of the clergy. You don't even have the authority to be granted an audience with the Supreme Cardinal.

I'll return as soon as our meeting has concluded. Don't cause any trouble while I'm away.

Well then... This way, Mistrare.

Y-Yes ma'am!

And they're gone. What should we do in the meantime?

I must go, too.

Clarte?

I can hear a voice...though it's so faint, it's as if it could disappear at a moment's notice.

I don't know if it's the same voice I heard before or not. The voice is so strained, I can't even tell where it's coming from.

Before, I believe I said that I heard a voice coming from a place called the Crystalline Tower.

Yes, you did say that.

Please tell me where it is.

Tell you where it is?

Clarte! You're not saying that you're going alone, are you?

Hehe... Indeed, something inside me says that I must go alone.

Thillelille hears a voice too! It says we can't let you go alone!

When those lost memories came back... Thillelille really regretted letting you and Johann go off together.

If you hadn't had gone, maybe you wouldn't have lost your memories...

Thank you. Will you at least hear what I have to say?

Hm?

It's true that there is a pull telling me to go by myself... But I have no intention of ignoring all I've learnt on this journey with you all.

When we had met each other the first time, we only knew each other for a very short time, correct?

I'm sure I believed that I took the correct course of action at that time. Knowing what I know now, I would ask you to join me before venturing forth.

I only wish to know the Crystalline Tower's location for a hint to get back my memories. There's nothing to worry about.

Clarte...

You big dummy! Don't go saying stuff that gets me on edge like that! Clarte, Thillelille and everyone are inseparable allies who've been through thick and thin together, but...

That's why... When push comes to shove, Clarte might try something dangerous!

So that's why... Thillelille is going with you!

Thillelille!

Huh?

Your finally back! Let's pway Savior! Hurwy up!

Huh?! It's not a game! Thillelille IS the Sword-wielding Savior!

And the Savior is in the middle of something right now!

But...but...I just wanted to pway...

You pwomised you'd play with me when you got back...

Huh?! Now that you mention it...

But Prai...

Didn't you get knocked on the back of your head and grew a big, funny looking lump before?

Prai... That's...

So...amazing! Super mega per-fect!

Thillelille grants you permission to serve as Thillelille's substitute for protecting Clarte!

Don't really have any other choice... Once we're done playing, promise you'll be a good girl and go home?

I pwomise!

(Once she gets home, I'll rejoin with everyone ASAP.)

Ah... It's hard being so popular!

Okay everyone! Thillelille bids you adieu for now!

So even Thillelille's gone. If that's the case... I can't be caught sitting on the sidelines, either.

You too, Rosetta?

Hehehe♪

That's right. Inquisitors have a duty to monitor the priests under them, after all. I have no choice but to leave Brother Clarte's protection to you, Aldo.

Leave his protection to me? I honestly don't think Clarte would do anything risky on his own.

That would be preferable, but as an inquisitor, I can't help but be suspicious... I'd like to avoid letting Clarte do anything alone.

Take care of Clarte for me...

And now Rosetta's gone too.

Haha... It's grown quiet all the sudden.

Prai, can you tell me the location of the Crystalline Tower?

A place? But of course, Brother Prai.

I'll tag along. If it's got something to do with Clarte's memories, I want to see it too. (Not to mention Rosetta's request.)

(Clarte's memory might be gone, but I'm not willing to believe Clarte's against acting rashly.) (I must return as soon as I finish reporting to the Supreme Cardinal.)

Is something the matter, Mel?

It's nothing... Let's hurry on to the audience chamber.

It's been a while. Are you the one who arranged our audience with the Supreme Cardinal?

Ah, if it isn't Sister Melina... I am pleased to see you've finally returned.

I was concerned when I heard you wouldn't be making the scheduled mission... Hm? Is this the guest you will be bringing along?

Um! I'm...

Please, do not fret... Judging by your reaction, you must be concerned about others staring at you. We try to explain the correct interpretation of the scriptures, but understanding them is ultimately left to the individual.

Allow me to apologize for their impoliteness.

Th-Thank you... I appreciate the gesture.

Mistrare of the Winged People. I would like to tell the Supreme Cardinal about her, and everything that has transpired. Can I ask you to file for an audience?

But of course, Winged Child. Let us register Lady Mistrare as a guest. I will continue with the procedures, so please allow me some time.

Wait a moment.

Certainly... What is the matter?

This matter requires expedience. Allow me to use the Rank Skip.

Ah... The Rank Skip, is it?

What is a Rank Skip?

It's an emergency measure that allows one to cut in front of those of lower rank for an audience with the Supreme Cardinal. It is essentially using the authority of your rank to skip ahead of others... Thus the name.

I'd rather not resort to using it, but with things the way they are, we have little choice.

It is quite a rare decision coming from you, Sister Melina.

It simply reflects the importance of the topic at hand. May I leave the rest to you?

But of course...

There are currently three in line for an audience... Two clerics and one cardinal. Skipping ahead of the two clerics, you may be granted an audience after the cardinal at the very earliest.

I see... That will do.

Well then, please allow me to see to the paperwork. Wait here until you are called.

Mel, you're so amazing!

Not at all. I only have the authority to skip past clerics, after all. One has to at least be a member of the clergy to be granted an audience with the Supreme Cardinal in the first place.

Cleric? Clergy?

Haha... Mistrare... Your face resembles Aldo's when he's flustered or confused, you know?

R-Really?

I suppose you can't really see yourself. I'll explain some things about the church while we wait.

Yes, please! I'm very interested! And I must not forget to record it!

Well then, let's wait nearby until we're called.

Hey, Noah... You're coming too, you know?

Blip-blep!

Prai... What kind of place is it you say has such a deep connection to my memories?

You will understand once we arrive. This way!

This is the place, Brother Clarte.

So this is the place connected to Clarte's memories...

Yes, this is... The worship hall where we first met Brother Clarte.

I see...

However... Before I bring you inside, I must warn you that it may come as a bit of a shock to you.

A shock? I'm not sure I understand.

If there's any chance my memories will return, then we mustn't hesitate.

Haha... I suppose my warning was unneeded. Let us hurry on...

Um... I think I'll wait here if you don't mind.

What's the matter?

I wasn't there when you all first met, so... If I come along, I might get in the way of your memories or something.

Now that you mention it, I suppose you might be on to something.

Thank you, Aldo. If I awaken any of my lost memories, I will inform you as soon as possible.

Shall we go on ahead? Please wait here for a moment, Brother Aldo.

Having no memories... It's hard to even imagine. Clarte... I hope he's able to remember something.

Aaahhhhhh!

Wha, ?! Someone's in trouble!

But... Rosetta asked me to watch Clarte...

Wait... She only said not to let Clarte go off alone. I'll leave this one to you, Prai!

This is a statue of the Sword-wielding Savior... Or, the remains of one, I should say.

I arrived after the fact, so I only heard an account from Sister Melina, but... The statue of the Savior was in fact smashed by the impact of your fall, Brother Clarte.

The impact of my fall? Haha... You're quite the joker when you want to be, Prai. Even with my magical abilities, surviving an impact like that would be highly unlikely.

This is no joke...

Judging from the look on your face, I can see not a hint of deception...

Could I really destroy this statue in such a manner?

Do not worry. I have no intention of blaming you for this incident. I apologize for my choice of words.

There is no need to fret over this accident, Brother Clarte.

...... It's no good... I can't remember a thing.

Please do not overdo it trying to recall your memories.

I only pray that you will remember what you need to when the time comes.

Thank you, Prai.

Our present hardships is no excuse for leaving this statue in its current condition. If I could only go back in time to return it to its former grandeur.

Back in time?

You went quiet all of a sudden. Weren't you going inside the Crystalline Tower?

(This is...before we went into the tower?) (We went back in time! Did some power save us?)

