Commander and Sheep

Aha! Finding you was no easy task Benedict, I'll give you that! But I'm afraid THIS is where you bene-die.

......

Nothing personal, you see. I just need to prove my worth to the organization. Normally I'd need to rack up kills to do that, but as it turns out, your head is worth its weight in gold. And who am I to turn up a good deal, eh?

I'm the Weasel. They call me that because I move so fast you'll be dead before you...

You...

Ah, sorry. Just a reflex. If you want to finish whatever it was you were saying, feel free. If you can still stand, that is.

......

...Guess not.

A bandana?

Hm? What's a bandana doing on the ground? Someone must have lost it.

Give me...that...

This yours?

This yours?

No...it's...Benedict's... Ugh...

Benedict's? I don't remember him having a bandana in this color... Hmmm... Well, We can worry about that later. You look like you need some help.

Hmm... Well, whoever's it is, this Benedict guy or you, at any rate you look like you need some help.

Shut up! Just give me the damn bandana!

Hey, hey, calm down. I get it, you wanna give the bandana back to Benedict, right? Me and him are friends. I can give it back for you.

Hey, hey, calm down. If you wanna give it back to the guy that bad, I can go do it for you. Benedict's the name, right?

No you IDIOT! I need the bandana so I can track...

Argh! ...It's... ...My vision's...getting hazy... ...Damn't... I was this close...

Hey! You okay, man?!

Look, don't worry about the bandana, okay? I promise, I'll make sure he gets it.

......

And it's probably better if I go now, but I need to find someone to look after you first...

Elseal! Perfect timing. This guy here, there's somethin' wrong with him. Maybe heatstroke, I dunno. You mind takin' him somewhere he can lie down for a bit?

Excuse me! Sorry. I know this is kind of a weird request, but would you mind taking this guy somewhere to rest? He's a bit out of sorts.

Aagh... Umm... Yeah... It's just, we're kinda in the middle of our morning route and ummm...

He REALLY needs me to take this thing to it's rightful owner, and I need to go find him before he skips town.

"Stamp by stamp, day by day, we'll help you out no matter the delay!" Right?

So, just leave him to us! We'll deliver him to safety in no time flat.

Aw man. Thanks!

Hellooo? You still alive there, buddy?

Huh?! Wha?! The bandana! Where's the bandana?!

Bandana? Is that the thing that guy that was just here said he'd take to the other guy? The guy that lost it?

......

...Ugh....

Hey, I don't recognize you, you from around here? On a business trip or something? What kinda work you do?

Work? I...uhmm...hmm...

Yeah...you know what? This is too much. Consider me "newly unemployed."

A woodcutter? Actually, I think I saw a man with a huge ax walking that way.

Sounds like the guy I'm lookin' for... Thanks for your help!

Here we are. My last special delivery of the day! The first two were easy enough, but it sounds like this one might be a little bit of a hard letter to send!

Not gonna let a little challenge scare me, though! If the rumors are true...

Mwaha... Mweheheheh...

No, Elseal! Remember, "at MLPS, the weight of the word is on our shoulders!" Keep your mind on the job!

Just a second to collect myself here... Okay!

MLPS Special Delivery!

Huh? I didn't order anything, and certainly not to this address.

Oh? Hm. Well, it says right here "deliver to secret hideout." Ringin' any bells?

Huh?!

Boys. Show this meddlesome mail carrier what we do to uninvited interlopers who snoop around our safe house!

Shoot! I was hopin' there weren't gonna be any guards.

Sorry boys, but...

This is what happens!

When you interrupt!

A delivery in progress!

Grugh!

Phew! Now then! About your letter...

Who... What are you?!

Just a courier makin' the rounds! Well, not "just" a courier, this letter carries the royal seal so... It's a bit different than droppin' off birthday cards from Gramps and Granny.

The royal seal?!

Anywho, hows about I read the letter for ya? What with you being under duress and all.

Dear... Name too long, not gonna read it. It's addressed to you, though. It says here...

"You have been found guilty of embezzling treasury funds to hire unsavory types, including, but not exclusively..." "...Dishonored knights, ruffians, hooligans, brigands, rapscallions, et cetera, et cetera..." "...With the intent to violently attack your political opponents." "Because it has come to the attention of this Royal Court that these heinous acts were to be carried out in a few days time..." "We have ordered a courier to seize you and your base of operations post haste."

Got anything to say to that, Mr. Top Hat?

Damn't! Who snitched?!

Oh, you're gonna love that part.

But first, I'm bringin' you in. 'Kay?

Another bad guy signed, sealed, and delivered!

Now for the fun part! Crime scene evaluation!

I'm not supposed to touch the evidence, but... The handbook doesn't say anything about looking very, very closely or sniffing the evidence!

You think Elly's okay?

Well, we're here because she should have returned from her rounds by now, right? We better be prepared for the worst.

I...can't believe this...

What kind of world do we live in, huh? How could anyone do this?!

Is that...Elly?

Oh no. You think they got her?

THE SANCTITY OF THIS PLACE HAS BEEN FOULED!

...Oh. Hey guys.

Elly! There you are!

Are you okay? Did they hurt you?

Is the recipient still inside? Do you need us to apprehend him?

What? No! The delivery's already done.

Huh?

Why were you screaming?

OH! That! Oh my gosh you guys are not going to believe this. So the dossier on this guy mentioned he's an antique collector, right? You know me, I love a good antique, so I was super excited to see what kind of stuff this guy had.

After I apprehended the guy I went in to start cataloging evidence, and EVERY SINGLE PIECE was a fake! Every single one! A faaake!

What?!

You'd think someone of his standing in society woulda had the real deal! He's from the east coast, so I was hoping for some goodies from the region, or maybe a beast relic or two, but no! All he had was a bunch of flashy junk.

All that business with the hired thugs and embezzlement was bad, yeah. But the REAL crime was his so-called "antique" collection!

......

...What?

Don't "What?" us!

We were worried sick! You were supposed to have returned to dispatch by now, so we thought something must have happened to you! Think about how we must feel after coming all the way over here to check on you, only to find you rummaging through stupid antiques!

Stupid?

I assure you, there is nothing "stupid" about antiques! They're wonderful, mystical, sometimes fantastical, but always incredible!

Trusted companions to fabled heroes, masterpieces of once great craftsmen, antiques are our bridge to history! Every single scratch! Every single chip! Every flake of rust tells a story, missy! Each and every antique is a piece of art crafted by the hands of time!

Polish 'em, sniff 'em, snuggle 'em to bed at night! Antiques aren't just for museums, ladies!

Feel first-hand the drama, tragedy, and even comedy of history in a way no book or play could ever dream of! Stupid? I think NOT!

Okay, okay, we get it! You know, to each their own and all that, but snuggling up to rusty swords seems a bit dangerous? That's just me, though.

You really like this stuff, huh. They just look like old weapons to me.

All that aside though, you have a job to do and it's not oogling antiques, you know? Remember the Sheep's Code...

Ever immaculate! Ever absolute! Never vainglorious!

The mailed sheep must be unassuming, just like their namesake.

If you go lingering around crime scenes, you're gonna start drawing attention, which is bad, yes?

I...guess...

Aherm! Ze special delivery of a Mailed Sheep ees a percel entroosted yunto yus by ze Kingdom in erder to preserve ze peace!

Is that...are you doing the Chief?

Dooring oor rounds ve must keep oor eye peeled for ze tiniest changes in ze city! And ven ve do, ve moost yuse ze our information netvork to root out zis anomaly post haste!

Zis is possible only because ve operate under ze guise of everyday postal verkers! Or have you forgotten, young Elseal?

I-I uh...

Listen. Our whole deal is to create a peaceful city where everyone can sleep soundly at night, right? So it's our job to prevent problems from becoming problems.

Huh?

There you are, Elly! The Chief is looking for you, you better head back to dispatch before she blows a gasket!

Speak of the devil!

Who are you calling devil?

We were just talking about the Chief.

I don't think she's ever "summoned" me before... She's gonna kill me, isn't she?

