Episode 1 Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Loo-loo-loo, la-la-la, grooming again today. Brush, brush.

Did... Did the Heir of the Covenant just move...?

T-Too heavy...

What's this? An enormous... ribbon?

Ack... He's awake! And tomorrow was my turn to play w, Uhh, I mean, take care of him.

What were you doing to me while I was sleeping...?

Where am I? Who are you?

You're at the Three Sisters Merchant Guild, located in the Sanctuary!

I'm Curator Aerin! And this is Purin, who's in charge of the Merchant Guild! And–

I'm Courier Merurin!

What about the Archdemon? We need to gather our strength immediately...

Oh, you didn't know? The Archdemon War ended 20 years ago.

Guardians, Heirs, and Queen Diene defeated the Archdemon!

What? The Archdemon is already gone...? And Diene became a queen...?

On top of that... the Archdemon invaded, and I didn't even wake up...

That's right, Ras. You were sound asleep the whole time and ended up here!

That can't be... I don't know what's going on, but...

I need to see Diene. Where is she now?

In the castle, of course! You don't have to rush. Someone from Tirel Castle will be here shortly.

Hey. I've come to find the Heir of the Covenant. Is he here?

Ah! Just as we were saying!

Vildred...

...? How does the Heir of the Covenant know my name?

Vildred doesn't remember me.

At least there's one thing that didn't change.

Nevermind, that's not important. The palace is in an uproar waiting to meet you. We should head to Tirel Castle immediately.

What? Right now? Wait!

When you meet the Queen, be sure to tell her how well we took care of you. Promise us, okay?

W-Wait, Vildred. At least explain what's going on before you start dragging me around...!

Huh? Why do you keep acting like you know me?

Have we met before? ...No, you've been asleep for years. We couldn't have.

That's...

I can't tell him. That we've fought side by side many times over.

And that, no matter what path we took, we lost to the Archdemon and the world fell to ruin...

Would he believe me if I told him that Diche had reverted the destroyed world to its previous state? To the time just before the advent of the Archdemon.

And that is why he, a being tied to the fate of this world, would not remember who I am...

...Why are you looking at me like that?

I know I'm handsome, but I'm sorry, we just wouldn't work out.

...He really hasn't changed.

Well, if you've got something to say, go ahead. We can talk on the way.

First, can you tell me what year it is?

It's the year 462.

Going by the calendar of the previous world, that's twenty years later than when I was defeated by the Archdemon.

Apparently, the Archdemon attacked the restored world after we lost... But why couldn't I wake up?

I heard the Archdemon was defeated, but does that mean it was completely destroyed?

No. Only you, the Heir of the Covenant, can completely destroy the Archdemon.

It has been sealed. Largely thanks to the sacrifice of the Nocturnes.

The Nocturnes? That means...!

...All but one lost their lives. Quite a heavy price to pay just to seal it away.

...

But that's why Queen Diene has summoned you. You'll understand better once we reach Tirel Castle.

Wait, someone is approaching.

...No way.

Oh! It's you! It's really you! Amazing! The real Heir of the Covenant! Wow!

Prince Aither. Please, maintain your dignity.

Iseria...? You're alive!

Ack, the prince? And Iseria too...

Prince? What in the... ugh!

It's really the Heir of the Covenant! Wow! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting! Waiting for this moment!

Can I touch you? Please? Please? ...Can I hold your hand? Can I hug you? Please?

I'm sorry for the fuss, Heir of the Covenant, it's such an honor to meet you. I am Iseria, second-in-command of Ezera's Order of the Sword.

And this is Aither, prince of the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera.

They must have heard somewhere that I was going to fetch the Heir of the Covenant. This has quickly become a pain.

Ehehe. You see, I wanna go on an adventure with the Heir of the Covenant! I wanna gather some cool allies, go defeat the Archdemon, and become famous!

Stand back!

