One Who Bestows the Blessing

Maybe it's just my imagination, but don't the knights look busy today?

That's because today isn't just any ol' day for them. In fact, it's kind of a once in a lifetime event. One just for the novice knights.

A special day just for novice knights? What kind of day is that?

Well...

Aldo, are you familiar with the Accolade?

The Accolade?

No, don't think I've heard of it. Is it some kind of ritual?

Yes, it is a ritual where Miglance's new recruits receive the blessing of the sword before becoming full-fledged knights. All those who pass the trial to be appointed to an order of knights must first squire under a veteran knight.

The veterans instruct them through strict training. They are assigned to divisions once becoming full-fledged knights themselves. The Accolade is a ritual to officiate this progression.

The weapons they grow with are purified, and they pray for protection in the battles to come. It is quite an important ritual.

A baptism of blade, huh? I had no idea they did such a ritual. You sure know a lot, Yipha.

Heheh. As a priestess of Unigan I officiate quite a number of rituals.

And... Actually, I have been chosen to officiate this year's Accolade.

What?! Really?

Indeed. It is nearly time for it to start. Therefore... We must part ways for a while, Aldo.

In the meantime, I will pray for your safety and happiness. With that, I beg your pardon.

H-Hey! Wait a second, Yipha!

What is the matter?

Uh... It's just that, if it's not too much trouble, I would like to go, too.

Ah...! Wh-Why is that?

I'm curious about this weapon purification business, and since it's a rare chance I thought I'd like to see it in person...

...... Since you are a swordsman yourself, I would also be delighted if you could witness the ritual.

However, as a priestess there are many things I must prepare for the ritual. I would be loath to cause you any inconvenience... Therefore, I cannot in good faith recommend coming along with me.

So that's what you were worried about. All I've gotta do is help you prepare for the ritual, right? You should've said so sooner!

Ah...!

Well then, what do you need help with?

Well... Let's see...

Ahem... Allow me to give you the details in Moonlight Forest.

Moonlight Forest? Is that where the stuff you need is?

Yes... That's right.

Got it. Let's hurry on to Moonlight Forest!

......

Well then...

So what exactly do we need for this ritual?

It requires a kind of holy water called moondrops.

Moondrops? First I've heard of it.

They're drops of holy water that gather on the surface of still waters bathed in moonlight.

Huh... I had no idea such a thing could be found in this forest.

Wait, the thing you needed was moondrops?

Aldo... You know of them?

Yeah, I've ran into them before. They can be used as an ingredient for medicine, right?

Why do you need them for the knighting ritual?

Moondrops are a miraculous, buoyant substance in which the power of the full moon over this mysterious forest sleeps. For us priestesses, it is a priceless holy water occasionally used for medicine, and sometimes for rituals...

Aldo... How do you think we use this holy water in the coming ritual?

Huh?! Well, uh...

Hmm... Let's see... If you're going to purify weapons...

Ah! You use this water to wash the weapons?

To wash them? Hehe. So close and yet so far.

This holy water is used to douse the new recruit's weapons as they are forged. A prayer is then offered up for the protection of their blades and the growth of their body and minds.

I see...

But that seems a little strange.

Why do you say that?

Why are the weapons doused with holy water instead of the knights themselves? If it's meant to protect them, I feel like pouring the moondrops over them would be better...

Indeed... I see some truth in what you say. However, the Accolade is based on a legend that has been passed down through generations of warriors.

A warrior's legend?

Long ago, a mysterious sword found its way to Miglance through circumstances unknown. It was a sword wrought from crystal said to contain the wrath of the gods... And no human could wield it.

However, a single brave warrior took holy water in hand, and clashed with the sword. With the protection of the holy spring, he drove out the burning wrath sleeping within the blade, and awoke in it a new power.

This is but a part of the tale of the sword and the warrior written of in the holy book.

I see... So you use the moondrops to bring out the true power of their weapons, just like in the legend of this warrior.

That's exactly right. You catch on quick, Aldo.

