Unknot: Before Dawn

...Does this mean we've made it inside?

It looks like we're in a forest outside of Salem, sometime before daybreak.

I mean, that IS what we were trying for, but it's so dark, even for night...

？！

I'm still getting my bearings here. Sure doesn't feel too hospitable though, I'll tell you that much.

I figured it'd be pitch-black inside the Mist, but it's actually a lot brighter than I thought.

I'm impressed, Robin. I should have known you'd have great night vision. I can barely see a thing...

Do you think you could take guard duty?

Sure, you got it. I'll check our watches against the stars later to make sure we're all synced up too.

...Well that didn't take long. I've already got eyes on someone suspicious.

Looks like a guy, but that's a witch if ever I saw one. Just look at his beady evil eyes.

...Are you talking about me? That's rich. If I were you, I'd hope no one mistakes me for a bandit and shoots me.

Stop that, you two.

You should at least try to act like performers. What if someone overheard you?

Good point. ...Wait, what the...!?

...

Damn, you scared me... Oh, I know you. You're Crown Prince Nezha, one of the newbies.

You've been standing there so still that I mistook you for a wax doll.

Dolls. Lack capacity. For thought.

You show. No sign of thought. Does that mean. You are a doll?

Ouch, that's harsh. Guess I deserved that. Sorry, just forget I said anything.

？！

Just a moment, Senpai.

Slowly but surely... my eyes are starting to adjust to the dark...

Over there. Is that...

...Medea? It is you, right?

Can you come closer, please? We need to stick together right now.

I know.

Rayshifting... Whoever thought it was a good idea to combine magecraft and science? I don't think I'll ever get used to this feeling.

...?

Anyway, that's all seven of us, including Senpai. Everyone, please make sure you have all your things, then we'll be on our way.

？！

Man, I can't believe we're all stuck walking. You'd think Da Vinci could've planned something a little more convenient.

'Sides, if we had a covered wagon to ride in, it'd go a long way towards helping the locals buy what we're selling.

You really do love complaining, don't you?

We were only able to bring a bare minimum of equipment we need. We'll just have to make do with what we've got.

That's always how it is with Rayshifts. If we need anything else, then we procure it on-site.

Yeah, yeah, I know. We're traveling performers, so we don't have a whole lot to our names.

Guess I should be honored that the bard himself came up with our little bit of theater.

Come to think of it, we oughta decide on a name for our merry band. Any ideas, Master?

I was wondering about that too. We should figure that out before we run into anyone.

？！

Heh, hahaha! The Fujimaru Company, huh? That's great.

What's so funny? It's not all that bad. You really don't have any manners, do you?

Oh, I'm sorry, was that a little too witty for you? I didn't know you great scholars were so hardheaded.

...I gotta say though, don't you think that "it's not all that bad" is kind of condescending as praise goes?

I... I didn't mean it like that, but now that you mention it...

？！

...Thank you, Ringmaster. You're very kind.

(Um, Senpai? I can't help but notice that Robin and Sanson are always at each other's throats.)

？！

Eh, whatever. I know we prepared for it, but it's not like we're for sure gonna put on a play. I'd just as soon not cross that bridge if I don't have to.

Don't worry, I can always entertain with my dancing.

Besides, we also have two beautiful stars right here. Right?

...Hm? Me?

I-I know that Nezha is an important character in many Chinese operas, like Journey to the West, but...

You're not also talking about me, are you?

I sure am!

If I have to, I'll even bring Master up on the stage.

？！

S-Senpai!

If that. Is your wish, Master. I shall do my best. I believe. The expression is, "Knock them dead"?

That doesn't mean actually kill 'em! It's all pretend, got it? So don't go shooting at us OR the audience!

Oh, and there's one last thing I wanna make sure of...

I get we're gonna try to explain away our outfits as being performers' costumes, but...

...isn't it gonna be a problem that we've got some obviously Asian people here with us?

I think we should be okay there.

I was concerned about how Senpai would be received here, so I checked our historical records.

The late 17th century was also the tail end of the Age of Exploration. At the time, most of the interest in colonization had moved to the New World.

But Europe already had a strong connection to Asia, thanks to the East India Company.

They regularly imported spices from Southeast Asia, textiles from India, and tea and ceramics from China.

So since Salem was a British colony, and would later go on to be a thriving port town with lots of trade...

...the people here may not exactly see Asians every day, but they also shouldn't be so unusual that it would make them distrust us.

Huh. That so? Figures that tea would be one of the great British Empire's three base desires.

...Be that as it may, we should still prepare ourselves to be treated with prejudice.

Indeed. What's more...

We do not know for sure that the culture here is the same as 17th-century Salem from our history or not.

...By the way, Fujimaru, is there a way for us to contact Chaldea here?

...Huh? You mean our communications device?

Didn't Da Vinci explain all this to us herself, Medea?

I was present as an assistant myself, but I was preoccupied with making sure Senpai didn't nod off.

...Yes, of course. I just wanted to...review the information, given how important it is.

There, you see?

Oh, Senpai...

Huh? You're kidding, right? Don't tell me we're stuck here forever!?

Yes, he's kidding. (Sigh) Oh, Senpai...

？！

I have a special device for that purpose, though it will take time to set up.

So we won't be able to report our safe arrival back to Chaldea until that's done.

Can anyone at all use that device?

No, only Senpai.

Ordinarily, this area wouldn't permit any kind of magical communication at all...

...but I was told we can get around that by linking the key mechanism to Senpai's Command Spells...

...since Senpai has a strong connection to all the Servants still at Chaldea.

However, this method makes use of a back doora by-product of sorts that happens when Sheba acts up...

...so I believe it will only be used for this particular Rayshift.

That said, it's not as though we're pressed for time. The important thing is that our Rayshift here was successful.

...I see. They really thought this through.

...? Is there something important you need to contact Chaldea about?

No, I was just curious.

...Hold it. I see light up ahead. It's a campfire.

...!

Oh, does this mean we're already at the center of Salem?

I doubt it... If that were the case, we'd be seeing fields long before even a hint of houses.

There's a fair few people. I can hear 'em chattering amongst themselves. We oughta keep out of sight and move in for a closer look.

Do you all have your white ash branches?

These are our magic wands! Now it's time to rap on the door!

Tap it three times against the earth, against the invisible door! Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat! Tap!

This door leads to the world beyond! And once it's open...

...a spirit will appear, and gift us with a prophecy!

What sort of prophecy, Abby?

It will tell you things about the future you desire, the boy of your dreams...

And also, uh...glimpses of a far, faraway world that's nothing like our own...

The spirit will whisper what you must do to make your dreams come true...

I want a dress that's even whiter than snow! Something that's sure to catch his eye...

I want to be a brunette, with hair dark as a raven's feathers!

I want to know who I'm going to marry one day!

Eek!

Okay then, everyone... Make your wish as you throw your wands into the fire.

Shall we sing Tituba's magic spell too?

Yes, let's!

...

...Okay...what the hell is all that?

They look like they're girls from the village, but they're all acting...well, crazy.

Aww, look how much fun they're having dancing. I wish I could join them.

But, what are girls that young doing out this late at night?

Could it be a trap? Or some sort of magecraft ritual...?

...

？！

No. But... Oh, this is bad. Very bad.

...What is?

If anything. The opposite.

I sense nothing. Since we came here.

Our magecraft has been severely weakened. Here, let me prove it...

Robin, Sanson...ah, dancing girl, can you change into your spirit forms?

...

No...I can't! What's going on here...?

Oh no... Are you no longer Servants!?

Don't tell me you've been incarnated...!?

No, that's not what this is. It feels more like...I've been crammed into a temporary human body than anything.

I THOUGHT the Spiritron conversion felt a little weird, even after the Rayshift...

Man, this is gonna be a real pain in the ass.

...! Who goes there?

...

...!

...? Who are you...?

Robin, lower your bow. It's just a child.

(...Dammit, I let my guard down when we got here. If she overheard what we were just talking about...)

Hi there, young lady. What brings you out here?

...You're outsiders.

Um... (Senpai?)

(You heard Senpai...uh, I mean, the Ringmaster.)

Oh, dear, I guess you saw us practicing our secret routine.

Really, Robin, if we're going to have an audience, the least you could do is get your lines right.

...O-oh, right. Sorry 'bout that. I forgot the enemies don't show up till later again.

Not a problem. First to act. First to win. All foes. Eradicated.

Are you friend? Or foe? Do you offer us the blade? Or the hilt?

...

(N-Nezha!)

...

...Friends? ...I don't have any friends...

？！

Allo there. Ah am sorry if we startled you. As you saw, zat scene is not yet ready for ze performance.

But don't worry, we're not

...Ah. Rgh... That accent...

Are you...a French soldier? A fugitive...?

I-I have to get out of here...