If you've suddenly got cold feet, then the rest of us will go without you♪

Oh, it's nothing...

(This isn't good. I can't let them get involved in this again...) (That Johann guy... He's not someone I can take while worrying about others around.) (This is something that I'll have to do on my own. I'll have to save their god in the Crystalline Tower.)

(Just now, I saw only a fragment, but it seemed to be something like a memory.) (I have no sensation of it being my own memory. But if this information is true...) (Some past version of me, stuck in the repeating loops of time, was in the same situation as I am now with everyone.)

What is the matter, Brother Clarte?

Is it your memories?!

N-No... It's nothing. (I see now that I must go to the Crystalline Tower alone.) (If I truly care about these people, then that is the only way forward.) (I don't like the idea of taking advantage of their good-natures, but this is the only way...)

How can I explain... I am perplexed that I am unable to remember a single detail. Would you mind turning the other way and closing your eyes for a moment?

Turning...the other way?

(How strange... Perhaps he remembered something, and is thinking of venturing to the Crystalline Tower alone again.)

(Which would mean... It is time for the metal plate fitted in my collar to fulfill its divine purpose!)

By all means! Ready anytime!

Huh?

Ah, no, it's just... No one will look, Brother Clarte. You are free to cry if you wish.

Thank you... You're a kind man, Prai. (I'm undeserving of such kindness.)

(Still nothing...) (Maybe I can get him to let his guard down with my amazing small talk skills.) S-Soooooo... Brother Clarte. Did you, um, notice that the Savior's statue looks like Sister Thillelille? ...... Um... You don't see it? It, um, has two arms...and two legs... ......

A-And of course! They both have two swords! Truly spitting images of each other... (Flawless...)

Hmm.... Isn't it more likely that Thillelille is simply imitating the Savior?

Haha... Perhaps you're right. And this statue's missing a sword.

Wait a second!

Hello... Mr. Hot-blooded Priest. Listening to you talk to yourself was just so interesting, I couldn't help but butt in.

B-Brother Johann...

(Wait... Where is Brother Clarte?!)

What's the matter? You seem to be quite flustered. You were here with someone, weren't you? Surely you weren't left behind?

Wh-While I am ashamed to admit it... That does seem to be the case.

I've heard you're always at the whim of your superiors. It's the nature of our profession, but it takes its toll, doesn't it?

By the way, Mr. Hot-blooded priest... Have you recalled anything from before?

......

Recalled anything? What exactly do you mean?

Never mind... It's nothing.

Apologies for the interruption. I will take my leave.

Phew... My blood went cold for a moment there. I suppose he must have come to check on the condition of my memories.

What if I had told him that my memories haven't returned?

Wait! I should be worried about Brother Clarte right now!

I even went through the trouble of fitting my collar with a metal plate... Why didn't he resort to force like before?

We've got a secret weapon this time... We've got Aldo. Hehe... Oh, Brother Clarte, don't think we've let you get away so easily!

Thank you so much. You were so helpful!

I'm just glad it didn't get out of hand. Well then, I'd better get going.

I'm sure Prai has everything in hand.

Buuut just in case, I'd better hurry back. I mean, Clarte said nothing'd go wrong...

Hmm? Is that...

C-Clarte?! Are you kidding me?!

Is he heading into the Crystalline Tower? I've gotta stop this!

So this is the Crystalline Tower entrance... It's just like how I remember it. ...... I can still hear that far-off voice from before, but it's slightly clearer when I'm standing here.

It seems I've kept someone waiting for some time. Someone calling for help... No matter what it takes, I will find the source!

Huh? What's this? The door won't open!

(That person over there!)

(If that's who I think it is, how can they still be alive?) (I'm certain I cleaned up that mess.)

According to the others, I was the one who opened the door... Is it because I've lost my memory? Or have I lost some other important thing along with my memories? No... It has to be simpler than that. I, of all people, have been careless. It allowed an intruder in before. There's a chance the nature of the seal has changed.

...... (What should I do? Should I take care of this with my own hands again?)

(Luckily, I can still use the Stifling Chain...)

Hey, Clarte!

(Whose voice is this? Some wayward believer?)

(I need to rethink my strategy. Using the chain here would draw too much attention.) (Getting caught here would not benefit my situation. I'd best stand down...for now.)

...... How could I have failed to kill that nuisance? Impossible... The Stifling Chain was certain it felt death.

There are two main issues. It looked like Mr. Silver-hair is unable to enter the Crystalline Tower. But nothing about the door has changed... Or should I say, it cannot be changed.

The second issue is that I must figure out Mr. Silver-hair's relationship to the others. They returned to the church at almost the same time Mr. Silver-hair appeared.

It's too much to be just a coincidence.

The lack of information about Mr. Silver-hair from the priests who went to Merlot Ward... It must have been because they became fixated on that girl of the Winged People. No use crying over split milk, I suppose... Without the memories, Mr. Silver-hair cannot open the door. We'll leave our engagement for later. What's more pressing now is the news that the Winged Child has requested an audience with the Supreme Cardinal.

Attempting to fool the hot-blooded priest was a waste of time. Those meddlers are far too suspicious.

This is most definitely the worst-case scenario. There's only one thing I can do in this situation...

For now, I must stop the Winged Child's plans. This will require every resource at my disposal.

How annoying is all this... Honestly, there's been nothing but trouble since I took this job.

Clarte! What happened to Prai?!

My apologies, Aldo. I know you're all worried about me. But some of my memories have returned, though still fragmented...

Your memories have come back?! Really?!

I finally understand why... Why I decided to distance myself from everyone and tried to climb the Crystalline Tower alone.

So you really were planning on trying to climb it alone again? (Damn... It's just like Rosetta said.)

I want you to understand, Aldo. I can't allow others to get involved.

Those "others" are your friends!

All the more so... What if you learned that the people you wanted to rely on you, shouldn't? What would you do?

I guess... I wouldn't rely on them.

Precisely. You and I have something in common, Aldo...

That you would come to the same conclusion as me.

Wait, Clarte... I'm not done talking yet.

Huh?

What do you mean?

I've learned that there is no such thing as a friend you can't rely on.

Before going to save Eden... Over and over again, I tried to push away my little sister Feinne. I told her not to follow me because it was dangerous... Even still, she decided to sneak along and follow me.

I know the feeling of wanting to protect everyone. I know it so much it hurts. But you can't stop how everyone else feels. Melina, Thillelille, Prai, Rosetta, and Mistrare... Maybe even Noah and Moke...

And of course, me... Right now I feel just like Feinne did back then.

That's why I think it's better to imagine everyone's feelings, and then make a decision. I think that's what's most important if you really want to protect someone when the time comes.

Aldo... Understood... I will consider your words.

......

Anyhow, there's no need to worry so much. I can't even open this door.

Really?

For the time being, I'm going to take a guess at who knows why. Until then, I'll think over your words.

Prai should be right in the middle of avoiding Clarte's rear attack!

What's wrong, Thillelille?

Oh, it's nothing!

It's time to start the adventures of the Sword-wielding Savior!

Yay!

Behold the triumphant return of Thillelille the Sword-wielding Savior!

Look out! Here she comes!

Oh, Thillelille! Mind if I speak with you about something?

An easy task for Thillelille! What's the matter?

Well, I recently made a new sword... I'd like to get your impression of it, Thillelille.

Hm? Which sword is it?

This one over here...

I wanna see it too!

Wow... It's super cool!

Hahaha! Thank you, little lady!

Thillelille agrees! This is a nice sword! You made my beloved sword after all, you must be an amazing smith!

Yes... But...

Aha! Thillelille knows what you want to say! You made it using a different method than usual?!

Amazing! So you could tell? Truly befitting of the self-proclaimed reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior!

