Lifelong Loyalty

Aldo. Good of you to come.

Sorry to keep you waiting. So, what did you want to talk about? Is it about that suspicious order for an offering box?

Sure is. But time's not lookin' to be on our side... I'll fill you in once we get on board a ship headin' East.

Huh?! Right now?!

Already bought the berths. Hop along with me now, hon.

You really move fast when it counts, don't you, Hozuki?

Her Majesty... Empress Garneli is a real busy woman, after all. I like to keep work movin' for her sake. "General of Shin" sounds pretty on paper, but most days I find myself fightin' more paperwork than foes...

General?! You're a general?

See, what did I say about it soundin' all impressive? But what I do is border patrol, troop accountin', trainin', settlin' disputes, spyin', exorcisin'... I make sure Her Majesty's guard is up to snuff, I check her clothes an' her mail... All that an' I'm a poison taster too.

...But when do you SLEEP?!

I'm used to it. 'Sides, there are backups trained for when I'm not home.

You're prepared for everything, huh.

...When it comes to keepin' Her Majesty safe and sound, no amount of prep work is good enough. We're rubbin' shoulders with Mi, that crafty den of weasels with their hefty war machine... And Ro, who may be small, but they've got demons and sorcerers aplenty. And that's just the humans. We've got plenty of specters eyein' our throats at every turn... If I let my guard down even for a second, any one of 'em could threaten Her Majesty's life.

Ro, you said...?

Somethin' wrong, hon?

It's just that, Ro doesn't exist anymore in this world. It was invaded and destroyed by a combined army from Shin and Mi working together.

This world...?

...No, that's just not right, hon. Ro is still a threat, and we'd never join up with Mi...

Hmm, I think I see what might be going on...

This is just a guess, okay? But have you noticed yourself caught up in a weird light, only to wake up someplace else?

A weird light...

...I'm gonna level with you, hon. I don't rightly remember how it is I got myself all the way to Rinde.

I was checkin' around the shore of Shin when I stepped into a strange light, and then... I had just about convinced myself someone drugged me and put me on a ship to somewhere else...

So that was it.

It's just that, the Land of Ro doesn't exist anymore. It was invaded and destroyed by a combined army from Shin and Mi working together.

...Now, that's just not right, hon. Ro is still a threat, and we'd never join up with Mi...

Really? But I've been there. I've seen the ruins of Ro myself.

But that's just not possible... Then again, it's not the only impossible thing that's hit me lately. To tell you the truth, hon, I don't rightly remember how it is I got myself all the way to Rinde.

I was checkin' around the shore of Shin when I stepped into a strange light, and then... I had just about convinced myself someone drugged me and put me on a ship to somewhere else...

I figured, someone brought me here. Might be as they have info I oughtta bring back to Her Majesty.

A weird light...

This is going to sound strange, but you might have come here from another time, or even another time layer.

What's that, hon?

I have some experience with this kind of thing, so maybe I can help explain what I mean. This world has wormholes that connect different times and places together. From what you're saying, it sounds like you might have fallen into one, I think.

Hang on, a worm hole...?

Yeah, a hole in time and space. You might have come from a time before Ro was destroyed...

Or just maybe... I know of a world where Ro was never destroyed, too. I think it's possible you came from that world, Hozuki.

Or just maybe, there's a world out there somewhere where Ro was never destroyed...

This is givin' me a headache, hon.

In any case, this world might not be the same as the one you came from, that's all. The Garneli you're working to help might not be the same one you swore your oath to, either. Do you still want to see this through?

...Without a doubt. No matter where I am, my duty to Her Majesty is the same.

...You're still thinking of her, even after coming to a new world?

Of course, hon. She's the one I owe my obedience to.

Obedience... That really means something special to you, doesn't it?

Okay, got it. If you're determined to help, then I'll help you, too. So! What did you learn about the offering box?

Seems clear; they're definitely askin' folks to reproduce the boxes used for Her Majesty's festivities. And folks say the ones askin' got off a ship from Mi...

Mi?! Then...

Means Mi might have designs on Her Majesty's life.

That said, if I rustle up a bunch of soldiers and go snoopin' around, it's bound to raise some hackles. Without concrete proof, I'll have to take it slow and subtle instead. Find out what the assassins want.

I see...so that's why we're on a ship heading into Mi.

Sure is. Once we land, we'll look into any cargo headin' to Shin. All the valuable stuff is bein' transported by ship, to avoid monster attacks... So all the offerings should be gettin' tallied up at the port.

Okay. So we'll look around Izana.

If anyone's lookin' to sneak into the palace in an offerin' box, it'll be while it's gettin' loaded. After that, won't be set down 'til they hit the Vermilion Road... And I can't see any assassin fiddlin' with a trick-made box in full view of Her Majesty's soldiers.

So if we can inspect all the cargo before it leaves Izana, we should be okay.