Even if you're the Heir of the Covenant, Aither is a prince. Please show some courtesy.

No, that's not the issue... There's an intruder.

Oh? Very impressive.

Wow! So cool! So! Strong! Amazing! Wah! Though maybe not as strong as I had hoped. Hehe.

This child prince insults me like it's nothing...

Strange... I can feel my fighting ability returning, but I'm not as powerful as I used to be.

Something has definitely gone wrong... This world is too different from the worlds that came before it.

Anyway... This is bad. For monsters to appear even near the royal castle...

The chaos among the people will keep growing.

I'm already worried. According to the report I received yesterday, the Land of Death is expanding, and the land is becoming more barren.

I've heard as well. The frequency of Chaos Gates appearing is increasing, and the damage caused by the Unknown is becoming serious.

...It's because Goddess Diche's power has weakened.

Still, how fortunate is it that our Heir of the Covenant has awoken?

Of course, it would have been better if this had happened 20 years ago.

That's right. Even when the world was in dire peril, the Heir of the Covenant did not even wake up.

Oh! To sleep peacefully even when the world was about to be destroyed! As expected of the Heir of the Covenant! Wonderful! I couldn't even dream of doing that!

Please let me be one of your companions! Whether it's swordplay or sleeping, I'll work hard to learn from your example, Ras!

...Sir Vildred. Could you please do something instead of just laughing?

Uh, hmm... Prince, your mother is waiting for the Heir of the Covenant. It would be best to talk while walking.

Ah! One second, Vildred.

*sighing* ...What now?

I thought something was missing... Have you seen my Guardian, Arkasus?

You're right, Arkasus isn't here...

Arky... I mean, you know Arkasus?

Well unlike you, your Guardian woke up in time to fight the Archdemon.

Arky did something that admirable? When I see him, I'll have to praise him.

The cost of all those snacks... He promised his master would pay for it all when he woke up.

...Cancel the praise. I'm going to slap him.

Then, then, what's your Guardian like? Is it huge and enormous like in the legends?

Eh... There are Guardians like that, but Arky is normally more like a fat cat...

A fat cat? Hm... Oh!

Like that cat?

Yes, like that cat...

Hmm?

Ahh! Found you!

Ack! I've been discovered!

Stop right there! Arkasus!

Master said he'd slap me if he found me! I don't want ouchies!

What? You little... You knew I was looking for you and you didn't come out? I'm going to slap you twenty times now...!

...! This is animal cruelty! I'm going to report you! Animal rights activists will be all over this!

Wow, is this fluffball your Guardian, Ras? Can I touch his ears? Can I hug him?

...Hopeless. Both the Heir of the Covenant and his Guardian are hopeless.

I can't believe I once had faith in such people to save us.

Why are you staring so hard, Iseria? Have you fallen for the Heir of the Covenant?

Please don't speak such nonsense, Sir Vildred. We should follow them.

Damn... Why does he need to be so quick... I can't catch him. Do any of you have any snacks or sweets?

I have these sweets that Sir Charles told me to give to Prince Aither whenever he does something good...

Good. We'll use this as bait.

Arky. I mean... Arkasus. I'm sorry. I was being selfish... It must have been tough surviving for twenty years without your master...

I've prepared plenty of sweets for you as an apology. Could you please forgive me and come back?

...Master won't hit me?

I won't. I swear on my honor as the Heir of the Covenant.

Hmm... If Master is apologizing so fervently, I'll forgive him. It definitely isn't because I want those sweets!

Alright. Thank you... hah! Got you!

What is this! You weren't actually apologizing sincerely?! Waaah! Let go!

This is a heartfelt, genuine hug. I mean it. Let's do our best again this time, Arkasus.

Uh... Okay... Just trust Arky.

Alright. We've found your Guardian, so now it's straight onwards to Tirel Castle.

The road to the palace is complex and inhabited by many monsters. Please ensure that you stay close behind me.

