BI-5 Hunting Grounds

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Sir Arctosz.

—! I'm here. Your orders, Great Saintess?

No need to be so tense, Sir Arctosz. I don't eat people.

This is the first time you are participating in the Holy Hunt yourself, Saintess. I am not the only one. Take a look at the warriors around us. With you gracing our presence, we are all tense, eager to put on our best show!

As the Saintess, I believe participating in the Holy Hunt with the warriors of Kjeragandr my rightful duty.

You make a fine point!

Let's not talk about me. It seems something has been on your mind since the hunt began. If there is anything you would like to ask, please don't hesitate.

Haha... I guess I wasn't going to fool the Saintess.

If you don't mind, you can think of me as a friend.

And I, too, will think of you as a friend.

Great Saintess...

In my heart, I see you as a friend, Great Saintess.

In that case, let us talk as friends.

......

Very well. Then, if I may speak my mind.

I want to know your thoughts on the whole transfer of powers affair?

How straightforward.

We are friends, after all.

When it comes to battle, the Paleroches are no less impressive than the Browntails and Silverashes. In subterfuge, though? We're no match for them.

Hiding machinations and manipulating others? It's not my style.

You are right...

However, my friend, you will have to forgive me.

Before I answer your question, I must first make sure of something.

Please, go on.

Sir Arctosz, you are a brave, loyal warrior.

I know you as a frank, straightforward individual, but I also know you nonetheless give your matters due consideration.

You say friends should not hide anything from one another. Let me be honest and get to the point.

—I would like to know why you have been so staunchly against Enciodes's plans to open up to the outside world?

I'm a ruffian, Saintess.

It doesn't matter how much Enciodes boasts about his so-called opening up and how attractive it all is. I don't care about windbaggery and lip service.

All I care is what he brings.

And I see him bringing waves of unfaithful foreigners gushing into our homes, the destruction of our lands and mountains in the name of expansion, and the children of Kjeragandr losing their faith after working in his territory.

......

The things he brings to Kjerag are convenient. He rakes in lots of money and has built many big houses on the back of it. I know all that.

But if everyone takes after him and casts aside faith in the name of prosperity, what will become of our lands?

Kjeragandr ordered the Paleroches to protect Kjerag. As such, I, Arctosz, will not allow anyone to bring it to ruin, however they try!

Now I understand how you feel, Sir Arctosz...

In that case, it's time for me to answer your question too.

Sir Enciodes proposed to turn over all his core lands to me. It was so sudden that it caught me by surprise.

So you didn't know beforehand?

Indeed, I never expected him to make such a suggestion.

But––

......

I don't claim to know understand Sir Enciodes's thought process and how he arrived at the idea of turning all powers over to me. However, if we look at the outcome, I don't think this is a bad turn of events.

You mean...

At the Vine-Bead Court, I watch the masses pray to Kjeragandr day in and day out.

There is one thing that I understand better than Sir Enciodes, and that's the fact that Kjerag has not yet lost its faith.

I suppose, now that this decision has been made, whatever happens from here won't be so easily influenced by any one person.

The unexpected always comes to pass, no?

If Sir Enciodes hasn't thought of this before, then I must've thought too highly of him.

Fine... whatever the case for everything else, I trust your word on this.

......

To tell you the truth, Great Saintess, up until you just spoke, this conversation made me feel as though I had been talking to someone entirely other than the Saintess.

I guess I must be overthinking it.

......

I'm saddened to hear how you feel about our conversation.

But I will never deny that Silverash is my name too.

......

However, when I became the Saintess, I separated from the secular world. It was the same Sir Enciodes who stripped my name of meaning.

Great Saintess...

We can't hold the beasts back any longer, huh...?

All hands, get ready to hunt!

Saintess portraits, Saintess embroideries, Saintess sculptures!

The symbol of the Kjerag faith! What are you waiting for? Bring Kjeragandr's blessings home with you!

Hey!

Whoa... that gave me a jump...

Woke you up, huh?

Whoa, your hands are like ice...

What are you spacing out for? You've been standing there, not moving an inch.

Oh, did that scare you?

Haha, you seem fine to me!

What are you looking at? Did you catch the Holy Hunt ceremony? Even the Saintess is joining the hunt this time. Everyone here's been looking forward to it!