Haha... You're making me blush.

Even still, it's all pretty amazing, following along with a legend from the holy book...

The Accolade is an unbroken, historically significant tradition of the Kingdom of Miglance. It is our responsibility as temple priestesses to pass on the tradition of this ritual to later generations.

Even if the ritual's form and procession changes with the times... The memories and the divine protection conferred from its rites must be passed on through the ages.

Yipha...

Actually, the Accolade has changed in some ways as history progresses. In the past, new recruits had to forge their own blades that would become their eternal allies.

Really?! They forged the weapons themselves?!

Heheh. It's quite surprising, isn't it?

Swinging a sword and forging one are two different things, after all... So I guess they had the swords they made doused with moondrops, then?

Yes, that's right. By the way, Aldo... Collecting moondrops is also one part of the ritual.

Really?! Guess I've gotta be careful, then.

Heheh. That's right. This is also one important part of the process. Shall we begin?

The wind has died down, and the moonlight reflection is just as it should be.

Next, the chant... I will not recite. Instead, I will offer a prayer in my heart.

Huh? You're not going to recite the chant?

Indeed, reciting a chant is the common procedure for gathering moondrops. However... Don't you find it a little strange?

Strange...?

Moondrops are gathered from a still water surface... Reciting a chant would disturb the air and break the stillness of the water's surface.

Ah, y-you're right...

If one wants to obtain the purest of moondrops... The chant can be sung in the depths of one's heart.

If done in that way, the stillness of the water's surface can be left totally undisturbed.

I see. But, if that's the case.... Why is reciting the chant the standard procedure, instead of the other way around? Wouldn't it be best to do it this way every time?

The truth is...

Only a select few priestesses recognized by the temple can use this method collect moondrops without reciting the chant.

Yipha, I had no idea you were such an amazing priestess...

Heheh. I appreciate the kind words. But I still have long ways to go.

Well then, I will commence the prayer. Please remain silent for a moment.

I have taken the moondrops unto me... I offer up my gratitude to the mysterious forest.

Seems like you got them without a problem.

Indeed. Now that the preparations are complete, let us make haste to the ritual grounds.

Lady Yipha! There you are!

What is the matter?

There is an urgent message I must relay to my lady.

You seem quite flustered. Has something gone amiss?

Indeed... It seems the number of knights who will participate in the Accolade has suddenly increased...

By what degree?

This is a list of the knights to join.

I see... Understood. It seems we must gather additional moondrops.

The additional moondrops...

Aldo... Can I ask you to gather them?

Huh...? You want me to get them?! Wait a sec, Yipha... I'm not a priest, and I don't even know the chant!

There is no need to worry. With the previous prayer, some of my power is already entrusted to you. At the moment, you should be able to gather moondrops by yourself.

I-Is that really how it works?

Indeed. This is yet another special ability conferred to priestesses recognized by the temple...

Please, make haste for the new recruits who await the ritual.

G-Got it!

There, that should do it...

You have my thanks. They are beautiful, pristine moondrops. Now the preparations are truly complete.

Lady Yipha. We leave the ritual in your hands.

But of course. It will be my honor and responsibility to see it through to the end.

Aldo. Let us make for the ritual grounds... To Nuaru Uplands.

Right. Let's get moving.

But... Is it really okay to use the moondrops that I gathered?

Please have a look, Aldo. Miglance Castle is in sight, is it not? The ritual will take place there.

I see. That does seem like an appropriate place.

But I don't see any of the new recruits around...

What was that sound just now?!

Aldo! Over there!

What is the meaning of this?

Something's up... Looks like quite a struggle.

Those are knights who have not yet received the sword's blessing. It will be difficult for them to draw on their full strength now. If we don't do something...

Right. I guess we've gotta jump in and give them a hand!

Huh...? Aldo?!

There is nothing to worry about, everyone. Aldo will fight by your side...

That's right. If me and Yipha team up, we should be able to take 'em out!

And, if I can give the sword's blessing to everyone here...