Aw, Elly don't worry. I'm sure it'll be quick!

Time to face the music, Elly.

But I dun wannaaaaaaaaaa!

A big ax? Well, I have one with me here, it's for work, though.

Ahh... Sorry, I think I got some bad info, never mind!

Well, hold on now. I did pass someone carrying an ax just a minute ago. Looked like a lumberjack.

Really?

Yeah. He was heading toward the market.

The market? Thanks!

Took a bit of digging, but it looks like I'm finally on my way.

Elseal.

Y-Yes?

I hear zat you successfully completed all three of today's special deliveries, yes? Do you have anything to report?

Oh, um...

I'm sorry! I investigated the recipient's base.

You did VHAT?

...Isn't that why you called me here?

No, I simply vanted to hear vhat happened during your deliveries.

Then...I just outed myself needlessly?

...... Let me guess, looking for antiques?

I vill disregard your impropriety zis once. I actually called you here because of a special delivery.

A special delivery? To me? Alone? Exclusively? Without anyone around to hear it?

Yes. Zis mission is rather unique, and I vould like it to be undertaken by someone I know to be capable. Your targets were vonce members of an assassins' guild. Failure could result in death.

D-Death?!

Now, call zis intuition, something about zis request seems suspicious..

Suspicious? What do you mean?

You are to investigate and thwart a plan to kill a high-ranking official by a pair of assassins. When ze request vas made, ze knight who delivered vas shaking, and everything about him seemed abnormal.

So it's best to assume that they are working with some ulterior motive?

Indeed. I chose you for zis mission not just because of your strength, but because of your flexibility. Even if your targets are assassins, and even if zere are ulterior motives... I fully expect you to be able to return safely, vith ze information in hand. Zat said, zis is a dangerous mission. You are velcome to refuse it, if you vish.

However suspicious the request, the targets may well be threats to the safety of our kingdom. And if it is a request made to the Mailed Sheep then I cannot refuse!

Beautiful weapons are created by a beautiful history. If the security of our kingdom is threatened... There will be fewer weapons left for future generations. I joined the Mailed Sheep to prevent such a future.

Don't worry, Chief. I've never missed a delivery, and don't intend to start now!

Elseal...

Thank you. If you find yourself in danger, be sure to let us know.

Yes, M'am!

Okay, two special deliveries and one of them was last seen around here...

The dossier makes it look like he's just some run of the mill lumberjack? Could he really be an assassin?

Wait, is that...

It is! Target numero uno. Benedict. It's weird... All he's doing is walking around and it's kinda freaking me out?!

I can tell when a target is dangerous, and boy, oh boy, this guy's dangerous. I better be careful.

Lumberjack shlumberjack! This guy's the real deal!

I doubt he'd agree to a simple questioning, being an assassin and all... I'd need to use the element of surprise to pin him down. And that seems...risky.

So I'll just give 'em the ol' mail courier charm and trust in the fundamentals!

Excuse me, sir! I've got a delivery here for...

A delivery? For me?

Yes! I'm with the MLPS. You are a "Mr. Benedict", correct?

I dunno about "Mister", but yeah...

I see.

That is good to...

HEEEEEY!

Finally found you Benedict! I've been trying to give you this bandana, is it yours?

Oh, yeah. Didn't realize I'd dropped it. Thanks.

I figured that blue one was the only bandana you had.

Yeah, the one you found is my old one. Haven't worn it in years, actually.

Why not? Just a big fan of the color blue?

Blue? Nah, nothin' like that. The one I'm wearin' now was given to me by a friend. Don't really care to wear anything else.

Sentimental value, huh. I get it.

I'm looking for a guy named Benedict. Ever heard of 'em?

Benedict? Yeah, that's me.

Really? Oh man, what a relief. Did you lose this bandana?

Well, it's mine all right, but I didn't realize I'd dropped it. Thanks.

Glad I could get it back to you. The man who found it seemed to think it was important.

Well, I haven't worn it in a long time, not since I replaced it with this one, anyhow. Still, I'd hate to lose it. So, thanks again.

This one? You mean the one you're wearing? It's a nice color.

You think? Yeah, guess I hadn't really thought about the color. The one I'm wearin' now was given to me by a friend. Don't really care to wear anything else.

Sentimental value, huh. I get it. Well, glad I was able to find you.

...Elseal? Sorry, did I interrupt a delivery?

Oh hey! I remember you from this morning!

Elseal, right? Sorry, did I interrupt a delivery?

Huh?!

Oh, um... Yeah. Umm...

(Shoot! This is the last thing I need!) (I thought I found the perfect place to quietly do this job, and then "HEEEEY!") (What's worse, Aldo doesn't know about the special deliveries! This is bad. This is really bad!)

(Shoot! This is the last thing I need!) (I thought I found the perfect place to quietly do this job, and then "HEEEEY!") (What's worse, this guy knows who I am! This is bad. This is really bad!)

(Luckily, I only drew my weapon for a second. Hopefully he hasn't figured out what I was doing.) (I'll just pretend nothing happened!)

Yep, that's right! A delivery! I've got a letter right here for Mr. Benedict.

Now, where'd it go? Must've slipped down to the bottom of my bag.

Wait, you haven't handed it over yet? Because, he's uh...gone already.

WHAT?

H-He's gone!

(He gave me the slip? There's no way he could have known what I was up to... Right?)

(At any rate, I can't let him get too far! I still have a job to do!)

What am I gonna do?! This letter is EXTREMELY important! If I don't deliver it I'm gonna be in so much trouble!

Really? Aw, I'm sorry, this is kind my fault, huh.

How about this, I'll help you look for him.

What?

I messed up the delivery, so I owe it to you to make this right.

N-No, you really don't need to do that! Honestly, it's fine!

You sure? He's not an easy man to find, and it will be all the more difficult on your own. Especially if you're in a hurry. We can cover more ground together, right?

I-I suppose so...

Then let me help you. I can't have you gettin' punished over something I did. It just wouldn't be right.

Ugh!

Waah! Fine, you can help.

Great! Looked like he was heading toward the Serena Coast. So how about we start there?

Hmmm... I coulda swore he headed in this direction, but I don't see 'em.

Well, this is no good. I've asked everyone I could and not a soul knows this Benedict guy.

Ah! Aldo!

Oh hey! The guy from before!

Hey, sorry about before. Was the guy okay?

Yeah, looks like all he needed was a little rest.

Sorry, gotta run! Gotta morning meeting over at the post office to attend!

The post office? Oh yeah, you mentioned delivering mail before.

The post office?

Yes! For all your letters, gifts, and greetin's, There's no better courier meet'n than Miglance Postal's fleet'n feet of zeal! Elseal!

Catch ya later!

Huh. She seems pretty busy.

Didn't realize there was a post office here. She seems pretty busy, at any rate.

Now zat ve all are here, I vould like to start ze morning meeting!

Yes, m'am!

Today ve have 30 standard deliveries and three special deliveries.

Three? That's a lot.

Zese are turbulent times, even for a kingdom as old as Miglance. Problems are as zey say, inevitable.

As you all know... On top of our public image as ze Miglance Postal Service, ve Mailed Sheep have an important mission.

To realize a society in vhich people can sleep easy, by delivering all mail, vhatever ze circumstance.

Ven I say people, I do not mean you, Elseal.

Hah?!

Tell me, how many deliveries are scheduled for today?

Oh, um... 20 regular mails... Aaand...um...one special delivery?

I see.

Elseal here vill be in charge of all of today's special deliveries.

WHAAAT?!

Remember my sheep, to be ever immaculate, ever absolute in all zat you do.

Yes, M'am!

Ugh. Why'd there have to be THREE special deliveries today?

It's not like you to fall asleep during the morning meeting, Elly. Another late night with your swords?

I worked my butt off to be able to afford 'em, you better believe I'm gonna take the time to take care of 'em! That means copious amounts of sharpening AND polishing!

So I did that, and then I stared lovingly at them for a few hours, did a quick sniffing session, took some time to snuggle and then... Before I knew it, it was morning!