Right. ...We're almost there. Get yourself ready, hon.

Seems like these're all the ships goin' from here to Shin.

There are a few, huh... Maybe we should split up.

I'll see to those over there. Can you handle these ones?

Sure.

So what's this about? You here to inspect our ship?

That's right, hon. Just checkin' out the goods for Her Majesty's birthday festivities.

The offerings? A group of Shin soldiers just looked them over. No problems, they said.

Maybe so, but I really have to insist...

Look, we have a schedule to keep. Who did you say you were, again?

Someone close to Her Majesty. I am her general, and I won't allow anyone to bring harm to her.

General? Huh... Did Shin have a general like this?

The name's Hozuki. Now be a good boy and step.

Wait a sec, Hozuki! This world's Hozuki is...

Fine... Just be quick about it.

Why thank you, hon. I take it my other self serves Her Majesty well?

Uh, not exactly...

Now that they've cleared out, we can have ourselves that look-see.

I guess it's probably okay to leave it at that...?

There, that was the last one.

I didn't see a single suspicious box. Maybe they decided to scrap the plan entirely?

......

...No, somethin's wrong. Mind if I check around again?

I don't really mind, but...

Well? All done?

Oh, we were going to...

...Huh? Are we done?

All set here, hon.

You're all clear to leave.

Glad your inspection, or whatever it was, was clear.

Say hi to Empress Garneli for us, haha.

That was pretty fast. Are you all set?

Yes...though I am still a mite worried. Would you come with me to Vermilion Road too, hon?

Where the cargo's being offloaded? But we checked it all here...

Of course, I'm hopin' there's nothin' to worry about, but I'd rather check twice than regret once. When it comes to Her Majesty's safety, I'd check a thousand times if there was even a chance...

Okay. If you're that worried, I'll be happy to help out. You really do love Garneli, huh? What exactly got you to swear obedience to her, if I can ask?

What exactly...

I swore obedience to her when I was very small. I was brought to the palace... ...And as a lil' prank, I stole just one of the candies bein' offered to Her Majesty.

Huh?! You had to swear obedience for life as punishment for sneaking one piece of candy?! That just seems so extreme...

...It's enough for me. Here, let's hurry on to Vermilion Road, hon.

That's all the goods. Make sure you don't lose a single one between here and the vault.

Wait a minute. Could we inspect the goods, please?

Huh?!

Hold on, are you the ones we got word of snooping around the transport ships in Izana? Why are you so fixated on this? Are you implying Lady Garneli is a fool for trusting other countries?

But, even so...

Thank you!

What is it, Hozuki?

Huh?{lang-nuance}Aldo, realizing things had gone exactly as Hozuki said{/lang-nuance}

W-whoa! Who are these guys?!

But wait, we inspected this box back in Izana, and there was nothing wrong with it then.

What?!

......

An entire ship?! You can't possibly have guessed that would happen...

It sounds like the Garneli you serve must lead a pretty dangerous life...

I guess that's that settled.

I am told there was quite a commotion here.

Oh!

So these are the boxes the specters infiltrated, then?

I see...

Enough.

Arrest her.

Whaaaat?!

W-wait, Garneli! We were only trying to help you!

Ah... Hero of the West. I didn't see you there. You will answer for this, as well.

Did they have any accomplices?

Only these two, Empress! I saw it myself, that witch seduced the watchman, then she helped the specters infest the box! And when she saw me watching, she tried to kill me to cover the whole thing up!

Huh?!

T-this is all wrong! It's slander! You can't believe what he's saying!

Unfortunately, we cannot very well determine the truth of this matter here on the palace steps. However...you there. Is it true you call yourself Hozuki?

Ah...

Unfortunately for you... I have no subordinate who goes by that name.

I did once employ a woman by the name of Hozuki... But she bore me no loyalty. She stole a significant sum from me, and fled into the night.

I never expected anyone to be foolish enough to use that name in particular to approach me. I will have the details from you, from within a jail cell. And you, Hero. I would know how you came to be associated with this unfortunate fool.

This has really gotten complicated... I should go to the palace and see if there's any way I can help.

I hope Hozuki is alright. I hope they're not mistreating her...

Excuse me, there should have been a woman brought here not long ago. Did you see where she went? Did they put her in jail already?

Oh, the woman calling herself Hozuki, you mean? Yes, she's being held in the room beyond. Would you like to see her?

Huh? Is that allowed?

Yes. Empress Garneli left word that you were to be allowed entry if you happened to come by.

Garneli did?

For now, let's just make sure that Hozuki is doing okay.

Hozuki! Are you alright?

Oh, good, you're still here.

...You seem pretty down. It makes sense. You worked so hard, only to be accused by the very person you were trying to save.

Your tails don't seem to agree.

Huh?!

So even now, you're not worried about yourself, but about Garneli...

So...tell me something. You swore obedience to Garneli for life because you stole some candy from her once, right? Was it really that heavy a crime?