Drop the "self-proclaimed" part and you'll be forgiven! And anyhow, the "sword" in Sword-wielding savior refers to the power of salvation, you know!

But maybe Thillelille does practice using swords for a tiny bit of world-recognition...

Haha! No need to explain, Thillelille.

Hmph...

Even still, this sword... Its design is unusual to me.

This is how swords from the East are made!

You've got a good eye! With the fading of god's blessing, I'm unable to get good iron these days. I smelted down several old swords to forge this one.

That sounds like a good idea! But it looks a bit frail.

That's right. There's only so much I can do with whatever scrap iron I have lying around. What I wouldn't give for a big lump of good iron to fall from the sky.

You're so amazing, Thillelille! You always know exactly what he wants to say! It comes to you like ewectwicity!

Electricity you say...

And I think the rocks are magnetic. It must be something to do with the lightning.

Magnetic rocks... Must be magnetite.

That's it!

Huh? Did something come to mind?!

Thillelille saw some magnetic iron ore that was all shockity shocky in the caves in the Untrodden Region!

Whoa... Who knows what kind of sword could I make from an interesting material like that?!

Next time we'll bring some back for you to test out!

I would be much obliged! Thank you, Thillelille!

Teehee... You're the savior of bwacksmiths, Thillelille!

Behold the triumphant return of Thillelille the Sword-wielding Savior!

Look out! Here she comes!

She came back with me, but we're all taking care of business now.

Heehee! It was nothing for the Sword-wielding Savior! And with the Winged Child along, too. Crossing the Untrodden Region was a piece of cake!

W-Wait a sec... Thillelille and Melina aren't close friends or anything like that!

But Thillelille supposes you might be right! It's only natural for the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior to be close to the Winged Child!

Yeah! It's the job of people with wings to support the Savior, right?!

Yeah! That's right! We crossed the Untrodden Regions because Melina insisted she wanted to share the joys and sorrows of the road with Thillelille.

Teeheehee! Thillelille is such a naughty Sword-wielding Savior!

Behold the triumphant return of Thillelille the Sword-wielding Savior!

Look out! Here she comes!

Oh... If it isn't Thillelille! Welcome back.

Hi there! Thillelille's back!

Hohoho... Moke must also be tired from the long journey.

Bli-bleep!

Hm... Moke spent the whole time scavenging for food and taking naps, so he isn't so tired!

Wait! Thillelille! Moke is...a special animal that pwotects the Savior, isn't he?!

Um... I guess?

It's true, Thillelille! And, and, when you're in twouble, Moke gets twice, no, THWEE TIMES bigger!

Blipple-blep?

E-Erm...

Its claws and fangs go blipple-blep like this and that I bet!

Blipple-blep?

Y-Yeah... That's right...

Moke's true form is the protector of the Savior, the Sacred Beast Mokepontas!

Blep...

Blipple-blep, blepple?!

(Moke! She's just being a little overly imaginative!) (You're suppose to say "Is Moke really so amazing?!" with a glint in your eyes! But in the end you're just a normal Moke!)

Bleep! Blipple-blep! Bliiiiiip!

(Moke, you're really good at not listening at times like this...)

Is that so... A sacred beast, you say? Was there such a passage in the scriptures?

Ahh...

W-Well... There are missing pages of the scripture! Passages nobody knows about! That's where the passage about the Sacred Beast Mokepontas can be found!

Passages nobody knows about? Yet you know them, Thillelille?

Erm!

Thillelille is the Sword-wielding Savior! So Thillelille knows all the historical facts that happened before they became scripture!

Haha... I'm not sure I follow, but you sure are serious about your studies, Thillelille.

Y-Yeah... That's right! Ahahaha...

Wow, that's so cool! Someday I want my very own sacwed beast, too!

Sword-wielding Savior Thillelille will make everyone's dreams come true!

Playing savior with you is so much fun, Thillelille!

But Thillelille isn't playing!

Teehee! When I grow up, I'm gonna be a savior just like you!

When that time comes, I don't want to just be pwetending.

......

But you're already a full-fledged savior. So that's why when Thillelille's not at the church, you've got to take care of everyone!

Yeah! I'll do my best! Thanks for playing with me, Thillelille!

...... Thillelille supposes everyone has their own problems to deal with...

Still... How many times does Thillelille have to say she's not playing for everyone to get it?

Anyway, we're finished here. Moke, let's go join up with everyone!

...... It is quite rare for you to show your face. Shall I assume that snow will fall anon?

...Johann.

With the fading of god's blessing, not even rain will fall upon these lands, Supreme Cardinal.

You did not go through the trouble of using your rank skip to speak pleasantries with me, did you? It is an unspoken rule that the Supreme Cardinal and Tower Defender keep their distance from one another.

What is your reason for coming here? Pray, make it short...

Hmph... I won't take your precious time, Supreme Cardinal.

Ah! Could this be...

This is a fragment of a lost account related to the appearance of Those Bearing Wings. I would like you to make a public announcement that this verse has been newly discovered.

I heard of its existence from the previous Supreme Cardinal, but I did not think it would actually exist. The underbelly of the church that Tower Defenders have worked hard to hide... Secrets so grave, not even I know... Even if it is but a fragment, I cannot imagine why you would want to make it public. Care to enlighten me?

Drastic times call for drastic measures. The church... It had already reached its limit long ago.

I see... Let us press for an expedited review.

If you would be so kind. Once the decision has been made... The church's official stance on one topic must be...altered.

Thus the snow falls... And it is likely to become a storm.

This is taking far too long... There's only supposed to be one cardinal in line before us. That is correct, is it not?

Yes, it seems so.

Oh! Do you think the person who was supposed to call on us got lost?!

That seems...unlikely. As long as we wait here, someone should call on us once the Supreme Cardinal is free. Maybe something happened. I'll go check it out.

Cleric... Did something out of the ordinary happen? There was only supposed to be one cardinal ahead of us, correct?

Yes, Winged Child... After submitting your application, the unthinkable happened.

The unthinkable?

Yes... Another used their rank skip.

What?!

Please forgive me... It is a vanishingly rare situation, but it's true.

All the same, your turn should be soon. Allow me to confirm the Supreme Cardinal's availability.

Rank skip? That's the thing you used early, isn't it Mel? The one that allows you to skip those of lower rank for an audience, right?

Yes, that's right... In actuality it can be used for a lot more than just getting an audience with the Supreme Cardinal. But, since it is so seldom used, it is almost all but a forgotten system.

How strange. I think there's more to this than just coincidence.

Other than cardinals, the only rank that surpasses my rank of arch cleric is...

Apologies for the wait. The previous audience has ended. I will now show you to your audience with the Supreme Cardinal. Are you ready?

Thank you... Sorry for the trouble.

Let's go, Mistrare.

Okay! Just thinking about meeting the Supreme Cardinal is making me nervous!

You've done well to return... Arch-cleric Melina. And your guest as well.

Th-Thank you! My name is Mistrare!

There is no need to be so formal. Please relax. I have already heard the rumors. Is it true you made it through the Untrodden Region?

Yes. We came to tell you about the details of that in particular.

First, when our ship wrecked, we found ourselves on the southern side of the continent...

...And that is how we finally made our way back here. Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to the emergency summons.

Please do not worry about such trivial matters. I have come to understand your situation.

But, Supreme Cardinal... What was the reason behind our summons?

Hm... Indeed... Let us take this opportunity to discuss just that. The members of the clergy have already been informed during the meeting of cardinals.

We have confirmed the extinction of Altesse Ward and Renano Ward.

Huh?

The priests discovered the state of the wards, and the investigation afterwards supports their claims.

This can't be...

Do you mean the Old Church Domains like Merlot Ward have succumbed to starvation?

Yes, that is correct. It seems god hath no mercy for innocent souls...

......