Whatever makes you happy, Elly. Are you going to be okay, though? Three special deliveries without a good night's sleep seems like a recipe for disaster.

Psssh! Me? Miss a delivery? I've never missed a one and I don't plan on startin' now!

Your personal life might be a mess, but you are good at your job, I'll give you that!

Who're you callin' a mess!

Oh! Elly! Before I forget. You know your third delivery? Well, have you heard...

Mhmmm. Uh-huh. I see...

WHAT?

Just a rumor, of course! But I figured you'd wanna know...

WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER?!

Time is money and there's no time like now! And I mean, right now!

Elseal OUT!

And there she goes...

Nothing can get in the way of Elseal and her antiques, huh.

There you are, Felmina.

......

You weren't easy to find. Perhaps you sensed us on your trail? You covered your tracks well. Only to be expected, I suppose. A retiree like you would never be able to fight us head on. The most important skill for an assassin is the ability to sense danger. You were wise to hide.

...Not that it did you any good.

What the?

I purposly avoided your vitals. When you're finally able to move again, take that opportunity to run. Or stay here and die.

Eep!

I hide because I do not want to involve myself in pointless fights like this. The most important skill for an assassin is the ability to sense danger, huh? I do hope they realize the irony.

Still, there seems to be more and more attempts on my life recently. Someone somewhere is looking for me, and they are prepared to use whatever resources they can. I best be on my guard.

Phew. Finally was able to shake Mr. Swordie Two-Shoes!

It's weird though, it's like I couldn't say no! He just looked at me with those eyes that say "All I want is to do good", and that was it! Now that I'm finally alone though, time to find Benedict and finish this delivery!

Wait a second, that's...

Target number 2, Felmina. Looks like Elseal's luck is starting to turn around, eh? I mean, what are the chances, right?

She's every bit as tough as Benedict it looks like. And just like Benedict, all I need to do is drop her guard!

Excuse me! I gotta delivery for a Ms. Felmina!

Whether rain, beast, or snow, Miglance Postal's gonna...

Wha?!

Another one so soon...

Another what? I'm sorry, I just deliver the mail, heh!

Do all mail couriers keep one hand on their hilt when they make their deliveries?

Huh? What do you mean...

See? You just checked for your weapon.

...Shoot! I fell for it!

That was easy enough. Now that your little sneak attack has failed, you'll have to face me head on. Are you prepared for that?

Guh...

Well, I was trying to save my energy for Benedict, but now that the cats out of the bag...

Benedict?

We'll have to do this the old fashioned way!

Hm?

There you are, Elseal! Did you find Benedict?

Woah uh, what?! What's going on here?

Uh-oh. This is getting worse by the minute...

Sorry, buddy ol' pal. Do you mind just stepping over there for just a...

Not again!

So, whats up with the sword, huh?

Hngghh...

Hnnghh?

I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

What?!

What is your deal, man?! It's like your morals are perfectly aligned, but your timing is perfectly appalling!

What are you...

The first time was a coincidence, but twice?! Are you TRYING to interrupt my mission, here?

Mission? Is that what mail couriers are calling deliveries these days?

Shoot. I meant delivery!

UGH! And now that you've seen my weapon, I've gotta do something about it.

I do not like hurting innocent people. I hate it. But you kinda aren't giving me any choice here, you know? I have a secret to keep. And since you know that secret, I gotta make sure you don't share that secret with anybody else. You get me?

So you're gonna...

Yes. I'm afraid so...

...Wait a darn second...

Wh-What is it?

Why didn't I notice this before? Your sword...

I was so preoccupied with my target... HOW did I not notice?!

You mean Ogre Rancorem?

Ogre Rancorem?! It's gotta name?! Why hello there Mr. Rancorem. Nice to meet ya!

Uh... Mr. Rancorem?

I've never heard the name, but I can just smell the history! It's an antique right? One with lots and lots of stories to tell, yeah? Great wars, far away lands, the whole kit and caboodle, right?!

Antiques?

Yes! Antiques! Swords from the battlefields of history! The blades that turned great heroes to epic legends! I live for them. I'd die for them. They're my EVERYTHING.

I know we were just about to fight and all that, but would you mind if I touched Mr. Rancorem? Just a touch. A teeny tiny tappy tap.

I don't mind personally, but I don't think Mr. Rancorem would appreciate it.

Oh, I get it. You mean, it's so valuable that touching it would be disrespectful to its legacy?!

No. I mean you'll actually make him mad.

Let me explain. This isn't just any sword. It's a demon sword forged by the blood of the ogre clan from King Palsifal's holy blade. I guess you could call it an antique? It is old.

Wha? Palsifal... Ogres... Huh?

Was that too much all at once? Oh, gosh. I'm sorry. But yeah, that's the short version of it, anyway.

Niiiiiiiiiiiiii! Hnnnnnnnnnnn!

Are you okay? What is with those sounds you're making?

My brain tells me you're full of it, but my nose, my skin, my SOUL believes it ALL!

It's an absolutely ridiculous story, and yet, I believe every word of it!

So this thing is the real deal? The really real deal? I can't believe this. I can't believe I can believe this! I CAN'T BELIEVE I CAN BELIEVE THAT THIS ISN'T NOT REALLY NOT NOT REAL?! HENNNNNNNngggggggh!

Okay, I get that you're excited and all, but you were just about to kill me a few seconds ago? We good now?

You expect me make an orphan out of this beautiful bay-blade?! Are you crazy?!

An orphan?

But yes, it is very not good that you know what I really do. Secrecy is the keystone of our organization. Without it, it all falls apart. If we feel a civilian is a risk to that secrecy, we either detain them or put them under strict surveillance.

Detain?

Yes. Well, usually we only detain the criminals... But you being a special case and all... I think it's best if I just wrap ya up and ship ya back to dispatch.

That's it? I thought you were gonna try and kill me!

What do you mean by surveillance, anyway?

We follow you around pretty much all day every day until we decide you are no longer a risk.

Dawn till dusk, no matter where you are or what you're doing, one of us will always be watching.

I do a LOT of travelling, you know. Doesn't really seem realistic.

Oh, that part I wouldn't worry about, we've got agents in every town!

Yeah, it's not the towns it's the time... You know what, forget it. Heh.

Look, I'll promise to keep quiet about your mission and your organization. Can't you just let this pass?

Sorry, no matter how thin the suspicion, we always need to surveil the target for at least a few days. Just policy, you know?

But, on the other hand, I wouldn't want to put any undue stress on Mr. Rancorem, or his owner...

Okay. Fine. I'll let you off with just a warning, but only under one condition!

What condition?

You promise to tell no one of the Mailed Sheep and... You don't leave my sight for the time being!

But...

During which time, I will personally observe you. If I find you are of no risk to the organization, you are free to go. Deal?

I mean, I guess that's better...but don't you have a mission to do?

Well, yeah that's the problem, right? ...Do you mind coming with?

That depends. What's the mission?

To arrest the assassins Benedict and Felmina for plotting to assassinate a high-ranking official.

What?

Was Felmina the woman from before? Neither she nor Benedict seemed like the kinds of people to do such a thing.

Was Felmina the woman from before? And you're saying that both she and Benedict are ASSASSINS?

Benedict was the man from before, right? With the bandana? And you're saying that both he and Felmina are ASSASSINS?

Benedict was the man from before, right? With the bandana? I don't know about him, but there's no way Felmina would ever plot such a thing.

Benedict and Felmina are ASSASSINS?

Benedict is an assassin? Look, there's no way Felmina would ever plot such a thing.

Surely there's been some mistake.

Part of the mission is to investigate the facts, so it's possible they aren't guilty of anything! But they don't seem like the talking type, which is why I've been trying to take them in...

I see. Well it would be a good idea to talk to them and clear the air...

Okay, you've got a deal.

Then it's settled! Let's head over to Rinde and look for some leads.

Looks like I managed to lose that strange assassin.

She mentioned the name Benedict. If my memory serves me, he... I'm not the only one being targeted?

Never thought I'd meet up with someone from the guild after putting that life behind me.

I had heard of others leaving Bone Wolf... You're lucky to be alive.