Uh oh. She ran off into the woods...!

You there

Sanson, Mash, wait! We can deal with her later!

Something's going on near the campfire. Master!?

...!

Grrr!!!

Aah! Aaah!

Stay together, everyone! They'll pick you off if we get separated!

What's going on... Why are there wild beasts so close to the village!?

Come on, Abby! Let's get out of here!

W-wait...! Let me get a piece of firewood! Otherwise

Aaaaaah!

We have to stay together! Get back!

Grar! Grrr...

Eee!

Gra Yipe...!

Huh...!?

Man, these New World beasties sure are rowdy.

...Wh-who are you?

Just an old dummy who didn't realize he'd been surrounded by wild beasts, young lady.

Too bad none of them seem like they'd make a good dinner.

Hell, they look hungrier than we are.

Demonic. Presence... These beasts. Beasts no longer.

MastI mean, Ringmaster! You don't mind if we throw down with these things, right?

Wait, Ringmaster. We need to help these girls first.

Get out front, Sanson. And watch your back!

You really have no shame, do you!?

Good. Argue amongst yourselves. Meanwhile. I will defeat them!

Yes, SenpaI mean, Ringmaster!

Your village is down that way, right? Then let's get going!

？！

And, done.

I'll go ahead with Master. You guys finish up here.

...

What's going on here...? It's lucky that these creatures weren't too strong, but...

It seems. Our strength. Has been halved...?

Indeed. This strange false incarnation has more dire effects than I thought. At this point, we may as well be human.

We might be in for some tough battles down the road...

Yes. It is difficult! But worry not. Sanson.

The Buddha always. Watches and protects. In forsaken lands.

...That's very reassuring, Nezha.

How did it feel to you, Medea? ...Oh, wait. Did you sit that battle out?

... ...So it only affects combat...

What is it, Medea?

Don't tell me you're upset that we beat them before you could...?

...True, we may have overdone it.

That albino girl saw us fighting.

...I see. That could be very bad.

Do we. Silence her?

Be careful how you say things, Nezha. I'm merely worried about one of those beasts attacking her.

I'm going to take a look around.

Okay. I'll examine these beasts in the meantime.

Are you all right, Senpai?

..."Senpai"?

Oh, uh, I mean...

(Giggle) ...Thank you for helping us!

We couldn't have escaped from those mean beasts otherwise. You saved our lives.

Sanson, Nezha, and Medea are putting out the campfire. They'll be here soon.

Oh... Oh goodness...

Are you okay? Here, I've got you.

I'm sorry. Now that we're out of danger, I was just so relieved that my legs gave out...

？！

Fujimaru...

Of course. I'm Abigail. I live here in Salem.

Who are you people? You don't look like sailors or merchants...

We almost never get pilgrims or travelers here. And you're all wearing such strange clothes...

We're The Fujimaru Company, a band of traveling performers.

This is Fujimaru. He may be young, but he's still the Ringmaster our troupe is named after.

We got lost on our way to Salem, and ended up here in the woods.

Performers...? Oh, wow! You mean you came all this way from Boston?

That's wonderful! I've never seen a real play before!

Everyone's going to be so happy!

？！

Oh, please call me Abby, Mr. Ringmaster. Today's date...?

Well, it's already past midnight, so...that would make it April 21. Yesterday was the Sabbath.

...The year too? Oh, uh... It's the year of our Lord 1692.

...! (1692... Of all the years to come to Salem...)

...Abigail, who are these people?

Oh, Uncle.

...!

...

I don't know what you were thinking, taking the other children out into the woods in the middle of the night...

But I'll deal with that later.

Yes, Uncle...

As for these people, Uncle, they're...

Well now. Traveling performers, hm?

The other girls tell me you saved them from a pack of wild beasts.

And you are the troupe's Ringmaster, eh, Mr. Fujimaru. You must let me express my thanks.

Let's see. It would be quite difficult to find a decent inn in Salem at this hour.

And I can't have such upstanding young men and women staying at the same flophouse as those ruffians from the wharf.

Why don't you all come stay at my home, if that's all right with you?

？！

Wow...!

Do you mean it, Uncle!? That's wonderful! It's the best news I've heard in my whole life!

That's enough, Abigail.

You put all of your friends in terrible danger. Once we get home, you will go straight to your room.

You will have only water tomorrow for your breakfast and lunch.

And of course, you are forbidden to speak to our guests until I give you permission.

...Okay. I understand... I will do as you say.

...Oh, yes, I still haven't introduced myself.

I am Randolph Carter, a scholar.

I adopted Abigail as my own daughter after her parentsmy sister, and her husbandpassed away.

Now then. It's getting rather chilly, and we can talk more tomorrow. You'll feel much better after you've rested up from your journey in a nice, warm bed.

I'll have Tituba fix you something to eat too.

...There we go.

Phew...

...Thank you for fetching the water, Tituba. I guess that will be my lunch today.

Aww... Please cheer up, Miss Abby.

Where are our guests?

Inside.

Uncle went off to see the Reverend. I'm sure I will be scolded again later.

I see... I'm sorry to hear that.

...

？！

I double-checked everything, Senpai, but I'm afraid...

It's not working? Well that's not good.

I guess not even Da Vinci's inventions always work perfectly.

Mmf mmf mmf. Mmf mmf.

Uh, Nezha, try swallowing your oatmeal BEFORE you speak.

Come to think of it, weren't you s'posed to be, you know, smarter?

Cause stuffing your face when you're a guest in someone's home isn't really a good look, you know? Especially when it's in a village that doesn't exactly seem to be overflowing with wealth.

'Sides, oats are for horses, not people.

...Mmf! Mmf mmf mmf!

...I could do a much better job of preparing this dish, even with the same ingredients. This village just doesn't have the luxury of caring about food.

I do feel hunger in this body. It must be an effect of this false incarnation.

Of course, I expect we would be regarded with suspicion if we were never seen eating.

Try not to be so uptight about it?

It'll make things a lot easier if we go around playing up our image as a bunch of weirdos.

I was actually able to check out the entire village!

I also spread word about our troupe a bit, so make sure you guys play along.

You already finished investigating the area? It's not even afternoon yet.

Way to go, sis. Like you always say, first things first.

？！

Like Abby said, this is definitely Salem in 1692.

All the villagers' stories line up. They're Puritans who originally hail from England.

Most of them are farmers, fishers, and hunters, but there's also blacksmiths and cloth dyers. Not to mention the Reverend.

They're all industrious colonists who wake up with the sun and spend their days hard at work.

There are a number of warehouses at the wharf, along with boats headed for England and the West Indies.

Huh? That doesn't line up with our history. Salem didn't get a major wharf until

Did you say boats? As in sailors?

M-Medea...?

I mean... Ahem. That certainly makes sense given that this is a port town.

You kinda seemed like Lily for a moment there.

D-don't you lump me in with that child.

I guess there must have been an error in Sheba's observations. But still...

I noticed other deviations from our history too.

People still live their lives here just like they did in our own late 17th century, but they're not all the same people.

There are lots of folks here who weren't on the list of Salem's original residents. I haven't yet managed to figure out what it is they have in common, though.

I see... Guess that means this isn't the Salem of our past.

For my part, I scoped out the local topography around sunrise...

...and while the distinctive topography and architecture is still all there, the rest seems kinda...off.

There's a buncha stuff that doesn't line up with the historical files Chaldea gave us.

Then, as we suspected, this village is actually a cunningly crafted fake.

So whoever built this place is only using 17th-century Salem as a cover, and has swapped out both the buildings and the citizens?

Does this mean there's major historical change on par with a Singularity from the Incineration of Humanity taking place...?

？！

That's just it.

There can't be more than sixteen, maybe seventeen hundred people here.

And I didn't see anyplace that could be used to keep the fifty thousand people who disappeared.

Fifty thousand...people...

...I wonder where they could have gone.

And that's not our only major problem. There's also the witch trials.

In our own history, 1692 was the very year when the accusations that started the witch trials began.

This is a peaceful village. ...Or at least, it looked that way on the surface.

But I did also see farmers arguing pretty fiercely about who owned certain lands.

They looked like they were nursing some major frustrations underneath their pious exteriors.

I don't blame the girls here for wanting to step out and let their hair down for a bit, like they did last night.

I took a peek at their grain stores, and it didn't look like they had much to spare.

They must've had a string of poor crops. Seemed to me like they just barely made it through the winter.

This house just happens to be on the more prosperous side. There aren't many homes here that could accommodate guests.

For that matter...

What if the images we got from Sheba were falsified?

I can't deny that's a possibility, but...

My, oh my... Are you already discussing your next performance?

I hope that means you slept well, honored guests.

Oh, uh... Tituba, right?

That's right. My name is Tituba. I'm Mr. Carter's servant.