What is left of god's blessings is quickly vanishing. For many years... Even before I took the mantle of Supreme Cardinal, I shunned our insular faith and pressed for a more open church.

I have continued negotiations with the Palsifal dynasty of the central continent. As you know, the dispatch the service corps is one such link between us.

We proceeded as quickly as possible with everyone working their hardest... It is truly unfortunate that the emergency supplies were not delivered in time. The supplies that should have gone to them were distributed amongst the other Old Church Domains.

Is that why there were so many additional supplies sent to Merlot Ward?

Even taking into account the surplus, it is not enough to carry over into the next year. The most significant cause is the disappearance of King Palsifal and the stagnation of our treaty with them. Yet I will not make excuses for my failures.

Our inability to find god must also be taken into account.

Winged Child... No, Sister Melina. The service history of your corps is heads and shoulders above that of the others. Melina corps and Thillelille corps... If it weren't for both of you, the supplies may have never been delivered at all.

Even so...

Arch-cleric Melina... I am the one who must apologize. What burdens those tiny shoulders of yours have borne... I will not ask for your forgiveness. No, we adults are not worthy of your forgiveness.

Apologies for the interruption...

The results of the expedited review have been announced. As expected...

I see... Those are the results I expected, however...

Expedited review?

......

It seems I am but the product of the rules and responsibilities entrusted to me. Here, at the last possible moment...

I must say to you something you would perhaps never have imagined hearing from anyone.

Bliiip?!

Something's bothering Noah...

What exactly do you mean, Supreme Cardinal?

A line from a newly discovered verse from the scriptures reads as thus. "Those who fooled the Twelve Winged Beings and imitated the family of god; from their backs sprung a pair of wings." This passage explains how Those Bearing Wings came to be imprisoned in the Giant's Claw.

Until now, there was no established theory relating the Winged Beings to Those Bearing Wings, yet... Now the church's official stance must change to acknowledge that both groups were possessed of actual wings on their backs.

With that... Mistrare. There is something we have need to ask of you. If you are truly a Winged Being, you must know... the whereabouts of our god.

I'm sorry... I don't know of any such thing.

Is that so? Then, we have truly done something terrible.

The Winged Beings are the bridge between the realm of god and the realm of men. If you are not a Winged Being, we have no choice but to assume you are one of Those Bearing Wings.

......

We've been had... The rank skip before had to have been...

Yes... Another used their rank skip.

Other than cardinals, the only rank that surpasses my rank of arch cleric is...

Yes... Other than cardinals, the only other that could skip ahead of the rank of arch-cleric is...a Tower Defender.

Tower Defender?! The one who was controlling your memories?!

There's no use trying to fight it. Do as you please.

Arch-cleric Melina... Nay...

Melina, the accused...and Mistrare of Those Bearing Wings... I am ordering your imprisonment until an official decision regarding your punishment has been decided.

(Everyone, we must leave the rest to you.)

Blip bleep!

Hey, did you hear that a member of the clergy was confined after an audience with the Supreme Cardinal?

Yeah, I heard all about it! And the cleric who was apprehended was none other than...

This is one of Johann's schemes. He's not the kind to use ordinary methods to catch his prey. Teehee... It seems it's finally time for me to change my course of action as well. To start with...

I will see if I can make a valuable sacrifice out of Thillelille!

Huh? Where's everyone?!

If Thillelille just goes about her day as usual, we will run into them eventually!

Hehehe. You seem to be in an awfully good mood, Thillelille.

Ugh! Suddenly there's a chill running down my back.

Yes, yes. It's the chilling Rosetta at your service♪ I wish to speak to you, Thillelille.

Speak to me? Does that mean Melina is already finished with her audience?

Hmm, who knows... The reason I came to speak with you may come as a surprise. The place you're about to go is...

My interrogation room♪

I-Interrogation room?! Stop with the bad jokes, Rosetta! Why Thillelille?

Try and ask yourself that question. See if you can find the root of heresy that lies deeeep down within♪

This is a misunderstanding! When Thillelille says Thillelille is the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior, it means...

Sounds like you've found the problem. Allow me to question you further in the interrogation room. Thillelille? You do realize how egregious a sin it is to parade around as false god, yes?

I'll make sure you have plenty of time to repent♪

Brother Aldo! Brother Clarte!

Darn it! If they're not here, they must already be heading to the Crystalline Tower! I cannot falter here! I must also go there immediately!

J-Just who are you?

......

(I can sense he is not a favorable opponent. Yet...) (I have to accomplish the mission given to me by Sister Thillelille! I can't be stopped here!)

Nice weather, isn't it? How about it? Would you like to talk of worldly matters while we gaze at the open sky?

(The metal plate fitted to my collar is still in good shape! The back of my head may prove to be an easy target, but in the end...)

(Huh? There's another?!)

......

Not good... Not good... Not good...

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!

What was that?!

The heck is that guy up to, going off by himself?!

Please, don't blame him. I took advantage of his kindness to escape while we were in the worship hall.

Is that right?

Whelp, we better track him down. I bet he's got himself in trouble.

No doubt about that.

Please, stay a while... Mr. Silver-hair.

That voice...

It's no good. I can't remember a thing. Have we met before?

You really have forgotten me, haven't you? I'm frankly a little shocked... It is quite convenient for me, however.

Um... Apologies. I have no time for idle banter. If you would like to talk, please save it for later.

Ah... Allow me to get to the point, then.

I am Johann. I am a Tower Defender. Don't you have something you'd like to ask me?

U-Uh...

Allow me to first say that the mechanism behind the Crystalline Tower's door seal has not changed. The only thing that has changed is...you. You should be dead, Mr. Silver-hair. By my hands, no less.

Wait a minute... Did you just say that you tried to kill me?

That's correct. It was just part of my job... Please, don't think it was anything personal.

......

I tried to imagine what kind of sorcery seems to be keeping you alive, yet... Judging from your reaction, you don't remember anything.

I can't help but assume that you are a different you than the one I met before.

A different...me?

You must know something. How about it? For instance, your utter inability to use your powers like you could before.

Th-That's...

......

Why is this happening? I'm able to fight... But I feel like all the energy's been drained out of me...

The look on your face tells me I've hit the mark.

If my hypothesis is correct, you are...

A copy of your previous self created just before death, using the power of the crystals.

That can't be! I know that only the blessing of god can create copies using the crystals' power!

That is correct. Humans cannot create copies using the power of the crystals.

Wait... Then that would mean... I'm...

Yes... Think long and hard about it. If you could create a copy, then you must be the blessing of god incarnate.

That's why...

We must kindly invite the next one who will become the vessel of god. Here, to the throne of heaven... The Crystalline Tower.

Clarte... We've got trouble! I can't find Prai anywhere.

Clarte?! Where did you go?

Could that be true?!

Huh?

(Confinement?!) (The Winged Child and a woman with wings on her back... That's Melina and Mistrare!)

Damn... Just what is going on here?! Prai, Clarte, Melina and Mistrare are all missing!

At times like this, I know I can always count on...

Thillelille is Thillelille! Thillelille is called the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior!

It's completely harmless! It's not like I'm thinking of calling anyone here into the interrogation room♪

......

All right! I've got to find Rosetta!

There you are, Rosetta! I was looking for you! What are you doing here?

Aldo? What's the matter? You've got a strange look on your face. Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter this interrogation room, you know.

Sorry 'bout that! But, I heard the Supreme Cardinal has placed Melina and Mistrare into confinement!

Ah, so you've heard the rumors too? Please, calm down. Getting all worked up won't change anything.

I-I guess you're right... I'm glad I found you, Rosetta. You've always got a cool head on your shoulders.

...... Yet... I'm at a loss. The truth is that I'm quite busy at the moment...

What do you mean by "busy"?

I was finally able to invite the target I had my eyes on for so long into my interrogation room. The one who falsely assumes the name of god.