I appreciate you answering my call. It was an old cipher, but I had a feeling you'd understand it.

Still, I can't figure out what you're after.

As I told you in my note, I am not your enemy.

Sure, you say that, but what guarantees do I have? We're both assassins after all.

And yet you came here anyway?

Well, for your letter to reach me, you must have known where I was. So, I figured you'd find me regardless. Making contact seemed the best way forward.

Hm. Seems like all the things I've heard about you are true.

We may have never worked together, but I've heard plenty of stories.

...About Benedict, "the assassin that strikes first".

Well, if someone is after your head, waiting for the blade only puts you at a disadvantage. The only way to kill a shadow is to shine a light.

Still, I haven't sensed the slightest hint of bloodlust from you this whole time. Maybe you do just want to talk.

I do. So let's talk.

Have you been targeted by any assassins recently?

Assassins? No, not that I remember.

Hmm... Then maybe it's just me after all? I keep running into assassins looking for my head.

Hm. Wait. Now that I think about it...

There was a guy in a hood a couple hours ago?

A couple hours ago?!

I mean, you could barely call him an assassin. More of a stalker.

Ah, right. There was also the one before bed last night...

And the one after dinner...

And one before dinner, I guess. But that's all. I think.

So...you ARE running into a lot of assassins, then?

I guess I'm just so used to it I don't process it as "a lot" anymore?

But I guess it is a little bit more than usual.

Okay, well one of them, a delivery girl, seemed far more skilled than the other assassins I've encountered. And she was after me, but she also mentioned she was looking for you.

Oh yeah. I met her. A bit annoying though, so I just gave her the slip. So it looks like someone's after us, huh?

Yes, that's what I wanted to tell you.

My first guess would be the guild, but... why now?

Maybe something happened to compel them to do so?

Whatever it is, I don't wanna be followed around for the rest of my life. I chose to live as a lumberjack. And fending off assassins is gonna get in the way of my work.

And I have someone I swore to protect. I don't care what happens to me, but I will not allow anyone to hurt her.

Then it looks like we both have a reason to get to the bottom of this. These guys aren't gonna stop coming for us unless we stop it at the source.

Agreed. It will take some time, but I'll see what my contacts...

No. We already have a lead. We'll find our little delivery girl, and make her talk. With her skill level, it's likely she's closer to whoever is doing this.

You're right. Okay, we'll need to lure her out. Let me handle that.

Ugh! How have we not found a single clue! No strands of hair, leftover dishes, not even a footprint!

How do you even completely erase all trace of yourself like this? I never really noticed before, but they sure are amazing.

How do you even completely erase all trace of yourself like this? It's pretty amazing.

Sorry, I couldn't help overhear... Are you looking for someone?

Huh?

I might be able to help.

That was amazing! I mean what are the chances someone who knows exactly where to find Felmina would just turn up like that?!

I'd say pretty much next to zero. Sounds like a trap, to be honest.

Aw, that's adorable.

I'm HOPING it's a trap!

Huh?

I mean, the alternative is wandering around looking for nonexistent clues till the cows come home. This just makes my job a whole lot easier!

Wow. You're a lot braver than I realized, Elseal.

You gotta be brave to do my job.

Come on, can't leave a target waiting! To the Serena Coast we go!

We're sneaking into the assassin's guild? Things really escalated while I was away.

Teehee. Yeah, it's a long story.

Do you know how worried I was? Felmina dragged me into another room, talking about an interrogation... Then I heard the sound of an ax smashing against something. And then no one came for me! I thought something terrible had happened!

Yeah, I'd forgotten all about that! I was preoccupied with infiltrating Wulfpack Manor.

......

Okay, to summarize the situation... Benedict and Felmina want to find out who's targeting them. And you want to solve this case and find out why the organization had that ax. Is that right?

Yep, that's right!

Sorry, this mission is getting a lot more dangerous than I expected. You gonna be okay?

Don't worry about me, I've come this far already. Besides, I can handle myself in a fight.

Really? Are you sure? I kinda thought you'd say that!

But you barely know me!

Look, it's Felmina and Benedict!

What's with the hood?

I kept this outfit in case I ever needed to infiltrate Wulfpack Manor. It'll help me blend in.

Oh, and this is Lumina. I don't know why, but she always follows me around whenever I wear this outfit. Don't worry, she won't get in the way.

Hm. Maybe the beast senses the resolve of its master. That outfit is special within the guild. It is what wolves wear when they're are sure they'll kill their prey.

......

You have your sights set on the mastermind, I take it?

I wouldn't go that far. It's just... Coming back here after all this time... I can't help the feeling that's how this is gonna end.

The eeriness, the act of purposely leaving breadcrumbs to have us sniff them out. It's all so familiar.

Oh. The mastermind is part of the organization after all. If it was their plan to lure us here, then we'll probably encounter them soon. Guess I should sharpen my ax.

This is Wulfpack Manor?

This may be the first time non-guild members have ever set foot here.

Luckily for us, security doesn't seem to have changed much.

Are you sure?

Yep. There aren't many assassins stationed here anyway. Most of them are lurking in the city, on missions. Instead, they have...

These things. They wander the base, killing anything that moves. They call them the Iron Wolves.

Your average trespasser would be dead the second one attacks.

There's a trick to how you walk through this place, so stick with us, okay?

I just got word that the delivery girl is heading this way.

She accepted the invitation after all, huh? She must know this is a trap, right?

Of course. If she is targeting us, then she must be a member of the guild, so I'd expect nothing less.

We better anticipate the fact she will be on high alert for anything suspicious. So I want you to hide while I try and get her to drop her guard. Okay? Remember, we're looking to capture, not assassinate.

Okay. Well I'll leave it in your capable hands.

Special Delivery!

......

...Heh. I figured it was worth a shot. Didn't actually think you'd fall for the same bit twice.

All right, let's talk details, huh? We need to know if the suspicions levied against you and Benedict are true.

Suspicions?

Yeah. Elseal told me...

NOW!

What the?!

Sorry, Aldo! I was worried she was gonna run off!

Surprise is the greatest weapon in one's arsenal, and with her being a master assassin and...

Great minds think alike, I see.

You do?

Whoa!

"Surprise is the greatest weapon in one's arsenal", huh? I like that.

I knew that if I let Aldo talk, you'd think I'd dropped my guard and come in for the attack...

I knew that if I let your friend talk, you'd think I'd dropped my guard and come in for the attack...

The funny thing about dropping someone's guard is that so many drop their own in the process. Now, do as I say and...

HA! HAHA! Funny that you'd say it's funny when you did the thing you thought was funny.

Hmph.

OH. Did somebody not like my double surprise attack?

I mean, what was it you said again?

The thing about people dropping their guard? "The funny thing about dropping someone's guard is..."

That so many drop their own in the process.

Elseal!

Don't worry. She's just taking a short nap.

Now we can finally begin the interrogation.

I-Interrogation?!

Mmm... Teehee... I can't possibly...eat that much... Morning Star...

What?!

Elseal? You're awake!

You look like a charred sea urchin, you know that right? Mmmm... Morning star... So delicious...

Who cares, Elseal! Look at where we are!

Huh?

Oh, right! Where are Felmina and Benedict?

You called?

Wait...

Did you...kidnap us?

Were the ropes not enough of a clue?

You two really are related to this assassin's guild, then?

Sorry, Aldo. I hate having to tie you up like this, but I can't have you helping her out.

Sorry, Aldo, was it? I have no issue with you, but I can't have you helping the delivery girl.

Now if you could just step into the other room while we work...

Hey! Wait!

Elseal, is it? Tell me why you're targeting us.

I won't talk. I can't disclose information about the organization. There's a rule about that.

The organization, huh?

And these rules... They're more important than your life, I take it?

Eep!

You may fear what happens when you break those rules, but I assure you, right now, following them will be worse. Why sacrifice yourself needlessly, when you could just tell me what the organization wants with us?

Huh? What kind of organization do you think I work for?

They aren't gonna hurt me just for talking. The rule is a personal one, anyway!

Strange. She must be brainwashed.