Understood. I'll make sure to protect Aither and everyone else. I'll let you focus on guiding us, Iseria.

*sighing*. I wonder who will protect whom...

What?

...It's nothing. Let us go.

...Iseria doesn't seem to like me much at the moment.

Kyukyukyu... It can't always be the same.

This is Tirel Castle of the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera. Please keep in mind that one must maintain an air of dignity within these walls.

Prince Aither! Where have you been?

Ugh, Sir Charles...

My goodness, have you been outside the castle? It's dangerous!

This will not do. I shall have to teach you how dangerous the outside world is! Right this very moment!

Uwah. No, please no!

...That was quite a scene. Was that dignified?

There are always exceptions.

The audience chamber is up the stairs. Queen Diene is awaiting your presence.

Thank you, Lady Iseria. And you too, Vildred.

No problem. This is what I'm paid to do.

Please mind your manners, Sir Vildred. You are being discourteous to the Heir of the Covenant.

Just speaking the truth. Better than being outwardly courteous while quietly despising him like certain others.

Your sarcasm is unnecessary, Sir Vildred.

Umm... Would it be alright to leave those two and go ahead...

It's got nothing to do with us, so let's head to the audience chamber!

Greetings, Ras. I am Diene, Queen of the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera.

It's a real pleasure to meet you, Diene.

You've grown into such a wonderful adult in this World.

Can you explain to me what has happened in this World, while I was sleeping?

...During the Archdemon War, the Goddess gave unto me a prophecy.

"In twenty years, on this day, the light will return. This light shall be my final authority and hope..."

Many were discouraged. They took that message as a sign that the Goddess's strength was failing.

Even so, I and many others believed in the Goddess's coming light. And so we threw ourselves into the war.

As a result, we succeeded in sealing the Archdemon, but handling the Archdemon's Might was no easy task.

That is why we decided to break the Archdemon's Might into parts, sealing them individually in the sanctum of every country on the continent.

Currently, the Archdemon's Might is sealed in six places. Those places are Ezera's Sanctuary Gate Temple, Reingar's Sage Minaret, Dun Blyraia's World Tree,

Wetheric Moor's Tagehel Ruins, Duselnorc's Lunar Cemetery, and Taranor's Fountain Of Tears.

But we cannot allow ourselves any rest yet.

Mysterious portals to other dimensions are appearing, and everywhere we are overrun by monsters.

The sanctum has been weakened and the Archdemon's Might that is sealed there may be released at any moment.

So as the Goddess instructed, we were simply waiting for you to open your eyes again.

Heir of the Covenant, Ras Elclare. You are the Goddess's authority, you are our light.

Please save this chaotic world. Please show us that hope still survives in these lands.

...Of course I will.

Now I understand why I awoke now. I understand my duty in this world.

As you ask of me, I will save this world from the Archdemon. As the Goddess's authority, as the Heir of the Covenant!

Ah... Hearing the Heir of the Covenant vow to save us, I am greatly relieved.

Now, can you take me to where the Archdemon's Might is sealed?

I do not feel at ease knowing that the Archdemon's Might still exists.

Knowing you would wake up, I have already made preparations to go to the sanctum.

But it is late, so please rest for now. I shall accompany you to the Sanctuary Gate Temple tomorrow.

I knew Diche's strength was failing, but I didn't understand the situation fully. Kyu...

Even so, you should smile, Arky.

Seeing a Guardian look so hopeless and depressed will make people start to worry.

Alright. Arky will do his best! I'll think of all the treats I'll get after completing my mission as a Guardian!

So Master should smile too!

Thanks, Arky. I'll do my best as well.

Did you rest well, Heir of the Covenant?

Thanks to you. By the way, I forgot to ask you yesterday.

What is it?

Why did I wake up in a merchant guild instead of a temple or a palace like usual?

Those sisters said Master was kicked out because he just kept sleeping!

That was not quite the reason. However...