The name of god?

Oh, right... It's your job to get confessions out of those who misinterpret the scriptures. I can't exactly tell you not to do that. In that case... I'd better ask Thillelille for help.

Say, Rosetta. Do you know where Thillelille is?

Just as I thought... The closer you feel to others, the weaker you become.

Aldo... Listen to me carefully. The one falsely assuming the name of god...is someone you know quite well, Aldo.

Huh? I was asking about Thillelille, not whoever's pretending to be your god...

..... Oh dang it, are you serious Rosetta?!

Indeed... Thillelille is currently reflecting on her sins in the back room.

No way... This doesn't make any sense, Rosetta. Why would you pick now of all times to fall out with her?

Fall out? What an interesting thing to say.

Huh?

Now is exactly when this needs to be done. Since crossing the Untrodden Region with you all, people will naturally think of me in the same vein as you and the others.

As she is under suspicious, if I leave her be, then I will be next.

But that's why we've got to stick together! You can't sell out your friend like this...

Please don't misunderstand me, Aldo.

I am an inquisitor for the church. This right here is the real me. As per the church's laws and regulations, I make those who misinterpret our teachings confess... Only by admitting your sins can you begin to atone. This is what I must do.

Of course it pains me to hear Melina has been taken into custody. But the law's the law, and I have no way to fight it. It's not my place to fight it.

I understand... In that case, I guess it's up to me. I'll do what I think is right.

I'm sorry I can't help you out. The least I can do is pretend I never saw you here. It's all out of my hands. And now I have some interrogating to do. If you'll excuse me...

......

(Rosetta said she can't fight this because she's a member of the church.) (That must mean she wants me to do it, since I'm not a member.) (There must be a reason why she doesn't want to be suspected.)

(Or maybe I just want to believe that...)

Whatever, I'll think about this later. Rosetta and Thillelille are in the interrogation room... Prai and Clarte are missing.

My best bet is Melina and Mistrare... I wonder where they're being held?

I've got to talk to them!

I can't find Melina or Mistrare anywhere!

They've got to be in a jail cell further in...

Are they changing the guard? This is my chance!

Or not... It's not like this is a fantasy story or something...

Bliiiip-blep!

Whoa! Noah?! (Oh no! Someone may have heard me.)

Wait, I'm not some shady character!

Huh? You... You know who I am?

That right? That must mean I can talk to you. What a relief.

So about Melina... Is she being held here?

Ah... And that includes me I suppose. I don't wanna get you into trouble.

I guess I should look for Prai and Clarte first.

Huh?

But what if someone found out?

All right then. Thank you.

Al!

Brother Aldo!

Hey Aldo. Why are you so red in the face?

Melina! Mistrare! And Prai, too! So this is where you were being held.

Blep-blipple!

I came to talk to you. What's going on? Tell me everything you know.

I think they want to accuse us of heresy.

Heresy?! Where'd that come from?!

I thought it only counted as heresy if you admitted to it yourself?

That is true... But how did you know that?

Rosetta and Clarte talked about it by the fire in the cave. Then Rosetta told me the same thing later.

Rosetta and Clarte talked about it by the fire in the cave.

Hmph... You have a good memory. I didn't expect you to remember that. But that law likely won't apply here. No, it definitely won't.

What do you mean?

There's a law that allows for special measures. It requires the presence of the Supreme Cardinal and over half the clergy. If the majority of the ten plus inquisitors deem it to be heresy... Then it is heresy, even if the suspect doesn't admit to it.

It's the Holy Court.

The Holy Court?! That's absurd! That's the most exceptional of exceptional cases. It's only been used a handful of times in the last few decades!

It's not that surprising. Not if you consider how big of a deal this situation is. And then there's the timing.

Just before our audience with the Supreme Cardinal, a missing passage from the scripture was found. And then it was deciphered during our audience, almost like the whole thing was premeditated. It described how Those Bearing Wings imitated Winged Beings and came to bear wings on their backs.

As she has wings yet couldn't lead us to god, they concluded that Mistrare must be one of Those Bearing Wings. Long story short, in view of the facts, the Tower Defender must have spoken to the Supreme Cardinal before us. It makes me sad to think that it was him who showed the Supreme Cardinal those lost teachings, but it all adds up.

He really put one over on us.

This now means that our teachings correspond with the legend from the Winged People's Village.

Right. Poor Mel, just because she was with me...

Isn't this all a bit convenient? That the minute Mistrare arrives at the church, this historical document suddenly turns up?

Whether we believe it was intentional or believe it to be fate... They're all just feelings. Clearly he who did this has nothing left to give in mind or body, god's blessings are simply running out too fast. Placing someone specific in the firing line and having that individual bear responsibility for their sins... It is the only way the people on this land can last.

But... Everyone's always celebrated you as the Winged Child.

Such is life. The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment when the tide turns. The fact of the matter is, I still haven't been able to find god.

......

I can't even begin to imagine where Johann found the missing passage... But we are where we are.

I... I know you didn't do anything to deserve being arrested.

And since you're being held on a false charge, you have to let me help you escape.

......

Thank you, Aldo. I appreciate the sentiment, but that's as far as you should take it.

Melina!

If we escape from here... We won't be able to save this land. A bad law is still the law... Unless we fight this, we'll never gain their trust. If this path is decided for us by the scriptures...by god, then we must resign ourselves to this fate.

But... Your god isn't on this land anymore!

Aldo... You truly are a kind soul. Thank you.

Wait! Melina!

Blepple!

Noah... If anything should happen to me... Just go wherever your heart takes you.

Farewell...

Melina... Everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen. Silence, if you please.

Thank you for gathering here today. I realize this is sudden, but we have some good news and bad news to share with you.

Supreme Cardinal, if you please...

Let's start with the good news. Some pages from the scripture we have long believed to be missing have now been discovered.

A line from one of the verses reads as thus. "Those who fooled the Twelve Winged Beings and imitated the family of god; from their backs sprung a pair of wings"... This passage explains how Those Bearing Wings came to be imprisoned in the Giant's Claw. Until now, there was no established theory relating the Winged Beings to Those Bearing Wings. We believed wings to be a metaphor for powerful magic. And yet...

Now the church's official stance must change to acknowledge that both groups were possessed of actual wings on their backs.

I regret to say, that leads me onto the bad news.

It is true that when I spoke with the Winged Child, a winged person was also present. However... That person had no knowledge as to the whereabouts of god.

Whether this person is a demon or one of god's retainers... It is not for we humans to decide. We need to determine this under the name of god. Therefore...

I hereby announce the fourth trial by Holy Court. The suspects will stand before the agents of god's will, the inquisitors!

Silence!

Inquisitor one. Please begin your interrogation.

Suspect Melina. Explain your motives... For proclaiming yourself the Winged Child and thus raising your social status beyond which you deserved.

Proclaiming herself?

Hey! Don't you realize what a heavy burden that name has been for her?!

Control yourself, Prai. It's me he's questioning, not you.

Ack...

Winged Child? I'm sorry, but I don't recall ever using that name.

I see... Our investigation shows that the name originated from your foster father, the bishop. Then is the bishop guilty of the same crime? Perhaps we'll need to summon him here as well?

Ah yes... That is how you inquisitors do things.

(I remember something called post-humous accusation. If they apply that, there's no escaping a charge of heresy.) (What the bishop did was heresy. But that's no reason to defile a dead man's name with false suspicions.)

(I can't let him get mixed up in this...)

Fine... I deceived the bishop, my foster father. I made him call me the Winged Child and reaped the rewards. He's not to blame.

Mel?!

Is that so? I see. I have no further questions.

Inquisitor one. Please stand to the right of the accused for a guilty charge, and to the left for innocent.

With your permission, I deem her guilty of heresy.