Rewriting a young girl's entire personality like this. They can do some truly terrible things.

Brainwashed? I'm sorry, WHAT?

Fine. I had thought we could just talk an answer out of you, but it looks like words won't help us now.

We'll have to find "another way."

Wha?!

Wh-Whoa there! Wait Please! I...

Gwaaah!

Next time, I won't miss.

Uh...huh...

Too scared to speak, eh? Still, perhaps the shock affected the brainwashing. A blessing in disguise.

Tell us what the organization wants from us. Now.

I...

Yes?

I could never kill a man like you!

Excuse me?

What are you talking about?

Do you understand the position you're in right now?

Yeah, but do you? That ax you're holding...

My ax?

Yes! That's not just any ax! That's the Commander's Ax!

The ax favored by Goliadus, the great hero of the era of the Thunder King! Despite being unnamed, it was the only weapon strong enough to withstand the impact of Goliadus's swing!

When he retired, he passed it down to his heir, Orleya, but then it came back to him! Records show that after that he kept the ax by his side for the rest of his life, kinda like a best friend. Though the Battle God's Ax is more famous, I actually prefer...

What is she blabbing about?

I...think she's saying she thinks the ax is important? And since you have it, she can't kill you?

Am I correct in my understanding?

Exactly! I'm actually kind of surprised you are so blasé about it?

Okay, so this ax has value. What does that have to do with killing me?

A hero's weapon will always find it's way to the hands of a hero! Weapons choose their owners. And one with such noble history would never choose evil!

Well, I hate to break it to you, I'm no hero. I definitely wasn't before, and certainly not now. I'm just an ordinary lumberjack. You think too much of me.

I mean, I guess it would be weird if a member of an assassin's guild was a good person? You have a point.

Huh?

But then, why would such an evil organization even have the Commander's Ax in the first place? Records show it was owned by the state. It must have been lost at some point...

Wait a minute. By "evil organization" do you mean Bone Wolf? The assassin's guild?

Well, yeah. What else would I mean?

This isn't adding up. You said you belonged to the "organization". That you had some mission from them?

Yeah, and I do! I take a lot of pride in my work, too! It's my job to protect national security.

National...security?

Aw man, not again...

That's your organization's mission?

Um... Did I say national security? I meant national certified mail? For deliveries? Just a regular old mail courier, that's me!

There's nothing "regular" about you.

Now spill the beans, or you'll be spilling blood instead.

Ahhh! Please don't do that! For the ax's sake, not my own! I can't bear the thought of my blood staining that gorgeous weapon!

Seriously? The ax again?

Okay! Okay! I'll talk! I'll tell you about my organization!

So that's your story.

You really have nothing to do with all the other assassins?

Yes! Exactly! Hey, why do you look so glum?

Because this has been a total waste of our time.

Every single thing you've done was so utterly misleading. How can people like you even exist?

Uh, rude much?!

But...it sounds to me like you and me might be investigating the same thing... You mentioned assassins. So I'm not the only one coming after you, then?

Yes. But for your own sake, don't pry any further. We will return you and your friend safely. Forget about everything that happened today.

No, I can't go home, not yet! You two aren't cleared of suspicion yet! I'd be abandoning my post!

I thought we'd denied that already. We don't work as assassins anymore. That means taking on jobs, or working on our own.

I got that! Look, I don't think you're lying to me. But if you're telling the truth, then that means someone sent the Sheep after you. And I can't close this case until we find out who that is. And besides...

Besides?

The Commander's Ax! I can't go home without finding out why it was lost from national storage, and what happened to it after!

You are too much, you know that?

Well, I can tell you how I got it, anyway. I kept breaking my axes during practice, so the guild gave me this one. It never breaks, no matter how much power I put into it, so I kept it. Makes it great for chopping down trees. Is that enough for you to leave us alone?

Nope! I mean, I appreciate the info, but that's just recent history! I need the whole thing, starting with how an assassin's guild got it! They're assassins, not bandits, right? They wouldn't just rob the national archives.

Correct. Wolves only hunt humans. As an assassin, you tend to avoid things that may draw attention like famous artifacts.

It's weird, right?! How could such a historically important weapon, stored in one of the most secure places in the kingdom end up at an assassin's guild?

I know! Hey, can you tell me where the Bone Wolf base of operations is?

You aren't thinking of...

I just gotta know! I mean, for my mission, of course! ...And the ax.

Are you insane? Wulfpack Manor is no place for the uninitiated. Enter those gates and you will never return. It is no place for curious little girls.

Curious? Yeah, I guess if you had to put a label on it, curious is what you'd say, but...

For me, it goes deeper than that! This is a matter of reclaiming a lost history! A matter of national interest!

......

If you don't want to comply, we can just knock you out again and take you back to Miglance.

Eh. Let's just tell her.

Huh?

We all got our priorities, right? We may not understand why'd you'd risk your life for an ax, but obviously it's that important to her. She wants to risk it, who are we to stop her? Besides, we're heading to Wulfpack Manor anyway.

......

We can't be wasting any more time waiting for the next assassin to come around. Who knows if they'll tell us anything. So what quicker way to get what we want then going right to the source?

But...

It can't be a coincidence both the guild and this national organization is targeting us. There's something more going on here. And if we don't move fast, there's no telling what will happen. There's no telling who might get hurt.

Benedict...

I don't have the time to sit here and wait. I have a job to do, one where I earn a living.

What? You want to get back to being a lumberjack? That's your motivation?

You know what, never mind. I don't need to know what you do just as much as you don't need to know what I do in my personal life. It's just, I'd rather not go back there without knowing what's going on. But I realize that we may never have that luxury, so what does it matter if we go now or later. At least now I suppose we have the element of surprise.

Then it's settled! Now, how do we get to their base?

Go to Serena Coast. We'll take you from there.

Serena Coast it is!

Hm? Weird... Feels like I'm forgetting something...

We may have dealt with all the Iron Wolves in the area, but that doesn't mean we're in the clear. I can sense someone, albeit faintly... Proceed with caution.

Got it. Let's give this area a careful once-over before moving on.

Huh? This armor...

Is it some kind of trap?

No, no. If my memory serves me right... But why is it here?

Is there something special about it?

Yes! It's known as the Armor of Giants! It was used during the battle with the beastfolk. It boasts exceptional performance given its enormous size!

It's said to hold its own, even against a beast in combat form! That's why the Armor of Giants...

I think that's enough for now. If you make too much noise, the others here might hear you.

Grr! But I have so much more to tell you about this beauty! I've barely even scratched the surface!

First the Commander's Ax, now the Armor of Giants? They belong to the kingdom. What are they doing here? Why would Bone Wolf have something like this?

Hmm. Doesn't look like there's anything noteworthy in this room, anyway.

You might think so, but even the dullest room can have vital clues. Don't give up so easily.

See this section of the wall? There are traces of dust here.

I knew it. There's a deciphering chemical behind that map.

Amazing! I would never have spotted that! Not in a million years!

Does it help us?

Unfortunately not. Looks like it was used for a different mission.

Oh... Still, if we search this place with a fine toothed comb, maybe we'll find a clue!

Hey, Benedict! You find anything?

......

No, sorry. I was just thinking about the past...

Huh?

What's this room?

There's nothing to investigate in there. Let's go, we don't have time for this.

Huh? But we haven't...

See how the lock is childproofed? This is the choosing room.

......

Choosing...room?

Many children were once brought to this room. But by the time they open the lock...

No, now isn't the time for this.

The point is, they don't keep information on missions in there.

Wait! Felmina?

It looks like we won't find any clues unless we go further in.

Although, I did find a number of armaments that are supposed to be held by the kingdom.

Too many to have simply been picked up along the way, you know? Something fishy going on here for sure.

......

What?

Trying to hide, are we? You're doing a poor job controlling your breathing and temperature.

Get back!

Tch! Curse you!

Wha?! There was someone hiding there this whole time?

We gotta catch them before they call anyone else!

Catch them, eh? Wouldn't it be nice if this could be resolved so...amicably...

Huh?