Huh?!

Yipha has worked really hard to prepare for this important ritual! All for you knights! If it all gets ruined by this, there's no way she could forgive you! Isn't that right, Yipha?!

......

Indeed! Let us make short work of these monsters here before they ruin this important day!

With me, Aldo. Let us work together to defeat them!

Right behind you!

All right! Looks like everything's safe now.

Yes, that seems to be the case.

The threat has been vanquished. We have defended our kingdom and its subjects. The new recruits here have proven they are worthy of the sword's strength and its divine protection.

Now... Let us begin the Accolade!

That did it.

Just as you instructed, I've doused each of the knight's weapons with moondrops.

You have my thanks, Aldo.

But... Was it really okay for me to do it? Surely it was a little strange...

There is no need to worry. The power I granted you when gathering moondrops has yet to wane.

And finally... It is time for my role in the ritual.

Chapter 10, verse 15 of the holy book. The strength of heaven becomes valor, and protects the warriors who risk their lives.

I anoint thee. Protect thy country. Protect countryman and stranger alike, with the strength and protection of the sword.

The ritual has thus ended. From this day forward, you are all blessed with the divine protection of the sword.

The ritual's over now?

Indeed. It has been completed without hindrance.

Is that right... Nice work. I figured being a ritual and all that it would take a lot more time. But it ended pretty quickly.

Heheh. I suppose rituals do tend to drag on most of the time.

But don't you think that ones without pomp and grandeur that end succinctly are nice as well?

Yeah, I guess so...

Well then, let us return to the castle. We must send off the new recruits.

Right. Let's head to Miglance Castle, then.

Looks like we've sent them all on their way.

Indeed. All thanks to you, Aldo. You did well, despite it being your first Accolade. I thank you for all the hard work.

I didn't really do all that much!

Yipha, if anything, you must be tired. I learned a lot from this important ritual you let me be a part of.

The way you blessed everyone at once was really amazing. I was impressed.

Heheh... You honor me with your praise.

That was what is called the abridged ritual. It is a rite that only priestesses recognized by the temple can perform.

Really?! That was the short version, huh?

Long ago, every knight had to perform a lengthy chant, and the ritual would sometimes go on all through the night. Blessing a large number of knights at once is difficult because it requires great magic and complicated techniques. Thus, it is said that it took many years before the abridged ritual could be realized.

And you used a special method to gather moondrops, too. You really are an amazing priestess, Yipha.

You flatter me... I'm still in training, and I am an inexperienced priestess with much to learn. That's why I want to travel with you, and learn more about the world.

I'll be counting on you from here on out, Aldo.

I'm pretty sure that's my line. Let's do our best, Yipha!

Huh?

Kn-Knight Commander... Sir Lakhesis!

I wasn't expecting you here, Yipha. If you're here at the castle, I assume you're on official temple business?

Oh, um... Well... Yes, that's right...

We just finished the Accolade. We sent the knights on their way, and were on our way back ourselves.

Oh, I see. I suppose the ritual was supposed to be held today.

But... The proceedings have finished awfully quickly this time, haven't they?

Huh?

Um... Wait!

Aldo, Sir Lakhesis! I apologize for interrupting, but I just remembered that I have something to do after this. I beg your pardon.

You still have something to do?

Yes... That's right. A close friend who runs an eatery in Unigan has asked for my advice. I would've liked to speak with you longer, Sir Lakhesis. Apologies, I must beg your leave.

I'll be off, then...

Business advice right after a ritual... Yipha seems to keeps herself busy.

Indeed. But it seems strange that she would have an appointment to meet someone on a day such as this. This person must be quite the important friend with something serious to discuss.

Strange on a day like this... What do you mean?

Hm? Ah... On most years, the ritual goes on until well after nightfall. Normally, a priestess would save other appointments for another day. Despite being a day of blessing, the Accolade is quite the formal ritual, after all.

Until nightfall?! A formal ritual?!