Let us continue. Inquisitor two, come forward!

It's getting pretty noisy outside.

But don't worry. This interrogation room has extraterritorial rights so long as an interrogation is being held. So make yourself at home.

......

Well then, Thillelille... It's time to start talking. What was your motive behind so stubbornly proclaiming yourself the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior?

There was no motive. What you see is what you get.

You're only wasting time trying to hide it. Everything will be brought to light today.

Hmph! How could anything be brought to light when there's no sunlight in here? What a pointless way to spend your time, searching for something that isn't there.

Hmm looks like it'll be worth my while to interrogate you...

I'll change the question. Why do you think our god has gone, Thillelille?

I don't remember what happened before my reincarnation.

Is that so? If I may, why don't I tell you what I think? I think he decided we weren't worth saving.

What are you implying?

Don't scowl at me like that. All I did was make a perfectly valid suggestion. That he suddenly stopped bestowing blessings unto us, gave up on our salvation, and disappeared. It's only natural to think he's forsaken us.

Well, that's what I think. And if that's what god decided, then you, being the reincarnation of god, must have reached the same conclusion.

......

So? Aren't they worth saving? All those people who'll never even notice your true motives♪

That's not true! Someday... Everyone's gonna notice!

Oops!

That's strange... I was sure you said before that you didn't have any motives♪

Rosetta... You...

Tee-hee...Next question♪

When did you start calling yourself the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior, Thillelille?

I don't remember!

You don't? Well, I have a hunch...

Was it not when Melina joined the church?

Wha, ?!

How did you know that? Did Aldo tell you?!

How did you know that? I never told anyone!

As I said, it was just a hunch... It's obvious that Melina is always on your mind.

Melina? On my mind? That's ridiculous...

Tee-hee. Anyway, Thillelille, did you hear the news? Melina's been arrested. She's being tried by the Holy Court.

Melina?! She's in the Holy Court?!

Her trial must've taken place by now. I heard a missing section of the scriptures turned up... And it says the wings of the Winged Beings and Those Bearing Wings are real, not metaphorical.

Mistrare has wings yet doesn't know where god is... And Melina took Mistrare to her audience with the Supreme Cardinal. She as good as introduced a demon to him.

That's not true!

If Melina admits to her sins, you and I, her traveling companions, will also get caught up in the fire. But don't worry. So long as we're in this interrogation room... Your safety is guaranteed♪

Huh? Guaranteed? What do you mean?

I mean precisely that. Right now, I am the inquisitor in charge of you♪

To put it another way, no one else can lay a finger on you so long as you're in this room. And because I arrested you, any suspicion towards me is more or less mitigated.

So. Do you want to take this opportunity to get out of here? They built hidden passages into this room long ago. We can escape through them.

I don't want to have to go it alone. Not a bad plan, right?

Rosetta...

I'm in!

Glad to hear it! Time to leave this church behind...

How could you say such a thing, Rosetta? Don't misunderstand me. Thillelille's only on board with the first half...

Just the bit about leaving here! Thillelille is leaving this interrogation room, that's it! If you wanna leave the whole place, you're running on your own!

Dear me, looks like we're going to have a problem, Thillelille. You're in the middle of an interrogation with the Child of Judgement. Are you really going to cast aside your guaranteed safety and head off somewhere?

You're so rude! This isn't a Holy Court, it's just an interrogation! If there's no confession, you can't declare me a heretic! Thillelille is the reincarnation of the savior! That isn't heresy!

Tsk-tsk. What an absurd thing to say...

Absurd or not, you wanted to know my motive, and that's it. If you want to know more...

You can ask as much as you like at the Holy Sanctuary, where Melina is!

Ah... You're going to the Holy Sanctuary?

As the reincarnation of the savior, Thillelille can't stand idly by as others go down the wrong path! You too, Rosetta! You're a member of the clergy, and you're coming with me!

And... Since you're under less suspicion than I am, I want you to help. I have faith in you. The reason you've been trying to avoid suspicion. Is so that, when push comes to shove, you can help everyone.

You give me too much credit.

Huh?

It's nothing.

*sigh* You've always been a difficult person, Thillelille.

But...Tee-hee. Now that you've said all that, what can I do? If you wanted to run away, I'd have taken that as a heartfelt admission of your heresy...

But if this is what you want to do, I'm in. To the Holy Sanctuary!

Please, let me through! My friends are in trouble!

Patrol?! Things really aren't looking good for Melina and the others.

Drat! Is there nothing I can do?

It's not like you to talk that way, Aldo...

Rosetta! And Thillelille!

Blepple-blip!

Haha... And Moke, too!

We're not outsiders! Let us through!

I'm innocent! I came here to prove that!

It's as she says♪ I'm looking forward to it.

You can help too, Aldo. Lend me your ear, will you?

Er, sure...

Got it! I'm on it!

You won't let me through? But I'm a material witness with important information.

True. Thank you for worrying about me♪

Blup?!

The ten inquisitors... Unanimously find the defendant guilty. There is no need to hear from the Supreme Cardinal.

Sister Melina... Or should I say, prisoner Melina. You will be notified of your sentence.

Wait!

What exactly is going on here?! All these big adults saying such self-important things!

Thillelille?

Rose?

Brother Aldo!

Hmph! Thanks to you lot, that sour look on Melina's face has gotten even worse!

So I'll ask you again... What is going on here? Ever since Melina came to the church, people cheered her on, calling her the Winged Child... And then as soon as things start to look bad, you all gang up on her?!

Sister Thillelille... Watch what you say.

Hmph! So because I'm in the presence of the Supreme Cardinal, I should be on my best behavior?

That's not the case. But this is the Holy Court... It is no different to being before god.

We have heard testimony that you were traveling with the convict. You're on thin ice as it is.

Being before god? Hmph... What nonsense.

Thillelille is your god! The Sword-wielding Savior is right here!

......

......

......

And upon deliberation, your god objects to this whole thing! Withdraw, immediately!

Tee-hee... You should see your faces♪

Cleric Thillelille. What's done is done. This Holy Court considers the majority decision of the inquisitors to be god's will. We are still waiting on Inquisitor Rosetta's vote, but...

Honestly, what are you all talking about? Allow me to cast the deciding vote. And my vote is...

"Guilty."

Yes, yes, I know. For this to be my decision, after all that arguing... As unlearned as I am, I hesitate to explain my thinking... But there is something I can say for certain, if you'd care to listen...

What do you think, Supreme Cardinal?

I'll allow this. We should listen to what she has to say.

Well, in short...

Mistrare isn't one of Those Bearing Wings.

Huh?! (I'm not?!)

This whole argument has been based on the assumption that the girl is one of Those Bearing Wings... So how did this all-important investigation go?

If I had to guess, I'd say... She doesn't know the whereabouts of god, so she can't be a Winged Being... Which makes her one of Those Bearing Wings... An overly simplistic conclusion, don't you think?

......

Then answer me this. If she's neither a Winged Being nor one of Those Bearing Wings... What exactly is she?

That's simple. She's the descendant... Of Those Bearing Wings.

Tsk-tsk... Have you all forgotten? Every one of us here is descended from sinners.

And that's why I voted her guilty. But if Mistrare is to be condemned as one of Those Bearing Wings... We all must be condemned as sinners. Lest we be revealed as hypocrites...

So if you're willing to call Mistrare one of Those Bearing Wings, that would make Melina guilty.

But it would also make us all guilty by the same reasoning.

And we can all go to jail as equals♪

Alas, we don't have enough space in our prison. We could always turn the church into a jail though.

There is. Evidence, I mean...

Winged People like her live roughly as long as we humans... I've already confirmed that♪ My proof comes from the feather grounds in her village.

The feather grounds?