...No. It would be best to speak of this outside of the castle.

Mercedes. To me.

Yes, Queen Diene.

Actually, before we do, I have to ask. Do you have any prior knowledge of this child?

...No, not at all.

But I do feel an unfamiliar energy from her. Could she be a new type of Wraith?

A few years ago, Human-like Wraiths known as Homunculi began emerging. They are quite unique in that they are absolutely obedient to commands.

Mercedes here was entrusted to me by the Heir, Krau, who also happens to be one of my longtime friends.

Krau?

Diene, I know it's sudden, but take care of this Wraith for me.

Wraith? For what purpose...

I can't explain right now. Keep her close and watch her. And...

...teach her kindness and compassion so that she will never go to the Archdemon's side.

I believe that maybe... the world's fate lies in her hands.

That's how I ended up taking care of Mercedes.

By the way, I can't believe Krau became an Heir in this World...

Mercedes, I have something important to discuss with the Heir of the Covenant. Would you escort us in the garden?

I am at your command.

What discussion required us to come so far?

There are too many ears in the castle. What we're about to talk about is not something that can become common knowledge.

In the past... there was a movement to assassinate you.

...! Assassinate me...? Who would do such a thing?

I could not discover the culprits.

But of course, the Archdemon and his followers would benefit most from your death...

Perhaps it was the Archdemon's follower, or someone who joined the Archdemon's side for a price.

Since I was unable to ascertain the origin, I thought it best to secretly move you from the castle.

We already have so many problems, from the Archdemon to the Goddess's failing power, but to have people targeting me on top of all that...

You're a Wraith, no? Despite that, you've made enemies of your own kind?

Queen Diene's enemies are my enemies... I merely do as she commands.

Kyukyu, she's completely faithful.

But, if Master were as kind as Diene, I'm sure everyone would be devoted to him as well!

Indeed. Queen Diene truly is an amazing person.

Despite the Conclave's protests, she even took me, a Wraith, into her care.

If it's for her, I would gladly give my life.

Krau wouldn't have entrusted a Wraith without a reason.

In fact, she's even more loyal than ordinary people. It seems that Diene's faith isn't misplaced.

I believe that, someday, Mercedes' true intentions will be acknowledged.

Ras, it seems now that the preparations to head to the Sanctuary Gate Temple are complete.

Let's leave together.

The Heir of the Covenant is a fraud! A fraud!

Go back to where you came from!

Queen Diene is lying to us! Abdicate!

Stay back! How dare you insult the queen!

Abdicate! Abdicate!

They're throwing stones! Stop, or be charged with treason!

What's going on? Why are the people so angry?

...As you'll recall, I told you that the Archdemon's Might has not completely vanished from this land.

Because of this, for the past few years, Chaos Gates and Lands of Death have begun appearing at an alarming rate all across the continent.

The people, still feeling the after-effects of the war and constantly harassed by monsters, have begun expressing their discontent and anxiety with anger.

Chaos Gates and Lands of Death... The world is being twisted more than I had imagined.

And so the targets of their discontent are you, queen and prophet of Diche, and me, the Heir of the Covenant.

Yes. There are those who believe that our losses in the war were greater because the Heir of the Covenant did not wake in our time of need...

Even more believe that Diche has abandoned us, or that I used Diche's name to become queen and am concealing an even greater secret.

Is it more comforting to them to imagine such things? Their world will only become more chaotic.

To make matters worse, recently there are even reports of some attempting to summon the Archdemon's Acolytes.

Ezera, no, the entire continent of Ritania is falling into chaos.

...So your mission today, to destroy the Archdemon, is more important than ever.

Please prove that Diche has not abandoned us, and destroy the Archdemon.

Leave it to me. Destroying the Archdemon is my mission, as the Heir of the Covenant and the Goddess's alter ego.

Past here is where the Archdemon is sleeping? It's my first time going inside. I'm so excited!