From what I heard, the Vine-Bead Court found in the scripts a couple centuries ago that this was the day Kjeragandr first appeared to us, and so they made this Kjerag's biggest festival.

As for what to do during the Ceremony...

You see how most people are just enjoying the festivities.

The Saintess has one other thing to do, though. She has to cleanse the Tschäggättä loot obtained during the Holy Hunt.

And the specifics of that process... You'll find out later.

Hmm, has anyone ever told you you're pretty sharp...?

It's true that I get to leave all my work behind at the Court and enjoy the festivities out here.

But I feel bad whenever I think about how much work the Saintess has, none of which I can help with, in any way.

Besides...

Oh, whatever. It's a festival. Let's not talk about that.

Oh, you're asking just the right person.

There's probably not a lot of fun things to do... Aside from the markets, nearly everything has to do with Kjeragandr.

If you want to take this chance to learn more about Kjeragandr, though, there is no better time.

Come, let me show you around~

This season every year, the devotees who teach and study at the academy come back to the Vine-Bead Court to preach or to give lessons about Kjeragandr.

Let's have a listen.

A millennium ago, our forebears angered Kjeragandr. She vowed to never again protect Kjerag, and a harsh winter befell our lands.

Every year, to calm Her fury, the Vine-Bead Court picked the girl with the purest soul to head skyward toward the mountaintop, carrying a bell that represents Her, until the young maiden sacrificed her soul to Her.

When She heard the cries of the one hundredth girl, Kjeragandr at long last forgave the people of Kjerag, and the cruel winters came to an end.

That was how Kjerag's first Saintess came to be.

This again, huh...? Right, I read a different version of this story in the Vine-Bead Court's texts.

Right? At the same time, it's also a lot more cruel.

No, no, not at all. I only found the scripture at the Court by chance. It might be a record left behind by someone who was actually there. It could also be nothing more than pure nonsense.

After all, Kjerag's snowy mounts are known to swallow men whole.

Sir! A large group of beasts has been spotted up ahead!

These beasts are unusually brutal. They're attacking our soldiers at the front right now!

They're just beasts! There's nothing to be afraid of!

All of you, stay here and protect the Saintess. Keep your formation and do not panic. Valais, you stay here too.

Everyone else, come with me. We'll back up our brothers up ahead!

Sir Arctosz, wait!

Great Saintess?

I will come with you.

But, Great Saintess, your safety...

Valais is right. Your safety is what's important here. Please wait for us here. The Paleroche warriors will protect you!

I...

Wait up, Arctosz!

Ratatos...? What are you doing here? I thought the Browntails and the Silverashes were supposed to take their hunts elsewhere?

The Silverashes have left already, but something doesn't seem right about all this. I was going to come give you a heads up before we split... but it looks like there's no need for that anymore.

What do you mean by that?

You mean the unusual pack of beasts up ahead, Madame Ratatos?

Fine observation, Great Saintess.

I don't know the specifics... but I have a bad feeling about this. I only hope that no one is trying to pull anything funny during an occasion as dignified as the Holy Hunt, let alone putting on a show.

......

Anyway, we should be more careful. For the first time ever, the Saintess is personally gracing us with her presence during a hunt.

......

You're exaggerating things, Madame Ratatos.

You do have a point, though. Since I am here, I must stand alongside our brave warriors, instead of cowering in the face of danger.

Please, the situation is urgent. Let us talk on the way.

Well then!

How fortunate is Kjerag that you feel this way, Great Saintess! I won't stop you! Valais, lead the way!

Yessir!

......

(Why aren't you here yet, Monch?! The Saintess doesn't personally join the Holy Hunt every day! We have to seize the opportunity to take care of as many beasts in front of her as we can!)

(But... what if we hurt the Saintess by accident...?)

(Argh, whatever! It's not like that bitch Ratatos would do anything! Worst case, I'll own up to it!)

(You must take this chance, Monch!)

How can these beasts be so fearless?!

This definitely isn't normal...

Here I thought the beasts in the mountains would be scared stiff with the Saintess joining us.

Looks like things aren't that simple. Guess the Saintess isn't really all that.

Watch your mouth! The Saintess isn't for you to discuss so nonchalantly!

Think about what will happen if Sir Arctosz catches you complaining!