During their funeral ceremonies, the Winged People offer up one feather from the deceased unto the feather grounds. I checked for myself, and there are easily over a thousand feathers there. That many feathers in a village of only a few dozen people...Means that many, many generations must have passed there.

Rose?! I told you not to look at that!

How could you break your promise so easily?!

Oops, my bad! Due to the nature of my work, I have to find out the truth, even if it means lying... Setting that aside for a minute, our scriptures go back a few hundred years... If the Winged People's ancestors were Those Bearing Wings, this can prove how often each generation passes away♪

You sure are persistent. The Winged People had no contact with the humans. Why would they feel the need to fake such a thing?

Why don't you use that brain of yours and actually think for once?

Sorry... I must be exhausted from all this talking.

Anyway... The feathers of the Winged People have what's known as a "feather pattern." All feathers belonging to one Winged Person have the same pattern, but they're completely different to someone else's.

At least, the feather patterns found in the feather grounds all differed to those of the villagers... Even blood relations had distinct differences in their feather patterns. So this is more than credible evidence.

If you think I'm lying, why don't you go and see for yourself? I'd be more than happy to take you. We can go on an action-packed journey, filled with plenty of monsters.

......

BE QUIET!

Cleric Batis...

Watch your tongue. Some things are better left unsaid. We are under the eyes of god here. Or did you forget that?

Thillelille... Thillelille is not pretending to be the Sword-wielding Savior!

This is so humiliating saying this in front of Melina, but Thillelille has no other choice...

You always cheered Melina on like she was some kind of idol. You call her the Winged Child... Because that's what YOU wanted her to be.

And Melina's such an idiot... She's an idiot and a goody-two-shoes. So she kept quiet and accepted this name you gave her.

And yet... What's happening today... Thillelille was always scared this would happen... And that's why I started calling myself the Sword-wielding Savior.

Those tiny shoulders were forced to bear the weight of all of your hopes and expectations, and I couldn't bear to see it.

And everyone, every single person relied on Melina...They leaned on her, they depended on her... And that's why Thillelille... I wanted to be the one to support Melina.

I thought, maybe if there was someone higher up than the Winged Child, that would lessen her load, just a little... In the end, everyone just laughed at me and it didn't do much to help...

Thillelille...

Thillelille is the reincarnation of the Sword-wielding Savior...

Thillelille will save everyone with her sword, and with her own strength. Thillelille will become your savior.

And yet Thillelille is the strange one. Why don't any of you call yourselves the Sword-wielding Savior?

You cling to a god that's gone... You depend on a little child. Are you really happy to live like this?

Always dependent, always praying... Always leaving someone else to make your wishes come true. It's time to put an end to that.

In order to save this land, everyone, every single one of us, needs to become its savior and carve out our future.

D-Don't you think?

Why don't we leave it there?

Inquisitor Rosetta's point was objectively valid. This feather grounds in the Winged People's village must be examined once more.

Go on a fact-finding mission. You may not refer to the Winged People as Those Bearing Wings until this matter is confirmed. Arch-cleric Melina will receive a suspended sentence and her custody will be postponed.

Wha, ?!

Are you happy with that, Cleric Thillelille?

Umm...

O-Of course!

You did it, Thillelille!

Whoa! For a moment there, I thought we'd be parted forever!

*sob* I'm so glad! But you're so cruel, Rose!

Thank you, Supreme Cardinal! Thillelille is so happy...

But you will be reprimanded for those comments of yours, Cleric Thillelille. Come and see me later.

What the heck for?!

So tell me... What exactly is a vessel of god? Why would god need a vessel in the first place?

Well... You'd understand if you saw what our god is facing.

The first Tower Defender, my ancestor, made a terrible mistake, and this wore our god out. Now, the blessings our god can create are growing thin. But if we had a new vessel...

You could bring abundant blessings to this land once more?

Precisely.

But I still don't get it. What's the theory behind making me of all people the vessel of god?

Of course you're curious... But I don't have time to waste on explanations.

What are you doing?!

The People of Paradise?

You really are curious, aren't you? There's no need to go into too much detail about paradise right now, but... The Crystalline Tower door only opens to the People of Paradise and the Tower Defender clan who inherited their technology. Due to this, it was obvious to me that you had to be from paradise.

I was unsure whether you were one of Those Bearing Wings in the true sense of the term.

(The People of Paradise are actually Those Bearing Wings?)

However, you are a copy, created by the power of the crystal. Though that's another story.

You are not one of Those Bearing Wings. You exist in order to bring us god's blessings. Although copies do deteriorate somewhat, they make perfectly sufficient receptacles.

So that's why you want me as god's vessel...

If nothing else, before you were copied, you were trying to save god. And I want to bring god's blessings back to this land... That is my job, after all. This plan will mean we both get what we want. It's almost too good to be true.

There's just one thing... Your freedom will need to be sacrificed.

......

I'd be lying if I said I've never knelt before it and asked...

Oh divine! Where are you? The blessings you left for us have all but gone from this land. We've lost even the slightest trace of them now. The far-west is returning to the wasteland it was before you flew down and graced us with your presence... Please help us once more.

I don't think that giving a helping hand is ever in vain. But...

Sometimes I end up thinking this when I preach. That in searching for god in the Sea Within, actually helping people out is the most vital thing I could be doing. Everyone's already prayed enough... They've been waiting for so long... For the day god actually responds.

I can accept that. I don't place much value on this body of mine.

I thought you'd say that... Mr. Silver-hair.

But, before I do that...

Go ahead. I'm no monster. If you want to say goodbye to your friends, that's fine with me.

You have my thanks.

Good luck trying to reach them. They must have been sentenced by now.

You had me worried for a second there.

I'm glad it all worked out in the end!

It didn't all work out! Thillelille got such a talking to!

By the way, where is Clarte?

Oh yeah! I was so caught up with the Holy Court it completely slipped my mind! I lost sight of Clarte around that big door leading to the Crystalline Tower.

The Crystalline Tower? Clarte went there alone again...

No, the door wouldn't open. There's no way Clarte could have climbed all the way up alone.

It wouldn't open? This is getting intriguing...

There's no point standing around thinking. Let's head to the door!

I can't see Clary anywhere. I wonder what happened.

So Clarte wasn't able to open this door? That's what you said right, Aldo?

Yep, that's right.

Huh? That's weird, it's like I answered you automatically. I didn't even realize I was doing it...

Um... At least, that's what Clarte told me, and it didn't sound like a lie...

Yeah... At least, that's what Clarte told me, and it didn't sound like a lie...

You think Clarte got hungry and went looking for something to eat?

I very much doubt it...

Clarte certainly was fixated on the voice he heard from the tower.

And there is someone other than Clarte who can open the door.

You're right...Brother Johann, the Tower Defender!

So he took Clarte into the tower while we were stuck in the Holy Court?

That sounds like the most probable turn of events. But... What's Johann planning?

You needn't be so suspicious.

That voice!

He's just trying to save this land in whatever way he can. Same as you...

Clarte?!

So you were in the tower with Johann?

I'm sorry for worrying you.

Under his discretion, I'm able to see you one last time.

One last time? What are you talking about?!

Wait, Mistrare.

Clarte. Johann isn't as nice a person as you think he is. Everything that's happening is likely all part of his contingency plan.

Contingency plan?

I think we're got a misunderstanding. Why don't we exchange information?

A Holy Court? You've been through so much while I was away...

If things had gone as he'd anticipated, we wouldn't have been able to see each other again.

I don't know how Johann got his hands on the missing section of the scripture...

But from what was said, all I can think is that he purposely separated us from Clarte. All in order to bring blessings back to this land, with Clarte as the vessel of god...

Clarte... You said this was the last time we'd see each other... Were you going to go along with his plan?

You don't need to do that! Now we know it was all just Johann's evil scheme!

...... I'm sorry. Even now I know the truth... My decision hasn't changed. I will become god's vessel.