My prince, Your Royal Highness may not proceed beyond this point. Please wait here with us.

Huh? What? I want to go too!

As this is the temple where the Archdemon is sleeping, only Queen Diene, who can lower the protective barrier, and her guards, Sir Vildred and Mercedes, can–

I see... I'm of no use so there'd be no point in me going in... *sulking*

Ah, Prince Aither!

Sir Charles, Aither is trying to persuade us with his tears. Do not be fooled.

Agh! You're so mean, Mother! I almost had him!

I want to go too! I want to watch the Heir of the Covenant squish the Archdemon's Might from a front row seat!

The ritual isn't a stage play...

I will remember everything that happens, and tell you before bed.

So, stay here just this once. Okay?

Ugh... You promised. It's a promise, Mother! You have to tell me every little detail!

Well then, shall we go in? To destroy the Archdemon's Might.

Hmm... Is it just me or have the monsters suddenly become stronger?

As time has passed, the Goddess's powers have become progressively weaker. The sanctum is no longer capable of containing the Archdemon's Might completely.

As such, the monsters around the sanctum are being influenced by the Archdemon and have grown stronger and more ferocious.

Kyuu...what a dreadful stench... This place stinks of Anghraf!

Every sanctum is surrounded by a protective barrier to prevent intruders.

Only the one tasked with defending a sanctum is capable of lowering the barrier.

Maintaining the barrier around Ezera's Sanctuary Temple is my duty. I'll begin dispelling it now, so please take care of any monsters in the area.

Understood, Queen Diene!

You're all so slow. I've already dealt with the monsters all by myself.

Diene was waiting with me a while, but went ahead to the altar.

I'm sorry. It's because I am too weak...

No, Mercedes. You fought well. Let's head to the altar immediately.

...Wait, Ras, before you go the altar. There's something I want to ask you.

What is it?

Will you...fight the Archdemon until the end, no matter what happens?

The Goddess's strength is fading. If the Archdemon were to return now...who knows what will happen to the world.

But even so, no matter what...you won't give up on your duty?

...Even Vildred seems anxious.

The people, still feeling the after-effects of the war and constantly harassed by monsters, have begun expressing their discontent and anxiety with anger.

In these dire circumstances, what is the best answer I can give?

Everyone said the Heir of the Covenant would bring everlasting peace to the world!

Please save this chaotic world. Please show us that hope still survives in these lands.

...Of course. I'll never give up.

I am shouldering the world's hope. To defeat the Archdemon and restore peace...

As the Heir of the Covenant, I will sacrifice all I have to live up to the world's faith in me.

...Good. Alright then...

I recognize your resolve, Heir of the Covenant. I have nothing more to ask.

Huh? Is there... no one here? Even though the barrier has been lowered...

...

Queen Diene!

Why... Why is she here, collapsed? There's so much blood... Who did this...?

Diene! What happened?! Were you attacked by monsters?

...Must...stop...Vil...dred...

What...?

No... Sir Vildred would never...

So this... This is the sphere containing the enormous power and soul of the Archdemon...

Vildred! No! Get back!

Ha... Is this the Archdemon's Might...?!

Vildred! What are you doing!? You can't take in the Archdemon's Might!

You fought against the Archdemon to defend Orbis!

Yes. My desire to defend the world has not changed.

But simply, I have realized that helping you is not the best way to achieve that...

What... What are you saying?!

Child of the Goddess... You must think that I know nothing.

But Kayron has shown me my lost memories and the truth.

The truth of the Seventh World and its destiny that you and the Goddess have kept hidden...

...! Acolyte Kayron...

He gave me the power to take in the Archdemon's Might.

Let me show you!

Ugh... I guess the strength of only one fragment is not enough to deal with the Heir of the Covenant.

I will have to be satisfied with retrieving the Archdemon's Might for now.

No...! Traitor! Foe of Queen Diene!