(...A servant? Her...?)

I apologize for prying, Tituba, but may I ask

You wish to know where I'm from?

I was born on the island of Barbados, in the Caribbean. A lot of people like me were.

I may work for Mr. Carter now...

...but I used to work for Miss Abby's father.

We were told that Abigail's parents passed away...

...That's right. They were both killed by native people in the forest.

Miss Abby was very sad about it for a long time... I felt terrible for her.

I don't know what would have become of her if her uncle hadn't come along.

She's doing much better these days. It's wonderful to see her smiling and happy again. But...

Now I hear she was nearly killed by wild beasts in the woods. She must have been frightened out of her mind.

(Killed by the natives... Native Americans...)

(So this is why Geronimo said he would be putting Master in unnecessary danger if he came along...)

...Most people'd be pretty wary of outsiders after having their parents killed.

But not her. She still seems real trusting.

Yes, she really is a very kind girl. She even goes out of her way to talk to servants like myself.

I hope you don't mind if we ask another question. Last night, there was another girl besides Abigail's friends who

Oh, would you look at the time. I'm so sorry, but I need to get back to work.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Thanks. For the food.

...Master, a word, if you don't mind.

What do you make of that servant?

Oh? That was not the impression I took from her.

You mean preternaturally beautiful? ...No, I thought she was rather homely.

？！

Is something wrong, Medea?

...

It's not safe to stay here. This place is being subjected to something more powerful than we realize.

Really? I'd say this place brings back some nice memories. The wind whistling through the gaps in the walls... The sour smell of horse shit...

The head-splitting sound of church bells... The bland, pasty food... The boring British small talk...

Those hardly sound like pleasant memories.

At any rate, don't forget that we have a duty to help those missing fifty thousand people, Robin.

Oh, right. Sorry, I almost forgot about Frog Legs here hopping along after us.

...Would you care to say that again?

Now don't start that again, you two... ...Hm?

...Tituba didn't do anything wrong! Why are you doing this!?

Hm? I think that came from outside.

...That was Abby's voice. Guess the head of the house is back.

Step aside, Abigail.

I'm the one who deserves to be punished, Uncle. Not her.

Didn't you say that yourself?

Miss Abby...

The other girls and their parents say otherwise.

They say that Tituba taught you a heretical ritual, and that you all snuck out last night to attempt it.

I had them promise to keep quiet about it, so that rumors don't spread around the village...

What in the world were you doing in the forest in the middle of the night, Abigail?

I...

？！

Mr. Fujimaru... I'm afraid my niece was doing something even worse than I believed last night.

Unfortunately, I can no longer permit her to attend your production.

What? But...that's not fair...

？！

This is no mere mischief to be simply excused. It is fortunate you were there to ensure no one was hurt...

...but Tituba must be punished, and harshly, for filling the children's heads with this nonsense. She will no longer be permitted to be in their company.

Punished...? No Uncle, please! She only told me because I begged her to!

Please, Uncle! Punish me instead! I'll take whatever punishment you see fit. Even lashes! So, please...

...

It's okay, Miss Abby. I'll be all right...

If I may, Mr. Carter?

I understand how frustrating it must be to have a young girl under your charge running off at night.

You must have been worried sick about Abby to have come so deep into the woods searching for her.

That said...I know that wild beasts sometimes go after livestock, but I thought that they usually stayed away from people these days.

...That's true, but it's not just beasts we need to worry about. The nearby forest is very dangerous.

Some even say that this land is cursed. That God Himself has forsaken our village.

...

...Abigail.

Abigail...!

She just ran off...

Mr. Carter...

Leave her be. ...As for you, Tituba.

You are no longer to talk about your hometown, no matter how much the other girls beg you. Is that clear?

Yes, Mr. Carter. I promise I won't do it again... I'm so sorry about this.

What should we do, Senpai?

...I couldn't agree more. Something is definitely happening here.

Honestly, I'm worried about Abigail.

I understand that the mission comes first, but...

？！

...I see.

So we'll split up into teams and investigate the village further. Understood.

Our goal's to find someone trustworthy.

All right, Nezha, whadda ya say we go check out the ocean?

Detection ability. Full power.

I'll stay in Mr. Carter's house, Master. It'd be dangerous to go around dressed like this, anyway.

And...there's something nagging me about Tituba. I'll keep an eye on Mr. Carter too while I'm at it.

？！

(Those must be the traveling performers. What were they thinking, coming all this way to perform in a village like this...?)

(What a disgraceful outfit... I could never let my child see that...)

(I hope they put on a play about a romance between aristocrats...)

...

Hi there, young man. I hope you'll come out to see The Fujimaru Company perform!

(...)

...I thought I was used to being stared at, but this is something altogether different...

Remember, we're supposed to be entertainers now, so you can't get angry no matter what they say to you.

I know. But I can't help being French.

I'm just as out of place here! Besides, you can pass as an educated gentleman as long as you keep quiet.

In my case, I just come across as a Roma who came to the New World to make my fortune.

These villagers may not care for the British Army, but they don't have much love for the French either.

In fact, this British settlement and France are currently at odds with one another.

Only forty miles north, the French Army led Native Americans against a northern British colony, completely wiping it out.

Naturally, the British retaliated, and the respective colonies ended up fighting a fearsome battle. The competition for resources is fierce between colonies. War is all but inevitable.

...Truth be told, my great-grandfather, the first head of our family, was part of the French Colonial Army himself.

He was deployed to Canada, but he must have taken part in skirmishes around this area as well.

I see. No wonder you have such complex feelings about this place.

Retaliation after retaliation... Soldiers sacrificing their lives to avenge the loss of their commanders...

Is that why you and Robin are always arguing? You really should stop taking shots at him.

You're barking up the wrong tree there. He's the one who keeps provoking me.

And you're at least partially to blame for that. As long as you're going to be working together, you'll need to find ways to get along.

Sometimes, other people just have their own way of doing things, and that's okay.

I'm trying to be as accommodating as I can. I just... Oh? Isn't that...

Yes, that's the girl we saw last night. I've been looking for her too.

...

I can't believe a Whateley is out and about in broad daylight...

You've got a lot of nerve coming out now when you never show your face at church... (Grumbling)

I... I'm just going to buy whale oil...

Whale oil? And just what are you going to do with that!?

Are you going to use it for another blasphemous spell or

Pardon me. Has this girl wronged you somehow?

Who're you? ...Oh, you're one of those traveling performers.

That's right. My name is Sanson. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Tell me, what possible use would this girl have for oil besides lighting a lantern?

What could she possibly have done to warrant such treatment?

Wh-what business is it of yours?

(Ugh, Charles. We JUST talked about this...)

A-are you threatening me?

I... No, that was not my intention... I apologize if I offended you.

Hmph. What a strange man... (Muttering)

He's gone now. Well, I guess that worked out in the end.

...So, you do live in this village.

The fugitive...from last night...?

You're...performers?

That's right. I'm sorry for frightening you.

...

(She hasn't let her guard down at all...)

...Would you mind if we asked you about what happened last night? Anything you can tell us would be a big help.

That really surprised us, seeing something like that happen right after we got here.

Did Abby...say something to you?

Oh, so you're a friend of Abigail's? That makes this easier.

Stop it... Nobody's friends...with me...

...Lavinia.

My name is...Lavinia Whateley.

Everyone in Salem knows my family...and hates them...

Did you think that old man was just yelling at me for no reason...?

He wasn't. The whole village hates what we're doing. I don't blame them...

...So your family is tying you down.

I'm Charles-Henri Sanson. I may be French, but I'm not your enemy.

...Are you defending me? ...Why are you being nice to me?

Is it because of how I look? I'm an albino. A freak. A living skeleton...

All your albinism means is that you were born without enough melanin. That's nothing to be ashamed of.

It's just a part of who you are. I don't find it ugly at all.

However, it would behoove you to eat better, if you don't mind me saying so.

...You're an idiot.

If you want your show to succeed here, you should stay away from me.

We would never charge admission to children. Isn't that right, Mata Hari?

Of course not. We hope to see you at our show, Lavinia!

If you like, we'd even be happy to provide a seat where you can watch in privacy without worrying about the rest of the audience.

...

...Then, I just have one r-request...

What's that?

...Don't tell Abby I was there last night.

...If you do, I'll tell everyone else what I saw.

I'll tell them you used magecraft to kill those beasts. I saw the whole thing.

...!

(Why is she so certain about that...?)

...So, you wish us to keep your presence a secret from Abigail, do you?

I can see that this is very important to you.

...So? What will you do?

All right. We promise we won't tell her.

...Don't talk to me again, okay?

I'm afraid we can't promise that.

...

...Guess we've got a problem on our hands.

...Could an ordinary child be so unbothered after seeing a fight like that?

The Whateley family, hm...? I think we had better look into them as well.