Fine, fine. I get it! He'd chew me out if he heard...

As long as you know... Wait, watch out behind—

—!

Get down!

Are you hurt?

The... The Saintess...

The danger is yet to pass. Stand up, young warrior.

Warriors of Kjeragandr, raise your weapons! Join me in fending off these beasts and completing the challenge posed to us by Kjeragandr!

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Yes!

For... For the Saintess!

For the Saintess!

Are all the preparations in place?

Yes.

......

Sir Gnosis!

May I ask you a question...?

Now this is rare. This might be the first time you've asked me anything.

Go ahead.

If I may be so bold.

I'm afraid that the Browntails might get caught up in the investigation that follows, if we go through with our plan.

I... I'm just worried that, now that you and the Browntails have formed an alliance, wouldn't it be detrimental to your plan if anything should happen to the Browntails?

I've considered that, but it doesn't matter. What becomes of the Browntails isn't important. This is a rare opportunity, and I do not want it to go to waste.

At the same time, I hope you'll know to save your own skin.

Should worst come to pass, you needn't think about the Browntails. I know Enciodes. If your testimony is useful to him, he won't harm you. At least for the time being.

And when the time comes, I will send men to ensure your safety.

Sir Gnosis! I...

What's the matter?

If you are having any second thoughts, we can bring others to execute this plan in your stead.

No...! Please, let me do it!

Whatever your orders, Sir Gnosis...

Your wish is my command.

We've taken care of all the beasts now!

Some of the young'uns got a few scratches here and there. Nothing major at all... It's all thanks to you, Great Saintess!

I haven't done anything. Rather, all of you have admirably demonstrated your courage in battle. I am sure Kjeragandr is proud of all of you, Her soldiers.

Y-You flatter us!

Great Saintess!

Hm? You're... the one from earlier...

Right, it's me. Thank you for saving my life just now!

Great Saintess! That was far too risky!

Nonetheless, I have to thank you for saving this runt!

We are all children of Kjeragandr, and it's only natural for me to save one of my own.

Great Saintess...!

That was truly a fine shot. I didn't know you were such a capable archer...

The Saintess must be able to protect the people of the Snow Realm. This is hardly worth mentioning.

You're too humble! With your shot just now, your marksmanship most definitely rivals even that of Kjerag's finest archers!

Great Saintess! Sir Arctosz, Madame Ratatos!

T-This is bad!

What are you babbling about? How is any of this bad?

You're one of the Silverashes? What's the matter? Don't tell me you were ambushed by beasts and Enciodes is looking for our help.

N-No, not beasts!

Then what is it? Out with it!

Y-Yes! Sir Enciodes was ambushed by an assassin!

—!

What did you just say...?

Enciodes was ambushed? Somebody's so bold to make a move on him during the Holy Hunt?

Half of you, stay here to protect the Saintess. Stay alert.

The rest of you, come with me!

Wait, Arctosz, are you out of your mind?

What are you doing? Are you going to his aid? Before we even mention whether Enciodes really needs it or not, considering the circumstances... Have you really thought it through?

There's nothing to think through, Ratatos.

I know what you are thinking, but it doesn't matter to me one bit whether Enciodes is really turning over a new leaf or is just putting on a show. I, Arctosz, won't permit anyone to make trouble during the Holy Hunt!

—Generation after generation, my family has sworn to defend Kjerag, and that includes the integrity of the Holy Hunt!

Can't keep your cool, can you... Whatever, let's see where this kindness of yours will get us.

......

Enciodes...

Sir Enciodes! You're bleeding... Are you hurt?!

I'm fine. No need to panic.

But you're injured!

It's nothing major.

Fine stealth techniques. You caught me unaware... though I suppose it was careless of me to assume no one would make trouble during the Holy Hunt.

......

What's the matter? Not going to show yourself?

If you had the courage to do this on such an occasion, surely you knew what a great disrespect it was to Kjeragandr.

Come now. Did you not consider this?

You can stop taunting me...

If I'm brave enough to do this, of course I've considered the consequences.

Enciodes, if I don't make it out of these hunting grounds today, you're coming down with me!

Looks like you are truly determined.

That goes without saying!