Impudent Wraith... If I only had the strength left to dispose of you now. Do not think that you're being spared, Homunculus.

Let us battle again when I possess the Archdemon's power in its entirety.

Vildred, a general of Ezera, murdered Queen Diene and stole the Archdemon's Might...

Ezera is already afflicted with disorder, if the people were to learn their queen was murdered, there would be total chaos.

We have been lax for too long.

The Archdemon had not been completely destroyed. We should have been more vigilant...

What will you do with the Wraith that Queen Diene was caring for?

With things as they are, you cannot leave a Wraith to wander the palace.

Wraiths are a heresy in the eyes of the Goddess. The Rose Apostles can no longer overlook this matter.

We must dispose of it according to the will of the Goddess!

...No!

Of course it's upsetting that Mother has left us and gone to the Goddess's side...

But she would not want us to take out our anger on one another...

Oh... Prince Aither... You've matured so much.

The new king is correct.

We must ensure Mercedes not forget her goodness at heart as the late queen wished. As a knight, I will protect that with my honor.

I am unsure myself, but that Wraith was placed in the queen's care by a good friend of hers, Sir Krau. I must agree with Sir Charles.

If it is so worrying, why not give Mercedes to the Heir of the Covenant?

Hmhmhm. Doesn't he leave for Reingar's sanctum tomorrow?

It seems like that Heir of the Covenant will need someone to assist and guide him!

I will be happy as long as that Wraith is no longer in Ezera.

Then it is decided. Mercedes will be placed under the care of the Heir of the Covenant.

With that matter settled, let us discuss methods for returning stability to Ezera.

Can we leave yet?

I have finished my preparations.

Arky too!

The sooner we leave, the better. The mood here is so depressing...

The Sage Minaret, was it? In Reingar? Please, show us the way, Mercedes.

I will do my best, Ras, to make up for having me forced upon you.

Queen Diene's final request was for me to do everything I could to assist you.

Prince Aither! Have I not told you time and time again? There are many ferocious monsters outside of the castle!

But! But! When will I become a hero if I'm always stuck inside?

*sighing* ...Did I not also say that fighting with a sword isn't the only way to become a hero, Prince?

Studying hard to become a wise and kind king can also be a way to become a hero...

I'll be home before dinner!

Agh! Prince Aither! Come back!

The outside world is too filthy for someone as pure and delicate as yourself! Please come back, Prince!

You worry too much, Sir Charles. Even I can take care of myself at the very least!

This time, I'll catch lots of monsters all on my own and prove my ability to everyone!

Then I'll go off on an adventure, do tons of amazing things, and be remembered as an amazing hero, just like mother!

Let's go! I can do this! Yeah!

Ah, I've found a monster already!

Excellent. It's time to put my hard-learned magic to the test!

*huffing*... *puffing*... There really are a lot of monsters outside the castle.

But still! I won't give up and I'll catch as many as I can!

Then surely even Sir Charles will have to accept that I'm not just a child anymore! Hehe...

Nice. I'll keep doing my best! Go me!

*growling*...

Ah... Another monster!

Uhh... I don't think I can handle another one... Am I going to die here without even having become a hero? *sobbing*.

Tadada!

*shrieking*...

Tada! Here's Chloe!

Wow! Amazing!

Hehe. Of course! I'm everyone's queen, after all. I'm the most glamorous and the most coolest!

I see! You're a queen. You're brilliant!

By the way, why is a kid here?

I'm not a kid! I'm Aither. I'm the son of the queen!

Oh, oh. Then you're a prince. Wonderful. As queen and prince, let's get along well together.

You seem to be worn out fighting monsters, so I'll mercifully take you somewhere safe since I'm such a nice queen!

*sulking*... I must need more training.

Mother defeated the Archdemon at my age...but I'm so weak. *sobbing*...

Maybe Sir Charles is right and I have to study more at the castle.

Don't be so sad!