Huh?{lang-nuance}アルド、ホオズキのつまみ食いの話に対して{/lang-nuance}

And you took one?

What?!

Why would Garneli have antidote...?

......!

I see... And you wanted to protect her?

So that's why.

So that's why you wanted me to swear my obedience, too?

I see... But you don't have to worry about that with me or the others, I don't think.

I'm not helping you to get any kind of angle or benefit here. And honestly, I'm not even really helping you to make up for accusing you in the bar, either. I just want to help my friends. That's all. So... Can we be on equal footing, you and me?

W-what is it?

I'm just glad you believe me.

Of course.

Okay. I'll find him. But I won't give up on you either. I'm sure Garneli will understand if we just tell her the truth.

I'll go talk to her. I'll be right back, okay?

So you've come. Do you wish to discuss the matter of that bandit claiming the name Hozuki?

Please listen to me, Garneli. Hozuki is being framed. That sailor who accused her must be working with the bad guys!

Yes, I suppose so.

Huh?{lang-nuance}アルド、ガーネリのそうでしょうねに対して{/lang-nuance}

I could tell from the moment I arrived that the sailor was complicit... And that the woman was innocent.

What?! But then, why...

The sailor is nothing but a pawn. Capturing him there would only allow the mastermind to escape. And so, I allowed the sailor to walk free.

Is that why you had Hozuki arrested?!

Yes. I had her arrested in front of him, then gave the man a reward and let him go on his way. With the intent, of course, that he lead us directly to his compatriots and to the one pulling their strings.

Did you find the ringleader?

Yes. Much faster than expected. The sailor went to the Specter Palace. Upon which, he dispelled his form, and returned to being a specter. This, my spy confirmed to me.

Then the assassins weren't from Mi, they were specters after all!

So it seems. And so...Hero. Will you bring the girl who calls herself Hozuki to the Specter Palace and end this business?

I can bring Hozuki too?

Yes. I do not know her... But if the loyalty she claims is true, I would be foolish not to make use of her fighting prowess.

As nice as ever, I see...

...Enough to pretend that I didn't hear you say that.

What's more...I would like to make amends to her for the indignity, however brief, she has suffered.

It will be...simpler, for all involved, to present it as a reward for her capturing the true mastermind.

Huh, you're actually a lot more considerate than I thought.

...That makes twice. I would not recommend testing my patience with a third witty remark.

Erk...s-sorry.

I trust you will see the matter settled, Hero of the West.

Yeah, I will. I'll tell Hozuki, too!

......

Right. Let's head to the Specter Palace first, yeah?

So, Garneli said that sailor came here and turned back into a specter.

...No sign yet that they mean to scrap with us, even this far in. Just what are they thinkin'...

Well, to use your form, of course.

...?!

We're just leaving you alive while we study your appearance and mannerisms, see?

You!

"Use your form," you said. What are you plottin'?

So glad you asked. Here's what's going to happen. I'll take your form, and with you here as a hostage, that man there will show me back to Garneli's room. He'll report that we settled things, and then when Garneli lets her guard down, I'll bite her throat out.

You underhanded...!

And you're any better? Following me back here into my home, all sneaky. Your precious Empress knows she could never handle us if she sent her soldiers... And we couldn't handle her guards. So it's a race to see which of us assassinates the other first!

Well. You really racked your brain, thinkin' of this plan. Takin' me hostage, eh...

That just won't do, hon. Just won't do at all.

Haha, you think you're only up against me?

You've caused me no end of trouble.

Thanks so much, Boss! Don't worry, even if you kill both, I'll make sure it all works out!

So that's the ringleader.

Well now. That might be a lil' bit of trouble... Shall we show them how we play, Yoko?

Phew...we managed it, somehow.

Well, that was certainly quick.

Think nothing of it. Rather, I ask your forgiveness for accusing you of a crime your hands were clean of.

Your performance today has been remarkable. Regardless of whom you may be, your loyalty is unmistakable.

Your efforts deserve a reward. What would you have?

......!

...That will not be necessary. Tell me, how is it that you hold me such unflinching loyalty?

Obedience...?

In all my life, no one has ever sworn such a thing with such a pure and truthful gaze. I had my suspicions, but...

...You are an unknown quantity. I cannot well afford to trust you.

And that is precisely why I cannot trust you. I have never in my life met someone whose only wish was for another.

I will have my subordinates speak to you in time about the matter of your reward. You may leave.

I guess this Garneli has her reasons not to trust you...

Hey, don't let it get you down. It's like you said, we did save her life, after all.

Huh?!

Uh, I don't know if that's really the best idea, actually...

Mm...maybe it would be better to let them meet and talk it out.

Okay, I'll bring you to her...

This world's Hozuki?! I don't even know where she is.

You seem pretty fired up...

Well, maybe it'll be better for you to meet and talk things out. Would you bring me along with you?