That's all well and good, but...

...you kind of looked to me like you cared more about her than her possible connection to the Demon God Pillar.

Are you sure we can trust her?

I am, yes.

...Really, now? Well, never mind that for the time being. Let's go report this to Master.

I wonder how Robin and the others are doing?

Robin. Suggestion. Listen.

What is it, Prince Nezha? If you got something secret to tell me, make it quick.

Cause there's a sweet little tavern over there with my name on it. Hehehe.

On duty. Drink not. Want not.

I mean, Robin. Listen. Have a suggestion.

Yeah, yeah, what is it already?

This area. Strange. Unrealistic. Therefore. No sense. In sneaking.

We capture villagers. Question them individually. Rational. Efficient!

We can handle. Anyone who resists. Concern. Unnecessary.

Aha, I see. No wonder you were cast in a period piece.

Naturally.

So you're kinda chafing under the whole slow, methodical investigation thing, yeah?

I don't blame you. If we wanted to run in and start throwing our weight around to find out what we're looking for quickly, we could do that.

We're Servants, and they're just ordinary people. They'd be way easier to handle than monsters.

That said...I won't pretend like I've got everything all figured out, but...

Even though we can feel the runaway Demon God Pillar's aura all around us...we're still trying to figure out what's really going on here.

You still haven't been at Chaldea all that long. You weren't with us, traveling back in time during the Restoration of Humanity.

Back then, we had to be real careful not to interfere too much, or we could've ended up changing history.

There's little chance of that happening here, but we've still had to be careful.

...Careful not to bring along anything that didn't exist in this time so we could get in here to begin with.

And we're dealing with this false incarnation nonsense weakening us.

If we'd just stormed in and made enemies of the whole town, we might've wound up dead. They could've brought a whole militia against us or something.

We always had the option of brute force where necessary in other Singularities, but here I think that might actually be the worst thing we could do.

I'm pretty sure Master's picked up on this too, you know?

If you were to ask him, he'd tell you that violence isn't the answer here in Salem.

...

It's kinda like we're trying to make our way through dense fog with someone else holding on to our lifeline.

Dunno about you, but I sure don't wanna accidentally break one of this world's rules we don't yet know about and just get knocked right off the stage.

As long as we don't know who we're up against, it's best to act like each step could be our last.

Besides, we're out here trying to keep these people safe, remember?

This is a peaceful village of innocent people. We have no call to go around hurting them, right?

Pondering... Reconsidering.

Understood. Will play along.

Really? Awesome! Good to see you can listen, unlike a certain Frog I could mention.

Right, then! Let's go try some of that Caribbean imported rum!

No drinking. Hinders investigation. Out of the question.

C'mon, you're kidding, right? Don't get all straitlaced on me now, Your Highness!

So the sea is right past those wheat fields. This whole area must be grassland.

I read that land like this that's shared and managed by the whole village is called a "Common" here.

This should be the side Abby ran off to. I wonder where she could be now...

Um... By the way, Senpai.

Did you think there was something a little...strange about Medea?

I thought I was just imagining things before we Rayshifted, but now...

So you thought so too, then.

T-true, all of the Servants do have very, um, unique personalities. But, still...

？！

She just doesn't seem like herself somehow...

At first I thought she might just be upset about how we asked her to come to a place that's best known for its witch trials...

But then she was eager to help me set up the comms device last night.

I'm just not sure what to think anymore.

...Okay. Thank you, Senpai.

Senpai... Thank you. I appreciate that.

？！

Of course, I hope...I'm wrong about this.

We made it through the Bounded Field and into Salem. No matter how peaceful the scenery may be...this is still enemy territory.

It's eminently possible we've played into their hands without realizing it.

？！

Huh? Where did that come from? A gold rabbit...? Wh-where is it?

Wait... That's not a gold rabbit. That's golden hair... It's Abby!

Ugh! Don't tease me like that, Senpai!

...

Oh, hello, Mr. Ringmaster. Hello, Mash.

Did you come all this way looking for me?

...I'm sorry for running off like that. I promise I'll go home soon...

I would just like to stay out here a little longer...

Abby...

I'm sorry I made someone as wonderful and nice as you worry, Mash...

I know it was all my fault.

And I know that Uncle is just being sensible.

He's completely right. I was thoughtless, and I put all my friends in danger.

I even ended up getting Tituba in awful trouble when she didn't do anything wrong. And after she told me such wonderful tales from her homeland, too...

After all that...I-I shouldn't just be allowed to watch your show like I did nothing wrong...

...I don't know what to say to her...

Is there any way we can cheer her up, Senpai?

？！

...A walk?

Okay. I love going on walks. There's a path to the beach down that hill over there.

The wind's not too cold today, so I bet it's perfect weather for a walk. It's really nice out, right?

Yes. It's lovely.

Oh... I almost forgot.

Uncle said I'm not supposed to talk to the guests...

？！

Oh, yes...! That's a wonderful idea.

You're fun, Mr. Ringmaster!

？！

My favorite things...?

I'm so glad you asked, Mr. Ringmaster! I have so many it's hard to keep track!

Let's see... One of them is definitely pancakes!

I adore fluffy pancakes with lots of butter and crispy bacon on top.

Oh, and more than anything, I love mashed potatoes covered with piping hot gravy!

There's nothing better than that.

(Gulp)

That DOES sound incredibly delicious.

Gravy, huh... I've heard of it before, but I've never actually had it. What's it like?

Oh goodness! Mash, you've never had gravy before? Do they not make it in Europe?

It's a scrumptious sauce made using the juices from cooked meat.

The grown-ups all like to put it on turkey and steak, but I reeeally love it on potatoes.

It's not the kind of thing you have every day either. You only get to enjoy it on Thanksgiving.

It's too bad you and the rest of The Fujimaru Company didn't come during a holiday, Mr. Ringmaster.

It HAS been a while since we celebrated anything, though...

I see... I'm sorry to hear that.

Still, the meal that Tituba made for us was, uh...very good in its own right.

I'd never had porridge before either, so it was quite, uh...novel.

Haha, it's okay, Mash, I understand. You don't have to be so polite.

Tituba does the best she can with what little we have...

...but I know that porridge isn't something seasoned travelers like you would really love!

I...I'm sorry. I guess you saw right through me.

Tituba cares a lot about being frugal, though I'm not sure why. Maybe it has to do with her own beliefs?

So when she makes porridge, she'll water down the milk, and skimp a lot on the honey.

I'm not sure if Uncle just doesn't mind, or if he likes how she saves him money, but he never says a word about it.

(Sigh)... There are SO many things Salem is missing.

？！

Oh, you want to know how I feel about Salem...?

Nobody's ever asked me that before... I'm not quite sure how to answer...

Were you born here, Abby?

Yes, I was.

There was a comet in the sky the year I was born. It was so big you could even see it during the day!

I don't remember seeing it myself... But I'm sure it must have been a wonderful sight.

Anyway, I'm sure Salem pales in comparison to someplace like Boston...

But even this town has a lot going for it.

Uncle told me that its name comes from the word "Jerusalem."

You know all about Jerusalem, right? Every good Christian does.

It's the holy city that was once ruled by both King David and King Solomon.

The knights of the Crusades headed east to find it, but our Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the west instead.

When they arrived at the New World, they founded the towns of Plymouth, Boston, and Salem!

It must have been really hard when they first arrived, but now, ships come here from around the world!

And you saw how big our rye fields are, right? Can you believe this all used to be woodland once?

God was kind enough to let us put down roots and settle here. We're truly blessed.

...You're very proud about being part of a pioneer village, aren't you?

Of course I am. It's where I was born and raised, after all. Isn't everyone proud of where they grew up?

...Yes, that's right.

I think I can understand how you feel, if only a little. This is how history was made, after all.

Plus, at this time, New England was still a British colony, and hadn't yet declared its independence as America.

...America? Who's that...?

Oh...! I-I'm sorry. J-just forget I said anything.

(That's right... The people of Salem are still technically British, even if they did become colonists to seek their independence...)

(I have to remember they're not Servants, and don't have any modern-day knowledge...)

H-have you ever been anywhere besides Salem, Abby?

...Well, uh...

No...not yet. I haven't left Salem in my whooole life.

Really? Not even once?

...No. Not even once.

Everything I know about Boston I heard from others... I'm sorry for misleading you.

I just love hearing about other towns, and other countries.

Say, Mr. Ringmaster, you and your company have performed all over Europe and the colonies, right?

What sort of show did you put on in Boston? Did you stop by Jamestown too?

Is it true that New York has stores where you can buy tea and porcelain from the Orient?

Oh, I really wish I could see your show, but since I can't, could you at least tell me about the different countries you've been to?

...W-would that be all right, Senpai?

Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Ringmaster!