If you work hard every day, I'm sure you'll be able to become a wonderful queen like me! Ah, wonderful king that is.

Uwah, you really are brilliant!

I want to become just like you, Queen Chloe! What do I have to do to become a great king?

Hmm. To become a great king...

You have to punish anyone who bullies other people! And every morning you have to have a three-layer cake for breakfast!

Cake? Why the cake?

To show the people your dignity as king! It's a three-layer cake! Every morning! It's a lot!

I see! You're teaching me so much, Queen Chloe!

What do you normally do, Aither?

I really don't do anything. They say being able to do nothing is one of my privileges, though.

I see, I see. Must be boring.

Yeah! I'm always super duper bored! That's why I always sneak out of the castle whenever Sir Charles isn't paying attention!

Charles? Who's that?

He's a super scary, super strong knight. If he catches me out here he'll drag me back to the castle and torture me. Uwah...

Ah! Prince Aither! Why are you here?

Let's return to the castle. Commander Charles is worried about you.

Agh! No! No, no, no! If I go back now, Sir Charles will lecture me for at least two hours!

Don't worry, Aither! I'll spank those soldiers with my hammer! Bang, bang!

Now, did you all get a good taste of my power? Hehehe.

I just heard a loud sound from over here...

Ah, over there! It's the prince!

What? Prince Aither?

Huh? The soldiers must have run over when they heard us fighting! What do we do?

Prince Aither!

Agh... It's Sir Charles!

Prince... I...was... I was so worried.

I'm so glad you're alright.

Sir Charles...

*sobbing*... I'm sorry I ran way. Uwah!

Are you the one who saved our prince from the monsters?

I am Charles Sharon, the commander of Ezera's Order of the Sword. You have my thanks.

Ahaha! Being thanked is pretty nice too!

But there's no need to be too thankful. I was just doing my duty as a merciful queen!

Queen? Hmm... Excuse me, but then where are your guards and knights?

Huh? Hmm... Well, truthfully, I'm not actually a queen yet.

Once I assassinate the King of Lefundos? Or rather, pretend to assassinate? In any case, once I do that I can become a queen!

You plan to...assassinate the king?

Right, right! I'm a pretty skilled assassin! Kyaha!

...

What?! Why are you throwing me in here?!

How dare you treat a queen like this! When I get out I'll spank you all! Bang, bang, bang! You'll be sorry!

Queen Chloe! Here you are!

Ah! Aither! Let me out of here! I have to go find Schniel!

That's what I came to do. Just wait one moment. I'll let you out right away!

I'm sorry. I think Sir Charles overreacted when he heard you saying "assassinate the king."

Sir Charles really needs to understand how overprotective he is.

Prince! Why are you...

Ah! The attempted regicider has escaped!

Don't let the criminal stay with the prince!

Agh...! More soldiers are coming!

I'm not a criminal! I'm a queen!

Anyone who can't recognize a queen when they see one will be spanked! You need to be punished!

Phew...we managed to get away.

I really don't know why everyone is so desperate to keep me sheltered.

They say everything is dangerous and don't let me do anything... *sulking*.

That's why I always run away from the castle!

Run away? Hmm...

I think I ran away from somewhere once... I can't remember now.

I've spotted Prince Aither! He's over here!

No matter. Let's deal with those soldiers and get out of here!

Fi-nal-ly! We're out!

They were really stubborn people. You've lived until now surrounded by people like them?

If I were you I would have died from frustration!

Right? It's so annoying. And I'm always bored! Always, always bored!

Hmm. Then Aither, do you want to come with me?

I've become quite fond of you. If you come with me I'll name you my first subject.

Go together? You want to go on an adventure with me? Yay!

Yes, yes! If you're with me, you can go anywhere!

Then I want to go immediately...but...

If I go, Sir Charles will be in extremely deep sorrow, right?

But I do want to go on an adventure with you. I'm sure it would be so, so, so much fun... *sulking*...