Still, we should follow him. He couldn't have gotten far.

Looks like the assassin headed through here.

I don't like how quiet it is.

Yeah, but you can tell there are multiple people in there. Must be an ambush.

I'm pretty sure we can take them. But we should be careful, just in case.

Got it!

There's no one here?

Whoa!

You better have a good reason for stepping foot in Wulfpack Manor. Spit it out.

I'll pass.

Then let me guess, you're theives? You see it all the time, idiots thinkin' they can make bank by breaking in, but then they run into the iron wolves... And then the ones that DO make it past them have to deal with us!

Ehhh... They look more like the revenge type to me. Probably had a loved one assassinated and thought they could take matters into their own hands. Happens a lot. I love watching that determination slowly disappear as they find out they won't be making it out alive.

......

Looks like we're dealing with some new blood. Else they'd have figured out what we're doing here by now.

I bet they're contract hires, should make this easy.

Let's keep this amateur bit going a little longer, strike when they start feeling a little more comfortable.

Got it.

......

This is where the fun begins. I'd give up all hope of ever leaving this room alive if I were you. And just in case, there are hundreds of Iron Wolves waiting outside should you try to escape.

Ngh!

Not just any iron wolves, these are modified to pounce the moment they hear any loud noises.

Do you see what we're saying? No matter how much we torture you, you can't make a single scream, or you're dead.

How could you...

Okay, boys, let's start by roughing 'em up a little and then tie 'em up by their feet. But remember, funs over if they scream, so be gentle, capeesh?

And in case you were thinkin' about screamin', We can run from the iron wolves, you can't. You'll be stuck here. And they'll eat you alive. So if I were you, I'd take the beating.

Mmm...

Ew!

Now let's see how long you last. I've seen some tough women in my day, so don't expect me to take it easy. You'll probably be too focused on not getting eaten to fight back anyway.

I do wonder what you sound like when you scream though...

Okay. I've had enough.

Oh?

It's just... It's too much! I can't take it! I thought I'd be able to take it, but I can't!

Elseal, don't do anything rash now.

Sorry guys.

Huh?

There's one thing I hate more than anything in the world. Something I find completely and utterly unforgivable.

And that's...

People who lick their knives before a fight!

Guaaaghhh!

Seriously?!

Wait, he screamed! This is bad.

Do you even KNOW how much bacteria is on your tongue? Not to mention how disrespectful it is to your weapon?

Uhhh Elseal? We've got bigger problems?

A pack of Iron Wolves is heading this way.

Hahhh... Oh, yeah, right. Sorry. How far was it we had to run again?

About that... Looks like running might not be good enough...

Huh?

I should have realized sooner. The layout of the building, their course, it's all a trap. To prevent intruders from escaping, there's only one passage leading further in. And a pack of Iron Wolves have been released to tear through everything in their path.

Are you saying we can't escape the building? We'll only reach a dead end?

No way! Even if we try to fight back, we'll never hold them all off! Not judging from the size of these tremors!

And that's not all. If I remember correctly, there's a trap room ahead, designed to kill intruders. Unless we're able to avoid all the traps, the distance we've gained will very shortly be closed.

Then...we're doomed?

Hmph. I'd forgotten there was a trap room.

Trap room?

There's something I want to check. Let's go.

Hey, wait!

This is the trap room?

Don't go any further. You'll get skewered.

Huh?

Eek! Are these things everywhere in here?

I'll show you how to get through. Do be careful though. One wrong step and you're dead.

So Benedict, you said there was something you wanted to check?

Yeah. These traps... Do you think we'd be able to use them to stop a pack of Iron Wolves?

What?

I was thinking we can make a path full of these traps, and then just lead them to it.

I get it. Fight fire with fire. Or... traps with traps!

That said, traps can only do so much. I doubt they'll be able to take out the whole pack.

I think there's a way to test it.

We'll need all the hands we can get to set the traps. Which means, all of us need to make it through alive.

What! You don't have to worry about me! I'll survive!

Wargh! That was too close for comfort! I really thought I was gonna die there!

It's by no means safe, but I think I've at least got my head around most of the traps now.

Yup. Now let's start building our little Iron Wolf funhouse!

This room looks pretty suspicious. I don't see any signs of traps, so let's investigate!

The documents here look even older than in the last room. Maybe we'll find the key to this whole crest business!

Still, how are we gonna get through all of this? It's gonna take us forever.

Oh, just leave that to me! I just need to sniff out for documents that came from the same era!

You can do that?

Yep. I'm always reading over old weapons appraisals and things. I'm pretty sure I can work out a rough date from the paper used in the letter.

Really? Then you'll be able to find materials from the era when the two organizations were connected. Great. Well, it sounds like we can leave this to you then.

Now, I'll just put this sealed envelope to my nose, and...

*sniff sniff*

Wait, you meant ACTUALLY sniff them out?!

Yeah! I mean, to start, anyway. That's what I always do with weapons appraisals.

Y-You smell them?

Of course I do! Nothing beats the experience of inhaling air from its time, trapped between its fibers.

Right... Well I'll just leave you to it, then.

Okay! Now I just need to find a shelf that smells the same...

Aha! Come on! Over here!

She's like a little puppy.

I couldn't find any clues in the document I picked up.

Are you having any luck?

Wolf in the Shadows...

Aldo, I think I just found out something huge.

What is it?

We've just landed at the same conclusion.

Bone Wolf, the assassin's guild, and Mailed Sheep, the national agency, were once one and the same.

They were a national institution named Wolf in the Shadows.

What?

Basically, it's like this... Wolf in the Shadows was a national institution with the same objective as the Mailed Sheep...

But it used the same methods as Bone Wolf.

It used espionage to discover and eliminate threats to national safety, like a shadow over the nation. Then at some point, they split into two organizations.

Do you know why?

Yes! I read that in one of the records! This is what it said...

It all started when radicals seeking credit started taking punishment into their own hands. The kingdom took exception to this, leading to a clash between them and the organization. Driven to a corner, the radicals then attempted a coup. After this failed, the Wolf in the Shadows was dissolved.

I read a record of what happened next. The radicals were believed to be wiped out during their attempt to overthrow the state. However, they were actually gathering behind the scenes, waiting for an opportunity to take revenge.

Mailed Sheep was then set up by a royalist faction of the group, aiming to investigate what was going on.

I see. Then, what about the Commander's Ax and all the other weapons we've seen in here?

They weren't stolen. They were given to the organization while it was still a national institution.

Really? Well, at least that clears up the mystery of Benedict's ax.

Right. They could've easily sold the weapons to add to their funds. There must be a reason why they didn't. Or maybe it was the last vestiges of pride of a pack of wolves that had been hounded out of their country.

The lost history of the Commander's Ax. The missing piece has finally been found. Now, we just need to find out who asked us to target Benedict and Felmina!

Hm?

What is it?

Someone's here.

They're out of breath, and they smell like blood. They must be injured.

H-Heeelp!

You're the knife guy from before!

W-Wait! I'm not here to kill ya! I was just running away from that weapon of murder! I barely made it out with my life!

Look, I'm injured! I've got no hope of beating you in this state!

Then why are you here?

I need medicine. Give me some, and I'll give you information on this building. To come this far, I'm guessing you're after something in particular?

......

I'm afraid to say, we have some knowledge of the layout anyway. Besides, the way you're talking...

Let's do it!

Hey, Elseal!

This mail bag can fit all kindsa stuff, see?

Letters, obviously, small weapons, bits of armor, oil cans, emergency medicine, you name it!

Elseal, stop. You know who he is, don't you?

Sure, but look at the state of him! How can I not feel sorry for him? Besides, this place is full of traps. It couldn't hurt to have some more information.

Now, show me where you're hurt.

Thank you.

FOR MAKING THIS SO EASY!

Huh?!

Hey! What are you doing?!

Don't come any closer! I was so stupid! When I approached... I should have...noticed! The smell of this medicine... It's a nerve...agent...

Elseal!

You tricked her!

Never trust a wolf. A naïve little thing like her was always gonna get caught in one of our traps.