That's great. I love hearing about foreign countries too.

Really? You would do that for me...?

...Still...

I really appreciate the thought, but...it's okay. I don't mind that anymore.

But if you insist, could you please help Tituba? She's not very good at defending herself.

If Uncle gets forceful enough in his questioning, she might end up admitting to almost anything!

？！

？！

Hmm... Uncle Carter's very responsible, and quiet, and strict.

Everyone in the village is very pious, but I think they are also very stubborn, and they don't like to admit when they've made a mistake.

But when Uncle starts talking to them in his calm voice, they always seem to accept what he says.

I see. So the other villagers really trust him, don't they?

Yes, they do. He teaches at Harvard Divinity School in Boston, after all.

He studies the Orient there. I don't really know quite what he researches...

But he always has fascinating things to share about foreign countries.

He's told me some really unusual stories about faraway lands like...the Qing dynasty, I think? And the Mughal Empire, and...a place called, uh...Zipang? They're all so fascinating.

I see. It sounds like your uncle is where your love of foreign countries came from, then.

I guess he must be.

Well... I do love hearing stories like that, but...

...my very favorite thing is when I tell them to my friends, and let my imagination run wild.

I especially enjoy telling them to Lavinia! She's always so interested to hear them!

Lavinia...? Is that a friend of yours?

Yes! She's the same age as me, so she was also born in the year of the comet.

She's the best! I always love talking with her!

None of the other girls have much interest in foreign countries, so they only ever ask boring questions.

But Lavinia loves to read, so she knows all sorts of things.

Sometimes, I even think she knows more than Uncle.

Sometimes we even come here to watch the sea together.

But...

...

？！

Yes... This time, you saw right through me, Mr. Ringmaster.

I must have upset her somehow, because lately...she just won't talk to me.

I asked her about it, but she kept refusing to answer, so after a while, I got upset too...

But she's still my best, most cherished friend. Being apart has helped me realize that.

I noticed there were a number of friends of yours at the secret gathering last night, though.

Does that mean Lavinia wasn't among them...?

I secretly sent her an invitation...but she never showed up, just like I knew she wouldn't.

(I wonder... Could that be the girl who ran off into the forest...?)

I talked to Tituba about this, and she gave me some advice.

She told me to be honest with myself, and think about whether I'd done something to hurt her without knowing or meaning to.

She recommended I ask myself three questions.

？！

First: Have I pretended to be someone I'm not? Second: Have I jumped to any conclusions about her?

And third: Have I been neglecting to pay attention to tomorrow because I'm still nursing a grudge from yesterday?

Tituba said that? ...I see.

...After that, I realized there were a lot of things Lavinia could be angry at me for...and now I don't know what to apologize for first.

Um...may I say something?

Does Lavinia have white hair? And, uh, very pale skin...?

Yes, that's right. Have you already met her, Mash!?

Yes. I actually saw her in the forest last night. I guess I hadn't told you yet.

Really!?

Do you mean it...? Then, she showed up after all. I'm so glad!

I'm just sorry I didn't notice she was there... Now I have something else to apologize to her about...

Huh...?

...Right... It is, isn't it...

Wow, so you saw her too, Mr. Ringmaster?

？！

...Some people tease her about the way she looks. Some go even further, and say she looks downright sickly.

But I think she's beautiful. She looks just like a star fairy, don't you think?

If you ever make fun of her, I'll never forgive you!

Don't worry. Neither Senpai, nor any of us, would ever do that.

...

Hey, look. I can see a sailboat on the other side of the pasture.

It sounds...kind of heated over there?

I can hear people shouting angrily... Did a new ship just dock?

The sailors CAN be kind of rough... The wharf is just past this grassland, but

...Eek...!

...Senpai, that was a gunshot! It came from the direction of the wharf!

I hope it's not a mutiny...

...It's the Indians. The Indians are attacking...!

Huh? ...From the sea?

...Okay, Senpai!

I'll be right behind you as soon as I've taken Abby somewhere safe...!

...Uh, yes! I believe Robin and Nezha did!

？！

Abby? Are you all right? Let's get you back to the village before

...Ghh...

(Huff)... (Huff)...

...Abby...?

...Outside...

Can't go...outside... Outside Salem...nothing but pain and suffering...

Everyone who comes...from outside is...

...

Damn Oriental! Who do ye think ye are, pointin' yer blade at me!?

Ye ain't leavin' here alive now until ye get down on the floor and beg for mercy!

...A blade? Preposterous. Third-rate seaman!

The true blade. Of my Fire-Tipped Spear. Is red-hot flame!

Your flimsy arms. Will they continue to blunder? The next strike. Will be. No mere scratch.

The hell? This wench's off her rocker. And where the hell'd she get that thing from, anyway?

That was amazin'. Did ye just deflect our shots? Was that magic!? Are ye acrobats or somethin'?

Grr... Not acrobat! I am. Martial artist!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sorry about this, gents.

Would you mind putting away those scary-looking muskets and knives now?

We were just trying to relax before our big show. I hope you can understand.

Oi, yer the ones who started it.

And I absolutely understand you're upset. But can we just keep it cool, since this is a tavern and all?

(...What's the big idea, Nezha!? What're you trying to pull here!?)

You would. Have me remain silent. In the face of such shame?

Indeed. Affirmative. Of course. Now is the time. Let slip the dogs of war!

Masuh, Ringmaster! Glad to see someone else with their head on straight here.

Go on, talk some sense into this idiot!

Absolutely! Once I. Am done! Not even. A speck. Shall remain!

MasI mean, Ringmaster!?

Are you nuts!? You just got here! Why would that be the first thing out of your mouth!?

？！

These seamen. The root of evil. Therefore. I shall cut them down. Where they stand.

Oh yeah? Yer still on about that, wench? If yer tryin' to draw in customers, yer doin' a terrible job.

And what're ye s'posed to be, anyway? Another Oriental or somethin'? That's right, I'm talkin' ta ye!

So yer their Ringmaster, eh? What kinda company are ye runnin', lettin' yer freaks run wild like this!?

？！

Please listen. Master.

To begin. Once we entered. This tavern...

...Matcha there. Sat at a gambling table. Began drinking.

Hey, now!

Whatever became. Of the mission?

He lost at dice. More and more. Even demanded I bet. Our travel expenses.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Keep that to yourself!

Nothing better to do. So I followed. Followed his example. Joined him. Gambling table.

Had no idea. What I was doing. Beer was so bad. It was undrinkable.

Then. At my lowest moment. Third-rate seaman gestured towards me.

Called me a prostitute. And began touching me near my waist.

...That, I did not mind. He DID treat me. To some milk.

？！

Next. He made me sit. On his lap. Told me to pour him. Another glass.

...That sort of frivolity. I also do not mind.

？！

I do not mind. However...

This seaman. Remained in high spirits. Yet as he kept drinking. Burst into tears.

He began to complain. How sad my body is! Can you believe?

This body. Given to me. By Taiyi Zhenren himself.

How dare this man. Appraise this body as sad! How dare he!?

？！

That's about when I couldn't take it anymore and tried to go smooth things over.

According to that sailor...

...Nezha's so light that he figured she wasn't eating well enough.

And that got him thinking about the kid he left behind in his own country...

Y-yeah, tha's right. Ye got a problem with that!?

So why the hell'd this wench of yers go and pull a weapon on me!?

Haha, don't worry about it too much, young Ringmaster. This guy's just a big old lecher.

He was just tryin' ta get yer wench ta feel sorry fer 'im so he could take her ta bed. He does it all the time.

Sure ain't much fun to be had in a Puritan port town like this, after all.

Yeah! Neither we sailors nor ye performers belong here, so we might as well get along! Hahaha!

Oh yeah? And ye'll be buyin' us all a drink? Well ain't that thoughtful of ye, Ringmaster!

Ye might be young, but ye got a good head on yer shoulders!

...I did. Nothing wrong.

(Don't worry about it. Master's just putting on an act himself. ...At least, I think he is?

Shall throw. All of their tea. Into ocean!

Cut that out. It's still a century too early for that.

Me!? What'd I do!? Not keep a close enough eye on her?

Yeah, all right. I had a feeling it might go this way.

？！

(Huff)... (Huff)... What's...going...on? What was all the commotion about?

I rushed here as fast as I could, but all I see now is people drinking happily...

Come on... What happened here, anyway?

...I see. I suppose I understand.

I'm just glad matters were resolved before they got out of hand. (Relieved sigh)...

Haha, performers, eh.

If the storm out in the bay keeps us stuck here, maybe we'll go see yer show for ourselves.

A storm? ...Has there been a stretch of poor weather out in the bay? Is that why you're all hanging out in this tavern?

Ye got it, Specs.

Gotta say though, I'm surprised ye even thought ta come perform here in Salem at all.