No sign of them here! How about over there!

Nothing here either!

Agh! The soldiers are getting close again.

Oh well. I'll come back and ask again one day, so make your decision by then!

It isn't easy to become one of my subjects, so think about it carefully!

To think that Queen Diene died in vain...

And General Vildred is the one who killed her?

Vildred was on good terms with Prince Aither... Why would he...

*sighing*... How heartbroken the prince must be when it's this difficult even for us.

Is Prince Aither okay?

After Queen Diene died, I thought he might follow the Heir of the Covenant in order to gain revenge.

But he hasn't even tried to leave the castle and remains locked up in his room...

I worry that he might not be able to recover from this.

...? Huh? What...

...There's no one here?

This is my chance to escape...!

Prince Aither? Where is he going?

I thought he had given up on running away... Was he waiting until everyone had let their guard down?

...I'll follow him for now.

I'm sorry, were you waiting long?

Hmph! You have some nerve to make a queen wait for you!

That girl...! Didn't she escape from Red Mace Prison recently?

Why is Prince Aither meeting her in a place like this?

...He... This flower...

Alri... Since I'm... mercif... forgive...!

I can't hear what they're saying... I think Prince Aither gave that girl a white flower...

Shall we get going?

Yes!

They're moving. I better stay close to them!

So far, the Prince has quietly escaped the castle, met a girl, given her a flower, and then left with her...

Prince Aither...have you fallen in love?

*growling*...

More and more monsters are gathering...

I won't be able to just hide for much longer.

Stand back! I will defend you!

Huh? When did Iseria get here...

I would like to ask you the same thing. Why have you come all the way out here?

Don't tell me that you're planning on leaving the castle with that girl.

I...

I was going to Hope Monarch Road to offer my mother some flowers.

She often took me there when she was alive... It's an important memory.

If you had just told me or anyone else, we would have made sure to deliver you there safely...

But if I had told one of the castle guards, I'm sure Sir Charles would have found out.

If Sir Charles knew that I missed my mother, I'm sure he would be sad.

That's why he asked me, Queen Chloe, to escort him.

Though I'm not his guard, I came to take him as my first subject.

...I see.

Then I will keep the fact that you came here a secret.

But in return, you will allow me to escort you to Hope Monarch Road. Your safety is my responsibility.

Can you at least allow me that?

Yaay! Yes! Of course! If you're with me I don't have to be afraid of anything!

The number of monsters here has fallen since the Archdemon's Might was taken from the Sanctuary Temple, but even so, the lands outside the castle are dangerous.

Please do not do anything rash and stay close to me.

Hmph! You're treating us like children... No, even worse, like baggage. Aither and I aren't so weak!

I'll show you what I can do, so watch carefully!

...! Prince, you've become skilled with magic.

Iseria complimented me! Yay! I'm super happy!

Hehe. I've been practicing every day! I wanted to help Mother and the Heir of the Covenant.

They've both left now, but...I'm still going to keep doing my best.

Strength is necessary to defend the people I care about.

Your resolve is admirable, Prince Aither.

This is it. Mother always used to sit here and watch over me.

...She truly was an amazing queen. I'm sure that's why so many people are sad now that she's gone.

I'm going to become just as amazing a leader as my mother was.

I still don't know how I'll do that, but...

I'm good at doing things one way or another!

If I do my best, and get a bit of help too, shouldn't it all work out?

Of course. We will all do our best to ensure that you become a great king.

Hehe. Thank you, Iseria. I'll do my best!

And...Queen Chloe. I'm sorry, but I can't leave Ezera right now.

I have to stay if I want to become a hero.

But if one day I can ever leave Ezera without worry...

Let's go on an adventure together!

Lucky for you, I'm a merciful queen. Delaying our adventure a little is no problem!

But don't take too long! If you do, I might forget!

Let's meet again when you're an awesome king, Aither!