You'll pay for this!

Don't get too close, now. Every step you take, this hostage gets a fresh wound.

You monster!

Do as I say, and I'll return her to you. Father says he wants to see you for some reason. Come to the hall.

Father, eh? If you're not talking about a blood relation, then I think I know who you're referring to. He's who you were talking about before, isn't he, Felmina?

Yes, although I had hoped I was wrong.

If you're late, the girl will surely die. You've been warned.

Damn't! What kind of coward uses the kindess of others like that...

Let's head to this hall. We'll make them regret what they've done.

Lumina?

What is it? It looks like she's looking up at something.

Ah. I think there's a hole nearby that leads to the attic.

I'm worried about Elseal. Will you go to take a look for me?

Did she understands what you say?

Yes, we've known each other long enough now that I think she can take my meaning at least. If anything happens to Elseal, Lumina will let us know. Now, let's go! Keep an eye out for enemy movements.

What is this place? An archive?

I've never been in here before, not even when I lived here.

Well, the children were only ever allowed in certain rooms.

Then I guess we've been chased pretty far back into the house...

I'm so sorry! This is all my fault! If I hadn't been so rash before...

Yes, it is your fault. I thought I was used to your bizarre behavior, but I did not see that coming. Do you really care that much about weapons?

I do! Weapons should be respected, whether they have a history or not. But that wasn't why...

Those people do terrible things to women and children. My whole body was shaking with anger as they spoke.

All these feelings I couldn't put into words just exploded out of me with that knife thing.

THAT'S what that was about?

Hey!

Assassins assassinate people. That's what they do. Surely you can't be that naïve.

You're so far removed from this society that maybe this all seems unreal to you... But Benedict and I are the same as them. The stain of evil can never be washed away.

......

That's why we were reluctant to drag someone like you into this. It was better for you not to know that this was our world. If you knew, you would have run.

Anyway, there could be some clues in here. Let's take a look around before they catch up to us.

......

Elseal? Do you recognize the seal on this letter?

Wha? Oops, sorry! Was kinda just lost in thought for a second there...

Wait, this is the Mailed Sheep crest!

Hm? On closer inspection, this middle part looks a tiny bit different. What is that, a wolf? Why would that be...

Let me take a look.

Hm. That's the old design of the guild's wolf.

Does this mean that Bone Wolf and the Mailed Sheep used to be connected in some way?

That can't be! I was brought up in the post office, and I've never once heard anything about Bone Wolf. And yet, this crest...it's almost as if the two organizations are joined together. But why? Their objectives and affiliations are diametrically opposed.

Could this have something to do with both organizations targeting us?

Still, I think we've investigated everything there is to investigate in here.

Maybe we'll find more information further in?

It is possible.

Okay, but we have to be careful!

So this is the room, huh?

When he said the word "father" earlier, you seemed to remember something Benedict. What was it? Do you two have an idea of who this guy is?

Yes. He's the man in charge of selecting and raising the children. His real name is Lorenzo. Although, I have no clue why he would suddenly decide to start targeting us like this...

He has long yearned to take control of the guild, and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Stop at nothing... You think Elseal's gonna be okay?

Considering what I know of Lorenzo's methods, he's probably only wants to use her as leverage. But I wouldn't rule it out. He's already gone this far.

......

Lumina's back! Well? Is Elseal okay?

Hold on, let me see what she's brought back.

It's...

It looks like a candy wrapper?

Oh. I think I understand.

You do?

At the very least, Elseal is safe for now. However, the situation remains unpredictable. We should proceed with caution.

Well, well, well. Look what we have here. What a lucky father I must be to have both my son and daughter return together. Have you been keeping well?

You always did have a way of creeping me out.

This was your plan all along, wasn't it? To lure us back here.

I knew you'd work it out. You always were perceptive, my daughter. But what was I supposed to do? You never contacted your poor father after leaving home. I was worried! I had to enlist the help of the delivery girls.

The Mailed Sheep have nothing to do with you. Why drag them into this?

Haha... I thought you found the truth in our archives? They were just wolves in sheep's clothing all along, so to speak. That said their involvement was merely happenstance. All I wanted was to see your smiling faces again.

......

Every report I received about the both of you besting my assassins, I couldn't help but feel proud of the both of you.

You have to excuse me, perhaps if you have children someday you might understand, but we never stop worrying about our children. You had been away so long I'd begun to think you'd forgotten who I was.

So, I did what any loving parent would do, and make you remember. Extend my loving arms from this very manor and embrace you with a darkness only a Father can provide. So I found the sun, someone pure and with unmistakable warmth, and I sent her to you. I needed to teach you both an important lesson. You may think that you have finally come into the light, but no matter how bright you shine... No matter where you run... There will always be a shadow at your feet.

That's why you used the Mailed Sheep? To teach a lesson?

You make it sound like it was easy! I had to find their messenger, kidnap his family, and force the request through. I still don't understand how someone can be that desperate to save people merely related to you by blood... But, no matter. It worked as intended.

I got to see my dear children again. It was well worth the hard work.

You think we're gonna believe all that? Cut the crap. Tell us why we're really here.

Hm. Come back to the pack, my cubs. It feels so empty here without you. No matter how many I raise, no matter how many I kill, I'll never find any as brilliant as the two of you.

You were exceptional, irreplaceable. Not like my other children. I'll do anything to get you back. Come home.

I never once thought of you as my family. Never.

And I won't go back to being a wolf. My hands may be sullied, but I made a vow to walk the path of virtue.

I don't have a family. Maybe I will someday, but it sure as hell won't involve you.

I'm a lumberjack. This ax cuts wood, and that's all it cuts.

They say children never know the struggles of parenthood. You must understand I only do this because I care. I had heard you both stopped killing. Even worse, you started protecting people. From your very brothers and sisters, even!

......

What do you think that will do? Absolve your sins? Driving our darkness from the world will only leave you stranded and alone in the light.

Come back, be with me. We can keep each other company, eat, kill, and be merry.

I'd rather be alone in the light than ever be in the dark with the likes of you.

So stubborn. Now, who does that remind me of?

Okay, okay. I get it. Why don't we play one of your favorites, the puppet game. For old time's sake.

What?!

We used to play this whenever my cubs made a new friend from the outside.

If a stranger ever dared to get involved... I would simply string them up like a puppet and slowly but surely...

It won't work, I've only just met her. I don't care enough. You'd be wasting her life for nothing.

Then you'll have no problem watching.

Wait!

See? A father always knows. You don't want anyone dragged into the world of darkness. You don't want her to die. Do you?

......

Very well. I understand.

Felmina!

There's no point in trying to act tough. You're right. I don't want any more people to die for me.

If I go back, will let her go?

Felmina, wait! There must be another way!

No. Once he's made up his mind, he never backs down. That's how it's always been.

You can't yield to him!

Lorenzo, let's negotiate. If I return to the guild, will you let Benedict go for now?

What?

Felmina, what are you saying?

Once he has been released, let me be the one to hunt him.

And if I fail, then bring him back to the family. Only one wolf should return to the pack.

Why do you think that?

You don't need two children.

Female wolves are jealous creatures. I'd prefer you to cherish only one of us.

Heheh. How charming.

Trying to deceive your father like that.

A father always knows, remember? It's all too easy to see that you're lying in a feeble attempt to free him.

Did you think that if you saved him, he would help you escape later? Or could it be that the two wolves have developed feelings for each other?

......

Negotiations are over. Chop up the delivery girl.

F-Father...

Hm?

Guh!

Oh, wow I didn't expect that to work. I would have expected a skilled assassin like you to be able to smell a nerve agent.

Elseal!

He would have smelled it if I hadn't been wearing such strong perfume.

What? I thought you just did that to make sure he didn't see me!

That was part of it, yes. I distracted him with an obvious lie, got close to blind his view and mask the scent of the poison. When approaching a target, we always hide multiple hands.

Whoa! And I went and made an enemy of people like you? It's kinda scary to think about.

How...

Hm?

How? You were covered in the nerve agent!

Teehee. Your fault for trusting a sheep, buddy!