What sort of show'll ye be puttin' on?

Oh, well, we were thinking of

Hold it, all of you. I want to hear what you have to say too.

They say you're going around telling everyone you're traveling performers...

But I don't buy it!

Ulp...

(Ringmaster, that guy's been sitting in the corner for a while now. He's one of the villagers, not a sailor.)

...I run a general store here in Salem.

I've been to Boston a number of times, but I've never seen any entertainers like you before.

I know there's a lot of strange folk in the theater, but no one would ever come to Salem looking to get rich.

Unless you're secretly up to some dirty, shameful business, like that sailor said?

For that matter, you're awfully young to be a troupe leader. How many shows have you performed, anyway?

This. Will be our first.

What was that?

...Whoa! It's not what it sounds like.

She means this'll be our first time performing with our current members. Naturally.

？！

SenpaI mean, Ringmaster, please let me handle this.

I have some notes from Chaldea for situations just like this.

Sir, I can see you care deeply about this town, and I understand your concerns.

B-but I assure you that despite our appearances, we at The Fujimaru Company are good, God-fearing people.

We may not be Puritans or Quakers, but we always perform with gratitude for all of God's blessings.

We pray every day, and as long as there's a church nearby, we make it a point to attend Mass as well.

On our way here, we heard about a village in New England that no other performers will go near.

A village where good people live pious lives...

A place that truly lives up to its name: the city upon a hill.

...

As fellow Christians, we hope to learn from the people of Salem's example...

...and if we can bring them some joy in return through the only trade we know, we could ask for nothing more.

The city upon a hill, huh...

Hmm... I can see that you mean well.

And given what happened in that little tussle earlier, I can also see that you want to blend in to our town without causing trouble.

Even if you are a bit on the unusual side.

Hmph.

That said... I don't want you leading us into temptation.

People say that we Puritans hate plays, novels, and dancing, but that's giving us too much credit.

It's not wrong, but it's not quite right, either. We do our best to minimize those distractions in our lives precisely because we are drawn to them.

Every child knows that plays are fun and exciting.

And this tavern certainly sees its share of people coming in looking to relax and enjoy themselves.

The people of this village purposefully go around turning blind eyes to each others' failings, as long as they only involve a glass of hard cider.

We are all of us frail vessels. And so we do not invite further temptation into our lives. That is my concern about your troupe.

Hard cider IS pretty great stuff...

...I understand that as performers, we may not be welcome...

But does that mean...we're not allowed to be here at all?

That is not my decision to make.

But if you're willing to demonstrate what sort of play you mean to put on, that might go a long way towards changing the people of Salem's minds.

If you insist on performing...I'd be willing to speak to the Reverend and other respected villagers on your behalf.

Why not try putting on a small show just for them, and getting approval from the village that way?

I see... Senpai, I think this could be a good opportunity.

？！

If you refuse to do so, and mean to ply your trade without regard to the villagers' sense of piety, then I would prefer that you leave.

The barkeep tells me you're guests of Professor Carter.

All the more so in that case.

If you don't want to be hauled out before the judge, you should go somewhere that's more welcoming to outsiders, like Rhode Island or Pennsylvania.

This is Massachusetts. Ours may be a small village, but the eyes of God, and His justice, are upon us all.

I don't want to see anyone hanged here.

？！

About...four years ago, I think, I saw a criminal hanged in Boston's town square.

There was talk of witches and foul play. Perhaps you heard about it yourselves?

Oho... Witches, you say? Now that's something we'd like to hear all about.

Finally. Something relevant. To the mission.

...If I may, Senpai, I think we should do as this man suggests.

It's a good opportunity, and would make our investigation considerably easier.

I'll do everything I can to help, of course.

...I can see you have concerns.

？！

I believe there was a play in the book Andersen gave us that should be perfect.

If it's all right with you, Senpai, shall we go with that one?

？！

Understood. Then I'll speak to this man and request his assistance.

Now, we should head back to our room and get ready to perform.

...Oh, and if you're wondering about Abby, I escorted her back to the town center.

She was a little shaken up by the gunshots, but she regained her composure soon enough.

...At least, I think she did...

...How long has it been since I last saw a play?

What a waste of time!

Ugh! What a waste of perfectly good lamp oil!

What nonsense is this? We worked so hard to build our town hall, and to fill it with such frivolity...

I don't even see the Reverend here! Where is he?

I'm told he had to attend to someone who fell ill, and can't make it tonight. But this should be enough.

All right, Ringmaster Fujimaru. We're all here. Go ahead and start the show.

？！

Okay everyone, remember, just like we planned.

You should already be familiar with the play from looking it over at Chaldea.

We may not have been able to bring the actual script, but you should all have your lines from the notes I gave you.

Mata Hari, you'll play the Queen of Sheba.

A strikingly flamboyant role, hm? Sounds right up my alley!

Robin, you'll play King Solomon.

Yeah, yeah.

And of course, SenpaiI'm sorry, Ringmaster will lead everyone through the production.

You'll have multiple roles, so you're going to be busy.

That's true. T-to be honest...I'm getting very nervous myself, and I'm not even performing.

Thank you, Ringmaster. It's been a fun change of pace from my usual work.

Of course, now we have to actually perform.

？！

I'll be helping out from the side of the stage...

...as the narrator and prompter.

I did have important things to do back at the house, you know.

This is part of our mission, Medea.

That's right. We need to let these people get to know all of us, albeit carefully.

That said, I'm only a bit player this time around. ...Don't screw this up, Robin.

I don't know why they picked me. I said I was fine being a tree... And why do I keep feeling like someone's staring at me?

The gaze. Of our audience. Act now. Or not at all. Show-off.

(Staaare)

...Hmph.

I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule for my guests, Your Honor.

...I am not here as a drama critic. I will not judge the quality of the performance.

It would hardly be fair of me to go around espousing Puritan values, after all.

I will merely be determining whether this production is suited for the good, Christian people of Salem.

A perfectly sensible choice.

...Can you tell me what the company will be performing today, Miss Mash?

...Of course, Mr. Carter.

Tonight, we'll be performing a story from Scripture.

"Solomon and the Queen of Sheba."

Well, that sounds lovely. I can't wait.

I'm afraid we don't have any velvet curtains, but please, go ahead and get started.

...Ahem.

Good evening, distinguished guests, and thank you for accepting our invitation.

On behalf of The Fujimaru Company, I would like to say that we cannot express our gratitude to you for taking your time to be here this evening.

Tonight, we will be performing a story about the most enigmatic queen in the Bible.

She was the queen of a prosperous southern nation... Somewhere south of Arabia, or perhaps to the east of Africa.

This queen was drawn to King Solomon, known far and wide for his peerless wisdom, and decided to journey across the desert to meet him.

Tell me... Do you know what a true desert is like? An endless sea of sand that stretches out past the horizon. A land of death, where not a single drop of water can be found.

To cross it, the queen ordered hundreds of camels, accompanied by thousands of soldiers and attendants, to form a single file procession.

Each camel was laden with incredible treasures: gold, jewels, and precious frankincense.

Our story begins with the queen perched on a camel, surveying her procession...

(Sigh...) How depressing. I don't mind traveling by camel...

...but what will I do if I travel all the way to Jerusalem, and still cannot meet with King Solomon...?

Why does this weigh on you so, Your Majesty? You have thought of nothing else for these entire two months of travel!

We are two days away from the Red Sea harbor, and Jerusalem is still farther.

...Besides, see for yourself what mountains of treasure you bring!

One hundred and twenty talents of gold, more than even twenty camels can carry!

Sapphires, amber, opals, garnets, and other precious jewels! The finest frankincense our nation has!

Never before has such a vast array of treasure been brought on such a journey across the desert.

More even than that, Your Majesty's beauty is renowned far and wide. King or not, there is no man alive who would refuse you!

Is that so...?

I'm not so sure about that...

These treasures are merely tokens of my good intentions, to show the people that I am trustworthy.

The true cargo I bear lies within my heart.

For this man was born to be king, and has been blessed by God Himself.

I'm afraid I do not understand.

This man may be a great king, but he is still just a man.

If you flatter him, he will grow conceited. If you appeal to his greed, riches will blind him.

If he is truly born to be a king, is that not all the more reason for him to rest on the laurels of his lineage?

It is true that Israel is much more peaceful, and far easier to trade with now, than it was under its previous king.

But I still have my doubts about his wisdom.

Keep such thoughts to yourself now that the harbor is in sight. One never knows where the ears of the king might be lurking.

As you wish. ...What's this?

Caravan leader! Something is amiss at the head of the procession!

It appears to be an ambush by bandits!

They never learn, do they?

We should be nearing an oasis. Thieves often congregate in such areas, so I expected some issues as we drew near.

Some poor fools cannot resist the temptation our caravan offers in the possibility of its riches.