Having seen the ritual, you should already know this, but... After their weapons are doused in moondrops, recruits must hold them skyward in stillness until the end, right?

Hold their weapons skyward...?! In stillness...?!

Then, to receive divine protection they must chant chapter 10, verse 15 of the holy book. That itself takes yet another long while... Every recruit must sing the chant in its entirety. Both the knights and the priest must bring out every ounce of their spirit. Back in my day, by the time the ritual was over, the priest would be totally exhausted.

Wh-What...?!

The chant Yipha gave was really short... In the abridged ritual, the priestess performs a chant in place of all the members there, right?!

Abridged ritual? I don't recall ever hearing of anything like that...

Wait, what's all this about?

Hm... I don't quite know, but if you're curious you should ask Yipha herself. She's heading to the edge of Unigan, to a small eatery ran by her friend, right?

You've been before, Lakhesis?

I haven't myself, no... But my old brother-in-arms spoke of it before. He said that Yipha treated that store's owner with the utmost kindness.

Thanks for the info. I'll head there as soon as possible.

Wow, this is so delicious! Your cooking and your wine is as amazing as ever, Hozuki!

Without a doubt. Hozuki's Pub... I could come here every day and never get tired of the cooking.

You're too kind, heheh. Don't be shy! Two strong guys like you need to eat up!

Ack, and her smile could kill a man! Another glass, please!

Hmph, what a lightweight! I'll...take a whole bottle!

Heheh... As always, thanks for the patronage!

......

Hey, Yipha... You still haven't picked what you're having next?

Um... Uh...

I've decided!

Give me every drink from here to here, and every appetizer from here to here!

My, my, what an extravagant order... You've ordered three times as much as those two strapping men already. You still have room for more?

Zuki! Let me tell you about today! I worked like a hundred times harder than usual! If I drink a hundred times as much, I don't think the heavens will be angry with me! Heheh...!

Heheh... Nobody would ever think a big baby like you was a priestess, would they, Yipha?

It's fine, it's fine. The gods love babies the most, don't they?

*hiccup hiccup* Phew...

Ahh! Today's appetizers go so well with this drink!

Pile on the compliments all you like, I'm not gonna give you a freebie!

Hmph. You're so mean, Zuki! I worked really hard today, you know? C'mon, show some appreciation!

So you say, but you came to drink pretty early today! You didn't skip work early again, did you?

I never skip work early! I'm just really efficient, that's all!

As long as the ritual works, that's all that matters! I can skip all the pointless steps, and use my magic to finish it up quickly! There's no reason for anyone to complain!

Hmm, I see. Think you can say the same to that guy behind you with a scary look on his face?

Huh...?

What was all that about just now?

Waah?! A-Aldo?! Wh-Wh-What're you doing here?!

I-I mean... Ahem. What brings you here? I'm currently in the midst of listening to this shopkeeper's troubles. If you require my presence, may I ask that you wait until I'm finished here?

I think it's a little late to try and keep up appearances.

Isn't that right, Aldo?

Yep. Exactly as she says.

I knew it...

You've gotta be kidding me! What's this all about?!

Waaah! Don't get angry! Calm down!

Hey, hey. Let's change the subject. So you two are acquaintances? What a surprise, haha!

Yeah, Hozuki travels with us sometimes, too.

Huh... Not the answer I was expecting...

Aldo! You never came to visit my shop, even though I invited you so many times. Now you've finally come, but only chasing after Yipha. I have to say I'm a little jealous.

Isn't that right?

Yeah, you're right.

I knew it...

You've gotta be kidding me! What's this all about?!

Waaah! Don't get angry! Calm down!

I'm jealous that Yipha is friends with such a great guy like you...

Hm... Didn't we meet before in Nagsham? I'm pretty sure I remember you saying you skipped out from Empress Garneli's place...

Ah, haha... Oh no... I think I'm starting to feel unwell again...

That excuse again...?

If you treat me really nice, and give me a big hug I might feel better!

Isn't that right?

Yeah, you're right.