Unlike you, I DID smell the poison when I approached you, so I slipped myself the antidote from my bag. That's why I was able to do what I did!

Did you realize this right from the start, Felmina?

I did see Elseal put something in her mouth, but only recently realized it was the antidote. The wrapper Lumina brought me. It looked like a candy wrapper, but it had medicinal residue stuck to it.

I knew you'd catch on!

I'm glad that Elseal is fine and all, but why didn't you tell us what the wrapper meant?

Obviously, I would have liked to.

But if I did, would you have been able to act the part? Would you have been able to hide your relief?

Um... Well...

I would have had no problem telling you, Benedict, but since Aldo was there as well...

It's fine. It turns out you were more than enough to save Elseal all on your own.

Thank you. I thought you'd say that.

In any case, we managed to outsmart them.

I stole the poison from the assassin while he thought I was unconscious... Then hit Lorenzo with it while Felmina was distracting him.

It must be embarrassing for him to be brought down by a little girl like me.

Surprise is the greatest weapon in one's arsenal, right?

Hey, that's what I was gonna say!

Lorenzo, once again I must ask that we sever our ties. Control through fear and pain is no bond. I have someone I care about now, and I don't need such methods with them.

To protect them, I would happily turn back into a ferocious wolf. Not a Bone Wolf, but as a wolf clad in darkness, that serves the light.

Right. Even if we leave the darkness, we are still wolves.

But we get to choose how we live our lives. Our dreams are ours to fulfill.

Heh. Look at how you've grown. So that's how truly feel, then?

Now, you must have known I had a backup plan. Surely the light couldn't have blinded you to that!

Go. Tear these ungrateful children to shreds my little cub.

What is that thing?!

That thing is HUGE! Looks like it could tear the whole building down, even!

Heh. Well I'm glad I remembered to sharpen my ax.

Heh. Well I'm glad I remembered to sharpen my ax.

*huff* Did we do it?

You gotta be kidding me! How is it still moving?!

I-I don't think I can fight anymore...

I think I've got a handle on it's movements. I've got this. You guys go.

You can't be serious! If the four of us couldn't stop it together, how do you expect to stop it alone?

Easy, just stop it from moving.

Stop being a tough guy! You're just as tired as we are, I can tell!

This place is starting to crumble, if you stay here you're going with it.

Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll take care of this darkness, and then join you all in the light. Wait for me there. I promise.

But...

GO!

I hope he's okay...

The walls are collapsing.

...... Forget it. Right now, all that matters is that we find an exit.

We may not be able to see through all this smoke and debris, but Lumina can. Follow her!

Honestly didn't think we'd make it out alive. Strange, though, it looks perfectly fine from the outside... But Benedict...

......

It's so quiet, you could hear a pin drop, if he was on his way, surely we could hear him... Oh no. Did he sacrifice himself so we could escape?

No... I don't wanna part like this You have to make it out, Benedict!

Someone say my name?

Huh?

H-How did you get here?

It took a little longer than expected to get that thing under control, so I had to take a little detour.

B-But... I don't understand! There were no footsteps! It was quiet!

I'm light on my toes, what can I say?

I...

I can't take this! Do you even know how worried I was!

I told you I'd get here, didn't I?

Well yeah, but... Isn't that what people say when they know they're gonna die?

You know what, forget it, what matters is that you're safe.

I'm really glad you made it out alive, Benedict!

I'm a man of my word. If I say I'll return to my friends, I will always do so.

It's just, surely you can't guarantee the "always" part...

How did you make it out of there, anyway? That huge iron wolf didn't look like it was going down anytime soon.

And I heard the sound of walls collapsing from the corridor. I feared the whole room had collapsed.

That's because it did.

The room collapsed? The whole thing?

Most rooms are supported by four pillars in each of the corners, right?

Um, sure...

I just chopped the pillars down at the same time and brought the house down on our lupine friend.

Y-You make it sound so simple!

Any lumberjack worth his bark can cut a few pillars, Aldo.

Not at the same time!

So does this mean that Lorenzo and the other assassins are...

Knowing them, probably not. Maybe they hid under the wolf, who's to say.

At any rate, they won't be able to come after us. Not for a while, anyway. They're gonna have to dig themselves out of that rubble first.

You always were unconventional... Ever since your days in the guild.

But I'm glad that you survived. Now, can we please get out of here?

Doesn't look like we're being followed. Should be safe here.

Phew! It finally feels like we may actually be finally kinda-sorta hopefully home free?

I thought this was gonna be just like any other special delivery, but boy was I wrong!

I hope you've learned from this. Always avoid shady organizations, no matter what your work says. You should never have crossed paths with us. For your own sake, forget everything that transpired today.

Oh... But...

Elseal.

I'm glad to see you safe. It seems zat ze mission I entrusted to you vas a trap... Ve received a secret signal from our messenger knight, and ve have freed his family from zeir kidnappers. Ve're currently investigating vhy and how zis happened.

That's good to hear, on that topic, I actually have quite a lot to report to you...

Well then, looks like our work here is done.

Yeah.

Wait a minute... Is that?

There you are! I've been looking all over for you two!

Elseal...

I thought you were debriefing your superior officer?

Well, I WAS but then you two sneaked off, and I got all sad about it. Then Aldo did his whole "Go to them" speech, and here I am. The report can wait!

Why did you leave without saying anything?

Think about it. Our worlds don't mix. We thought it would be better to disappear.

Don't mix? But...

We won't let the Sheep get to us. So rest assured, and go back to work.

I'm not worried about that! Remember the whole light and dark, sheep and wolves thing? I don't wanna pretend that all that never happened! I don't wanna pretend the three of us never happened!

I owe you my life!

You do?

Hm. Can't say I've ever had someone tell me that before.

Well, there's a first time for everything! And it's the truth, you know! I can't just move on and forget everything that's happened today. Nope. Nuh-uh.

You really don't know when to stop talking, do you?

And another thing...

Our whole deal is keeping the evils of society from terrorizing the people! Keeping darkness from taking over the light! All that kinda stuff! That's why I can't pretend this never happened. It's literally my job!

......

The Mailed Sheep took me in as an orphan. It could have easily been Bone Wolf instead. A simple twist of fate can completely alter someone's life. And so...

Now that I've seen both sides of the coin, I wanna make sure everyone lands on heads! ...Does that make sense? Keep the shadow from swallowing up the light of the innocent! That whole thing! You know what I mean!

Am I being naïve?

No, but if that's truly what you want, it will be no easy task.

Hm. We're trying to bring the shadow into the light, and you're using the light to fend off dark. Feels like we're working towards the same thing, don't it.

Teehee! Yup!

Okay, I better get back to the Chief before she blows a gasket!

Before I forget, though! I do actually deliver regular mail on top of my missions. It's not just a cover story! So if either of you ever need to send a letter...

THERE'S NO ONE BETTER THAN ELSEAL!

She really is insane.

Letters, eh? I wonder if we'll ever feel safe enough to do something as crazy as that.

It's what normal people do, so who knows... Shall we head back?

Phew. That was...not fun.

Aldo! Thanks for covering for me! Seems like you did okay fending off the Chief?

Yeah, but barely! I was honestly kind of scared by how persistent she was. I did my best not to talk, but it sure wasn't easy!

Sorry. Trying to squeeze information out of someone is what we do, and she's pretty much the best at it...

Did you get a chance to talk to them?

Yes! I told them how I feel. We may have belonged to two completely different worlds... But our future is the same. And someday, we will reach it together.

I hope so.

Oh, and you're free to go now! Thank you for your help on my mission!

Oh yeah! I completely forgot about our deal!

Still friends though, yeah? I do hope that we can go on another adventure again someday... ESPECIALLY if it involves antique weapons! I'd follow you into the depths of hell for that!

...From dusk till dawn, east, west, north south, wherever and whenever!

If we ever cross paths again, Please do take me with you. No work, all play! With all your travels, I bet there's ample opportunity for me to find some killer antiques!

Besides, I haven't even had the chance to get up close and personal with Mr. Rancorem here!

Anything but that, please!