If you expected as much, then I trust you have also prepared for such attacks.

Is there anything I can do to help drive them off?

Surely you jest, Your Majesty!

Rest assured that all is taken care of! We have plenty of capable fighters at our command.

These fighters do not work merely for money. They are warriors of honor, faithful to queen and country!

I will send them out alongside our own soldiers posthaste!

My, but aren't we pompous all of a sudden?

But, very well then. I leave you and your fighters to your task...

Thanks to their capable bodyguards, the queen's procession easily fended off their attackers.

Soon after resuming their journey to Jerusalem, the procession arrived at the Red Sea harbor.

The harbor was packed with throngs of camels, and there was a lively din sounding left and right from merchants awaiting ships and cargo.

The queen's caravan rented hundreds of ships, then set sail for the north of the Red Sea.

...In time, the massive fleet arrived upon the northern edge of the Gulf of Aqaba, at a seaport called Ezion-Geber, built by King Solomon himself.

The people of Israel were surely taken aback by the appearance of this mysterious queen and the untold wealth she brought with her.

This magnificent scene of the queen meeting King Solomon has been depicted in countless numbers of painted masterpieces.

The queen's procession headed northward over land, their eyes taking in the pastures of the foreign country that surrounded them.

Then, at last, they arrived at a point where they could just barely make out Jerusalem's glittering white ramparts.

And yet...something seemed amiss...

(Sigh) This is ridiculous! I can't take it anymore!

You seem upset, my retainer.

Yes, Your Majesty, I am!

We've been stuck in this village within the ravine for an entire week!

If we don't get moving soon, the soldiers and camel tamers will start to get homesick!

What say the messengers we sent ahead to Jerusalem?

...I-I've sent them countless times, Your Majesty. I even went to try and negotiate our entry myself.

It's just, the guards keep inventing reasons to turn us away at the gate. They're hopeless.

Even showing them a list of all the gifts we bring for King Solomon has done little more than warrant a smirk.

...I see.

Then perhaps it is time I met with them myself.

Tell the caravan to loosen their loads and make themselves at ease.

Your Majesty!?

Your Majesty, please, you mustn't go off on your own!

There is a flock of sheep coming this way. I'll have the guards chase them off!

No need for that. This is not our kingdom, so we shall be the ones to make way.

My, these sheep are nice and plump. And their wool is soft and well kept.

This is indeed a rich land.

Well now, it isn't every day one comes across such an esteemed noble. Good day to you.

...

Stay back! Who are you!?

As you can see, I'm merely a passing shepherd.

A harmless, friendly young man who enjoys nothing more than singing and dancing.

Are shepherds so rare where you come from?

No, they are not... I do beg your pardon.

You must be the travelers that have been staying here in this ravine.

This place is ill-suited to making camp. Have you run into some manner of trouble on your journey?

You are quite perceptive, young shepherd. As luck would have it...

...Hmm, I see, I see. That is certainly odd.

Jerusalem is supposed to be a city of compassion, a place that will open its gates to anyone.

How terribly embarrassing that it has seen fit to reject guests who have traveled from so far away.

...Can you tell us what Jerusalem is like, young shepherd?

What do you think of the great king's city?

Well now, I can hardly refuse to answer a question from such a beautiful lady, can I?

Your Majesty, surely there are far better ways to pass the time than in the company of this ill-mannered youth.

What's wrong with it? I'm having a perfectly lovely time.

Haha, unfortunately, I haven't been to the city myself in quite a while. But I do hear rumors from time to time.

Jerusalem is a city like no other. It is truly the center of the world.

Its ramparts stand tall against any threat, and its palace is the height of luxury.

I believe its most beautiful feature is the temple its previous king wished to build really, REALLY badly!

They say it's a truly impressive sight. I implore you to pay it a visit yourself after you arrive, my lady.

I think I shall do just that.

What about the people who live there? Have they no complaints at all?

Hmm, good question. I suppose I must simply say that it seems the king is doing a superb job.

Each and every one of his people speaks of him with reverence, with language as lyrical as poetry.

They say that he is a fair and just judge, possessed of true wisdom. That he was born to be the perfect king.

True wisdom...

But, ripe fruit inevitably draws pests.

The fruit itself may not be to blame, but alas, there is nothing one can do about the laws of nature.

Thus do security and abundance inevitably lead to avarice and arrogance.

...I knew it.

Your Majesty...?

...Wait. Does this mean the gatekeepers expect us to bribe them?

Even after our messengers have long since paid our toll!?

Hmm. Well, I'm afraid there isn't much a lowly shepherd like me can do about that.

The best I can do is join you in conversation here in the shade for a fleeting moment. Oh, unless you would also like me to play my harp?

No, that will do. Thank you, my good shepherd.

By the way, I notice a number of your sheep have injured their legs.

Could I buy them off of you, so that I may treat my subjects to them?

Well, that would be a great help. I could not think of a more advantageous trade for us both.

...Oh, right.

I just remembered something else that you may find of interest. It is, perhaps, a bit spooky, but...

...Hidden gates, you say?

That's right. Gates.

Jerusalem is a big place, with many people coming and going. As such, the ramparts contain a number of side gates.

A holy gate reserved for God. A gate for chariots. A gate for merchants. A gate for slaves. Even a gate for shepherds.

And while I don't know whether it really exists or not, I've also heard there's a forbidden gate for rûacḥ, for spirits...

They say it is dark even during the day, and that the dead themselves make use of it. It is always closed and barred, and not even the guards go near it...

Thus did the Queen of Sheba learn of the hidden gate into Jerusalem from a mysterious young shepherd.

The queen next stole away to Jerusalem in the middle of the night, taking only a select few of her servants.

She decided that if the front gates would not be opened to her, then she would simply sneak in the back.

None of this is written in Holy Scripture, but please, do not call it heresy.

No matter how our company may use our imagination to help bring this story to life...

...it would do nothing to diminish King Solomon's greatness, or the Queen of Sheba's beauty...

If the guards would refuse us passage, then we shall make our own passage into the city.

Hah! As if crossing the great desert wasn't brazen enough! I never imagined you to be so reckless a queen!

...Aah!

These must be some of the city's guards. So, this is another trial we must face.

If our actions go against the will of God, then this is where our journey will come to an end.

Please stand back, Your Majesty! The soldiers will handle this!

And so, the Queen of Sheba's procession fought off the guardian spirits...

...and successfully made their way into Jerusalem.

Soon, the king learned that a foreign queen had entered the holy city, and the front gates were finally opened.

Thus did the parade of camels and ostentatiously dressed attendants make their way through Jerusalem.

Though the people of Jerusalem were accustomed to luxury, the riches that the queen presented to the king must surely have made even their eyes pop.

The lavish spices they brought with them also proved to be incredibly popular, and soon the holy city was filled with their scents.

Shortly thereafter, the queen was officially invited to the palace, and at long last granted an audience with King Solomon himself...

How good of you to come, Queen of Sheba. On behalf of my subjects, I welcome you.

I extend my hospitality to you and your people. Please, stay in my palace. Rest from your journey.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, good King Solomon.

Now that this moment has come, the fatigue from my journey has all but vanished.

I know who you are. This may be our first time meeting face-to-face, but I have had opportunities to learn about you.

Without fail, the finest jewels and spices brought to Jerusalem come from the southern kingdoms.

I have spoken to merchants and travelers about them, interested to know more.

They told me of a queen from a desert kingdom in the south with a sure eye, and a nose for trade.

Until last night, my image of that queen was hazy and blurred, like a mirage...

But now, I see clearly that she is a beautiful desert flower beyond compare.

You are too kind, King Solomon.

If anything, I am the one in awe of how your grand figure far exceeds the picture I held in my mind.

...I apologize for the treatment you endured on your journey here, Queen of Sheba.

I shall find out how it came to pass, and see justice served, should it be necessary.

If it please you, I shall give you a tour of the palace myself. Will that serve as an apology?

A tour from King Solomon himself? I can think of no greater pleasure.

Of course. The pleasure will be mine, I assure you.

The two rulers proceeded to walk around Jerusalem's palace, chatting happily all the while.

Every one of the dances performed, the harp songs played, and the dishes served was truly exquisite.

But the place that the Queen of Sheba was most impressed with was indeed the very building the good shepherd had told her about.

The magnificent temple of Jerusalem stood even taller than the king's own palace.

Atop its great altar, burnt offerings were made to God...

There, sacrificial animals and other splendid offerings were consumed by sacred fire.

Once these offerings were chosen to become God's food, the frankincense, which would later be chosen as one of the three wise men's gifts, was burned like firewood.

While bearing witness to these amazing spectacles...

The queen casually posed King Solomon a series of questions.

Indeed, these very questions were the queen's purpose in venturing to Jerusalem.