Enciodes, you act like a devout follower, but you don't have even the tiniest bit of veneration for Kjeragandr. All of us can see the damage you've brought to Kjerag!

It's not often that someone says as much to me outright. There aren't that many in Kjerag who bear such a great grudge against me these days, after all.

For you to criticize me like that, I must have done something to harm your profits... or perhaps you are a truly devout, even radical follower...

Now which is it?

Do you think I'd just tell you?

Sir Enciodes, watch out!

Out of my way!

Regrettable.

You had these berserk beasts prepared in advance, didn't you? I don't have many guards accompanying me during the Holy Hunt, and it's indeed a good chance to strike while they are preoccupied.

And yet... it looks like you've wasted your one chance.

Are you mocking me?

You're hurt. It doesn't matter how lightly you make out your injuries, you can't fool me!

Your movement is starting to get sluggish, isn't it? I just have to land one more hit and...

Despite the circumstances?

Now that we're facing off in the open, how confident are you in landing a fatal shot?

Tsk...

Let's find out, shall we?

Dammit... You can block arrows with that cane?

Are you screwing with me?!

Please don't get the wrong idea. It is not my intention to look down on you.

You came well-prepared, and you have an excellent plan. However, all plans must face be put into motion, and they rarely survive contact with the enemy.

My hope is that everything can be solved by diplomacy, but one of my companions possesses exactly that level of violence. Thanks to her, I understand violent people well.

......

What are you talking about?!

Still not showing your true face? Or am I mistaken?

......

......

It's a little hard to slice through an arrow after all.

You—!

But that's just part of the job, Mr. Enciodes.

So, will you two keep the fight up?

That is not for me to decide.

......

Giving up is the best course of action here. At the very least, no lives will be lost.

You can drop the kind act. It disgusts me.

You want to get information from me, don't you? You want to know who it is that wants your life.

I've considered that, but it doesn't matter. What becomes of the Browntails isn't important. This is a rare opportunity, and I do not want it to go to waste.

At the same time, I hope you'll know to save your own skin.

Should worst come to pass, you needn't think about the Browntails. I know Enciodes. If your testimony is useful to him, he won't harm you. At least for the time being.

I...

Monch, Monch!

Where'd you go! Come help take a look at my plan. This one will show Ratatos, for sure!

Oh, Monch, I knew you had my back. Everyone else's always calling me dumb. Hah, they think I don't know...

Monch, tell me. Do you think I make something of the Browntails? I can, right? Right...? Yep! I knew you wouldn't lie to me!

Monch...!

......

—I won't let you!

She leapt off...

An unexpected choice.

You didn't stop her.

That's not part of my mission.

You don't seem so surprised either.

There aren't many who can properly set up the pieces on the hunting grounds. If we search for evidence, we're bound to find some.

Of course, having a witness would've saved us some trouble... Though whether the witness is alive or dead doesn't actually matter all that much.

Your underlings are absent...

Perhaps they are tied up with the beasts running amok.

About that, please be sure to thank the Doctor for me.

......

Master!

What's the situation?

All taken care of. Some of our men are hurt, but nothing major.

I just got some news from Weiss—

Sharp? What are you doing here...?

I'm on a mission.

Doctor's orders? Did the Doctor anticipate this...?

......

How did you know it was me?

It's not that hard at all.

I already told you. I'm very familiar with warriors who can break a deadlock.

Enciodes!

Are you alright? Where's the assassin?!

......

Arctosz, I never expected to see you here. Perhaps this is a portent of the Silverashes and Paleroches finally burying the hatchet?

Pfft! I'm here, but that's got nothing to do with you!

I'm only here to flush out the underhanded lowlife who dared to disrupt Kjeragandr's Grand Ceremony! They will pay for this!

You are truly Kjeragandr's most faithful follower, Arctosz.

I'm afraid you came too late, though.

What do you mean? You would never let an assassin go. Where are you hiding him?

Wait, this cliff... Don't tell me...!

Exactly, Arctosz. My men will look for any traces of her.

Let's continue our hunt.

There's blood on the ground. Are you hurt?

It's nothing major.

Master, we must treat your wounds immediately!

We must... We must at least stop the bleeding!

We're getting back to the hunt.

I refuse to ruin Kjeragandr's ceremony.

......

Send the word out that all is well.

Of course.