But Brother Clarte!

I am an empty body with no memories. There is someone calling out for help... And if saving him means I can save you... Then this body of mine is a small price to pay for that.

You can't! It's just like the curse on my village! What good is saving something if it comes from another's sacrifice?!

She's right, it's meaningless. At the very least, if you became god's vessel... I could never accept the blessings that came from it.

Melina...

She's right, Brother Clarte. And assuming that the blessings we've been receiving are from the sacrifice of the crystal spirit, we can't use them.

We have to save it. We have to save that spirit sacrificing its body to create blessings.

Take us with you. We want to save our god.

It's no use. I've got to go alone...

Clarte...

Your memories have come back, haven't they?

Huh?

And you believe that if you bring us to the tower, something bad will happen to us.

How did you know that...

No reason. I just couldn't help but think it, seeing the way you're acting.

Listen, Clarte... Johann is a villain. There's no telling what he'll do.

But we've jumped into dangerous situations like this countless times before. Like last time...

But the Winged Child is a guide to the Sword-wielding Savior, this being you believe to be your god... If that's true, then your fate can't be sealed in this place.

I'm willing to risk it all on your wings.

Why won't you risk it all on my wings now? Is it because the scriptures were wrong about the Sword-wielding Savior, and this means my wings are no longer real?

Don't make me laugh. The name may have been nothing but a burden at first... But that name has lived within me for a long time now.

...... Hmph... I can't win against you, Melina.

Okay. I'll head to the top of the Crystalline Tower. And I'll bring you all with me.

What is this place? This room looks so different from the others.

It looks like a feather... But it gives a different impression to my wings.

And this is as fiery as I am!

There's no mistake then. These are fragments of energy from the Four Great Elementals. It's so similar to the energy I felt from the Phantom Elementals when I met them.

So... Is the crystal energy coming from the top of the tower what's copying the Four Great Elementals' energy? So if even the tiniest amount of the original still exists, you can keep on copying it with crystal energy?

It's all clear to me now! This is why the church doesn't recommend copying blessings with crystal energy.

Not only will a double copy deteriorate at an even faster rate... But if reproducing them becomes normalized, it's more likely that someone will notice the trickery being used here.

But from all he's said, I don't think the Supreme Cardinal knew about what's going on inside the tower.

Then it's the Tower Defender... This terrible secret must have been kept in his family.

Right... But how did they get the fragments of energy from the Four Great Elementals here? And how long have they been here?

I think we'll find out when we get to the top.

We're going to release the crystal spirit and then you're gonna tell us everything, Johann!

Tsk, what's all this? What a surprise, seeing you all here. Were my calculations off? Hasn't the Holy Court been held yet?

No, it has, just as you planned. But we got through it.

Hate to tell you, but something that petty can't stop Thillelille!

I'm not quite sure what you mean... But it sounds like I'm in trouble.

Quite. We came to express our gratitude for you changing our memories for us!

So your memories must have come back, for you to know such a thing. You're a sly one, Mr. Hot-blooded Priest... You're cleverer than you look.

As a member of the clergy, I was hesitant to conceal the truth...

Never mind... There's no saints or sinners when it comes to a battle of wits.

Sorry, Johann. I don't think I can agree to becoming the vessel of god.

Now that is an issue... Our blessings will run out if I don't do something.

How it would pain me to put an end to the ancestral duty to which I've devoted my entire life...

I guess I'll have to resort to force.

Melina!

Prai! Get behind me! We've got to hit him hard!

Ack!

Eeeeep!

Tch!

Now, Aldo!

Finish this!

Urgh... I can't get to him!

(This is my only chance! I can't miss!)

Aaaargh?!

The biggest weapon may be powerful, but it's easy to predict.

Phew... Still hanging in there, are we?

You're so strong!

No, no... This isn't me, this is the power of paradise's technology. You'd have defeated me easily if it wasn't for that.

Huh?

The biggest weapon may be powerful, but it's easy to predict. Allow me to return the favor.

You fool... This is paradise technology! Who could...

You showed too much of your hand. It meant I got a good look at how this magic works.

How it works? You mean... You purposely lost to me to buy yourself time to work it out?

That goes without saying. In order to release our god, I have to understand how this chain works.

You want to release our god? But you won't let Mr. Silver-hair become his vessel?

That's just self-destructive. Do you want to ruin this land?

No, I am the Winged Child. I am the one to bring salvation to the land.

Which is why I can't allow you to sacrifice anybody in order to bring about a temporary peace!

Gaah!

W-We did it?!

Tee-hee-hee...

I guess it's inevitable now...

Johann?

Just as you couldn't abandon Mr. Silver-hair...

I too have something I can't leave. Do you understand?

Stop! What are you doing, Johann?!

Why, precisely what you were trying to do. I have released the crystal spirit.

That's the crystal spirit?!

Guh! This energy...

I'd have thought it would have been weak due to the declining blessings... But what tremendous power!

There's nothing quite so scary as a wounded lion... It's free from the Stifling Chain... But there's no way to keep a deteriorating spirit in the human dimension.

He will disappear from this dimension. But that doesn't mean he can return to his own higher dimension.

If Mr. Silver-hair won't become his vessel and let this being within him... Then in a very real sense, we won't be able to save our god from pain.

Oh no! The spirit!

Eeeep! I don't think it's gonna play nice!

We've got to fight! We have to calm down the crystal spirit!

Has it calmed down?! But...

The spirit's disappearing?!

Ack... I don't have a choice! I'll take the crystal spirit into myself!

You can't! That would mean you'd become the vessel...

No need to worry. I won't put your thoughts to waste. I will save your god... Just as I am now!

...... I can feel it... The crystal spirit coexists within me.

Thank goodness... You don't show any signs of change.

You don't feel strange or anything, Brother Clarte?

Yes, I'm fine. And...

Now's the perfect chance!

Huh?

I haven't outlived my usefulness so much that I would allow such power to go unchecked.

You... You can still move?!

Clarte! Ack...

Ah. You shouldn't strain yourself. Your form may exert a lot of force, but it also depletes lots of magical energy, right?

Mr. Silver-hair's sacrifice is to bear the pain necessary to save this land. Here he must bestow us with blessings forevermore...

But we won't accept any blessings if they come from Clarte's pain!

Aren't you good at forgetting? If I manipulate your memories, you'll accept it again as if nothing ever happened.

This time, I'll be sure to manipulate your memories more carefully.

Then everything will go as it always does. Nothing in this world will change!

Urgh! He's too strong!

You surprise me... Why try and stand against one who has honed their skills in paradise with that fleshy body of yours?

Everyone...

This scene... That's right... To avoid this... That's the whole reason I...!

Are those...wings on your back?!

It's so strange... Until now I always felt as if there was no strength in my body... But now, I can fly!

What?! What trickery is this?!

How could you come to control such power in such a limited amount of time?!

...... Hehe... I've been had. Yes... I've lost. No good awaits one who would take my place...

Well... A lot has happened, but this is the real test.

It seems that this tower hides a great many secrets only known to the descendants of the Tower Defender.

Explain yourself... Tell us everything you know.

Your wish is my command. I will speak if you are prepared to listen.

Wait... Where are you going?

Now is the time... I must reveal all not just to you all, but to the Supreme Cardinal. Do not worry, I will not run or hide. Despite appearances, I do regret the life I've lived.

I will wait for you at the Holy Sanctuary... Come visit me when you've steeled yourselves for the truth.

Erm...

Clarte?! Are you really okay?!

Haha... Apologies. I'm just a little tired, is all.

This is all so strange. I have supposedly taken a foreign substance, this crystal spirit, into my body, but...

Yet... I feel like I have regained something I had been missing all along. And... Suddenly I remember these words... "Wings of Lost Paradise," despite never having heard them before.