A quest begun in the hope of appraising the king's wisdom, distinguishing his worth...and gaining a true answer to questions she had long pondered.

Some scholars say the queen had only two questions, while others claim she had as many as nineteen.

Whatever their number, King Solomon answered each in turn, and the queen marveled at his wisdom.

And in that moment...

...she decided to entrust King Solomon with the three most precious riddles she carried deep in her heart.

Solomon, in turn, honored his noble guest by having his many retainers line up along both sides of his throne.

So began a battle of wits to test the merits of both rulers. There could be no room for failure. As silence hung in the throne room, the audience watched with bated breath...

Great King Solomon, leader of the people of Israel, and bearer of boundless wisdom.

I humbly request that you answer these questions, and share your wisdom with your guests.

Very well. Speak your questions.

"There is a room with ten doors. When one door is open, nine are closed."

"When nine doors are open, one door is closed..."

"...The answer is 'a person.'"

The room is the womb, and the ten doors are the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, navel, and excretory holes.

When a person is a fetus, the door of the navel is open. Once they are born, that door is closed forever.

O king, you are wise indeed.

Speak your next question.

Very well then, O king. Let me next ask you this.

"These words weigh more than gold or even life itself, and require four people to carry them."

"And yet, their master has never once seen them..."

"...The answer is 'the Ark of the Covenant.'"

The very chest I inherited from my predecessor. It contains the Ten Commandments, the proof of our covenant with God.

It is kept in the innermost chamber of my temple, a most holy room that is constantly filled with incense.

O king, you are truly a man of wisdom.

Speak your next question.

Very well then, O king. This is my final question.

...

"...This ocean is calm. A ship sails forward against the wind."

"The ship's pilot plots a course toward dark clouds. The ship is in no way prepared to weather a storm."

...Hmm. Let's see...

The answer is... Uh...

Hang on, time out. Just gimme a second here. Hm?

Calm ocean? A ship pilot? Wha...? What's that all about?

Hold on, just a moment! I can answer this!

Oh yes, great king. Please, tell me your answer!

(Whisper) What's the matter, Solomon!?

Hurry up and answer her third question...!

I'm trying, but my script only had two riddles!

Huh? That can't be right... Wait. I don't see it in mine either. What's going on...?

I could have sworn Andersen's manuscript had all three... Huh?

What's this? Don't tell me the great King Solomon can't even answer a simple riddle?

Well? What say you, Your Majesty!?

(I'm following my script to the letter, okay...? I didn't have any response lines in mine either...)

(Dammit, Mata Hari! I can tell you're enjoying this!)

Yeah, yeah, I've got your answer riiight here. Why wouldn't I know it? Solomon knows everything.

Please stay in character!

Uh... Hmph! That riddle was so easy it is not worthy of an answer!

Wh-what say you, my trusted advisor? Would you like to answer this one in my stead?

You may even just offer a hint if you like.

？！

(C'mon, Ringmaster, help me out here...!)

(Senpai...!)

The desert? Why? ...Actually, hang on...

Desert... Desert... Sand... An ocean of sand, eh...

...Hmm...

Rulers... Rulers, huh...

？！

What say you, O king?

...A fascinating riddle. It cuts to the very core of our two perspectives.

If I answer incorrectly, then Israel will lose a precious friend indeed.

...

"...The answer is 'a nation.'"

When a capable sailor takes the helm, the wind may carry him faster than ever.

Much as the sea might appear the same everywhere, it is far from a single thing. It is made of numberless droplets all together.

Even when it appears calm, its surface hides unforeseeable waves and maelstroms.

It is like the grains of sand that make up a desert. Like quicksand lying in wait for its prey.

...!

Very well then...O king... Where lies the ship's destination?

...This ship stops for nothing.

But it is not a ship that runs from danger, nor one that drifts upon the waves. It is but driftwood that will sink in the fullness of time.

The pilot knows that an unavoidable storm is coming, and sounds the alarm.

Only a ship that endures tribulation will see the glorious light of day that awaits in the New World.

...O king, you are indeed a wise leader worthy of this nation.

Queen of Sheba... I pray that the Lord, our God, sees fit to bless you with His protection.

You are no mere guest destined to while away her time before my throne.

Though your kingdom may be but a mirage that lies to the distant south...

...I hereby vow that our two nations shall be allies, and you, my friend.

...

You are too kind, O king. But I am most heartened that my journey here has proved fruitful.

Should you ever be in need of aid in an even greater endeavor...

...I shall return from beyond the desert and assist you to the best of my ability.

...Thus did King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba's battle of wits come to an end...

With more awe and respect for Solomon than ever before, the queen set off to return to her home of Sheba.

Solomon, in turn, was happy to give the queen exactly the gift she wished for.

As for what became of the prosperous desert kingdom...

Of the bond between King Solomon and its queen...

No biblical scholar can say.

All we can do now is imagine the fate of the legendary queen for ourselves.

...Thank you all for watching.

This concludes The Fujimaru Company's special performance of "Solomon and the Queen of Sheba."

...

...So this is the Puritan colony of Salem.

Just a moment, sir!

Phew, we finally managed to dock. You're the only cargo we're unloading here, sir.

Certainly fine by me though, since you already paid for passage!

Pretty rough storm we had to sail through to get here, though. You doing all right?

I'm on land now. My work is on land, where man lives and works.

There is no land inhabited by man, here or anywhere, that is free of sin. Not even Eden itself.

Professor Carter, there are people from the village who'd like to see you.

They seem pretty upset. There's a good number of them, too.

...I see. Very well, I'll go and meet them.

Pardon me for a moment, Mr. Fujimaru.

They're asking to see you too, Your Honor.

What's this all about?

You have a lot to answer for, Mr. Carter.

Uncle... Tituba is...

Abigail. You're here too, Tituba?

M-Mr. Carter...

Did these people bring you here? Again, what's this all about?

...May I remind you that Tituba is MY servant. I'll thank you to mind how you treat her.

Ghh... Fine. Then listen to me, Mr. Carter.

My daughter has been lying face down in bed, ill, all day!

I know when you stopped by this morning, I told you she was just tired out from last night's excitement.

I thought she would be fine once she got some sleep. But I was wrong.

She kept groaning and writhing, as if she was fighting off a terrible fever. I tried to give her some bread and water to help her calm down, but she refused.

I was at a loss for what to do next, so I asked the Reverend to come take a look at her.

But once he arrived, she seemed to be suffering more than ever.

Hmm... How so, exactly?

W-well... Reverend?

Yes. It seemed to me as if...as if she was possessed by the devil himself...!

She cried out with a shrill, inhuman voice, and tried to strangle me with such strength as no child should ever have!

We held her down as best we could, until she finally passed out and went limp.

We then went to change her sheets...

...and found this strange and devilish charm within the straw!

According to Putnam's daughter, it was Tituba who made it!

Oh, my...

What an evil-looking wooden figure... I'll take that as evidence.

...

...Is this true, Tituba? Did you make that?

...I... M-Mr. Carter...

It's... Well...

Y...you've got it all wrong! This isn't Tituba's fault...!

Ann took it without asking...!

We could hear the commotion all the way inside. What's going on...?

It looks like most of the village is here. ...Is that Tituba they're interrogating in the middle of the crowd?

...

I always knew there was something strange about you!

Oh, this is dreadful... I don't suppose...

Were you the one who had those Indians kill the Williamses?

Stop that. The Williams girl is right there.

You...you're a witch!

That's a tool used in blasphemous curses. I suspect this woman is guilty of heresy.

...!?

...Wh-who are you?

The name's Matthew Hopkins.

I just arrived here on a boat from Boston.

As of tonight, I've been appointed Salem's head judge by order of the governor.

Who do you think you are, barging in here all

What's this? ...Oh my. This really is an official notice of appointment!

And that of a superior judge, no less... I-I apologize for my rudeness.

Pay it no mind. These are extraordinary circumstances.

People of Salem, I first ask that you calm yourselves, and regain your composure.

The devil's power is at its height in the hours after dark. We must not let our fears guide our decisions.

I hereby order that this slave be taken into custody and interrogated.

I will hear what she has to say in the morning.

？！

...Don't do it, Fujimaru. I mean, Master.

Please, just stay out of it. You can't interfere here.

You need to remain a bystander right now, or you'll get swept up in this as well.

？！

Can't you tell...? It's begun.

...

I'm glad to see you are willing to cooperate.

Mr. Carter, as her owner, I'd like you to accompany her to the town's holding cells.

...All right. I will accompany you.

Mr. Carter!

Miss Mash. Mr. Fujimaru.

I'm sorry to trouble you, but could I ask you to take Abigail home for me?

I know I can trust you and your troupe. You all proved that in your play.

...

Abby...

...This is awful...

Ahh... Poor Tituba...