I knew it...

You've gotta be kidding me! What's this all about?!

Waaah! Don't get angry! Calm down!

I'm jealous that Yipha is friends with such a great guy like you...

Hey, Allee, I didn't know you were so popular with the ladies! Heheh.

Wait... Allee...?! Haven't you been acting a little strange since I got here?

Your way of speaking and your expressions... They're totally different from usual...

Oh my... So you had no idea what Yipha's really like?

Of course he didn't... I did my best to act ladylike around him.

Act...? So that means this is how you usually are... Fine. I'm still going to make you explain everything about the ritual.

Waahh... You've got a scary look on your face, Allee...

Looks like it's time to pay the piper... I'll be busy preparing the food, so you two take all the time you need!

After you left... I heard about how the ritual is supposed to go from Lakhesis.

Ack...! I can't believe Laky blew my cover...

Laky?!

Laky's a cute nickname, right?! Makes him seem more friendly!

You're trying to change the subject again.

No I'm not! Allee, are you trying to make me cry with that scary face of yours?

I'm not trying to make you do anything...

Oh, fine... Geez... I'll tell you everything...

All that stuff about the abridged ritual? It was all a lie! There's nothing like that in this country! If anything, the abridged ritual is a Yipha special, a super efficient method!

Wha, ?! Hearing it from you is all the more surprising.

So all that stuff about using a shorter chant to collect moondrops, and letting me collect them afterwards was all...

Heheh.

I knew it! So that was all a ruse?!

It's not a ruse! It's just efficiency! Some might call it a ruse, but I only shorten the procedures a little! I still use my magic like I'm supposed to!

If I didn't, we wouldn't have been able to gather the moondrops, after all.

Don't you think you could've at least recited the chant properly?

But it's so long...

That's your reasoning...?

It's easier said than done, you know! The chant's not easy to recite! If the Accolade is done like it's supposed to, you've gotta recite the chant for hours! My throat would dry up! Don't you think I should be praised for using a huge amount of magic to get the same results in less time...?!

I guess so... Based on what I heard from Lakhesis, I thought the ritual sounded like quite the ordeal...

Right?! I'm just thinking about the poor new recruits who have to stand there waiting through the whole thing!

I'm not sure if that's a good enough reason to do an abridged ritual. It's a pretty important event, right? You should talk with your superior and get permission before doing stuff like this.

But I'd get scolded if I did something like that!

Huh...?

I'm sure you have no idea, but the Head Priest... He's really, really scary, you know?!

If I just waltzed up to him and said I wanted to talk about an abridged ritual...

"How could you say such a careless thing with your position as a priestess! You must redo your training!"

Is what he'd say when he scolds me before sending me to the contemplation room!

Um... If that's the case, won't you be in serious trouble for doing the short version of the ritual...?

Someday, when I'm as important as the Head Priest, I'll officially change the ritual! So it's fine for now!

Until then, it's just our little secret... Okay?!

Please! C'mon! Just a secret between us!

*sigh* I guess I have no choice...

Wow! Allee, you're so cool! That's why everyone thinks you're such a great guy!

You're not gonna get anything out of me with more flattery... I really didn't expect you to be such a slacker, Yipha...

That's because I'm always careful not to show it!

Haha... You're fine with using your magic to protect new recruits in danger, but do anything you can not to recite a chant...

Oh, that's right! That was all your fault, Allee!

Huh?!

I could've given all the recruits divine protection with the moondrops instantly, and taken out those Abbetos. But you had to go and insist we work together to defeat them...

You mean you weren't even planning on fighting?!

Of course not! I only helped out because it was really dangerous! With monsters like that, they could have easily handled it without us!

...... You're really something, Yipha...

Teehee! Really?

That wasn't a compliment.

I'm not used to this cold side of you, Allee...

And I'm not used to this side of you either, Yipha...

Heheh. Now that you know, it's no big deal. This is the real me! So once again... I'll be counting on you from here on out, Allee!

Haha... Ha...