Beginning

Yes, you were... And I think I lost consciousness for a moment, too. What about all of you?

Same here. It was kind of a...dizzy feeling, I guess? Oof, and my head's still kind of spacey, too...

Nnn... I remember the captain declaring we'd broken through the wall of light...then nothing.

On a different note, why is it so dark in here now?

...I'm here, thanks. But, it's kind of hard to talk right now...

You too, Captain Nemo? Then it seems I'm not the only one feeling under the weather at the moment.

Not to worry. I'm still firmly seated in my chair.

That aside, I can't say I'm in great condition at the moment. Both my mind and body are as heavy as lead.

This must be what it's like to suffer from acute alcohol poisoning, at least based on what I've heard.

...You too, huh, Holmes? Same here. I feel like I've come down with a really bad cold.

Apparently, all of the Marines fainted. Nurse is bringing them to the infirmary right now.

Honestly, not even Engineer or Baker managed to stay conscious.

？！

That's terrible... But, why did this happen?

Allow me to explain!

Da Vinci...? You're okay?

Of course! As you can see, I'm the same chipper Da Vinci as always!

It's all 'cause I was synced up to the Border in the computer room.

While you were all out cold, I took care of things inside the ship and finished analyzing the outside atmosphere.

So, where should I begin? Probably with why you and Nemo aren't feeling like yourselves, huh?

No, that's all right. The fact that you and Ms. Kyrielight are fine tells me everything I need to know.

Think back to the Chinese Lostbelt. The moment we entered Britain, both Nemo and myself fell deeply under the weather.

That must mean no Heroic Spirit can function here or rather, no Heroic Spirit extracted from human history.

And that, in turn, tells us that human history simply does not exist here. Am I correct?

(Low whistle) I should've known you'd figure it out fast.

I just checked the Spirit Origin graph I transferred to the Border, and it was completely shut down.

There's not even a fragment of the base needed for Heroic Spirits from Proper Human History to exist here.

The Chinese Lostbelt's history had no need for Heroic Spirits, but I'm guessing Heroic Spirits simply don't exist in this Lostbelt's history.

That's why Heroic Spirits from Proper Human History like you guys can't set foot on the Isle of Britain.

You're basically being attacked by the entire world, since you never existed here in the first place.

H-hm? So, there's essentially not enough of a foundation for Heroic Spirits to operate here?

Take, say, Robin Hood, for example. He should be able to exist in any Lostbelt, right?

He's so vaguely defined that it should only take a single skilled archer existing at some point in history, regardless of what their name might have been, for him to qualify.

But now, you're saying that even conditions as vague as those don't exist here in this British Lostbelt?

You got it! That was a great example, Gordy!

Well, you know, I HAVE reached a point in my tenure as director where I've actually begun to enjoy reading the reports.

I daresay I know even more about Lostbelts than Fujimaru does now, at least on a purely intellectual level.

At any rate, I see now. So this history never contained so much as a single skilled archer, eh.

...How the hell does that work?

These Lostbelts have still been around for over two-thousand and nineteen years, yes? So how could they have that much history and not a single historically significant figure?

...They couldn't. Lostbelt or not, any path human history takes must fit within certain definitions.

Any manner of human civilization must inevitably pass through a template of particular technological milestones.

It's simply not possible for an animal species to propagate itself for over ten thousand years without its culture and average quality of life meeting certain criteria.

And naturally, over the course of that history, people will always branch out into various different occupations.

Though their names may differ, there will inevitably be famed swordfighters, archers, spearfighters, artisans, soldiers, kings, and detectives.

The lack of any such figures even existing here must mean

An excellent insight, Mr. Fujimaru. Indeed, that would be the simplest explanation.

But, there are still other possibilities left to explore. I'll have to do so later.

？！

Hang on. Then why are the technical advisor and Kyrielight there seemingly unaffected!?

In my case...it's probably because I'm a Demi-Servant.

I do have Galahad's Spirit Origin, but I'm not actually him, so...

Yup, pretty much. As for me, I'm technically a homunculus of Leonardo da Vinci, not the original, so that would explain why I'm not affected.

That said, I'm even more of a Leonardo (read: genius) than the original, so this might actually work out great!

...

Then, the only Servants who will be of any help in this Lostbelt are you and Mash.

Seriously!? You mean we can't even summon new ones on-site!?

Since this place rejects any Heroic Spirits from human history, it seems real unlikely we'll be able to bolster our forces that way.

If we want to increase our numbers, our only choice is to ask the people of this Lostbelt for help.

But never mind that now. Can you tell us what happened over these last thirty minutes, Da Vinci?

Sure. Right after the Storm Border punched through the wall of light, the whole system went kaput.

Every electronic device we had on board shut down, causing the Storm Border to crash.

Luckily, Nemo Engineer was able to use the last of her strength to get one Triton Engine back up and running.

That in turn let the Storm Border break away from the island's airspace and make an emergency landing in the ocean to its southwest.

That's where we are now. The generators are still out of commission, so we're running on auxiliary power.

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Yeah, the situation definitely isn't great. But hey, it's not like we haven't been in tight spots before.

In fact, I'd say the fact that we weren't attacked right off the bat and are able to have a leisurely chat like this makes us at least a little lucky.

Oh? So we haven't been attacked?

Does this mean the king of this Lostbelt still has yet to notice us?

I can't say anything for sure yet, but I think so. Especially since we still haven't set foot on the isle yet.

The closer we get to it, the more things on the Storm Border stop working...

But the good news is, they're only stopped, not broken.

I'm guessing here, but if the Storm Border gets far enough away from the isle, I think everything'll start working again.

...I can't believe it can't even get close to The Mysterious Island, so to speak, even with the Nautilus as its base.

Still, as much as this situation is making me feel like a failure, I can at least confirm that the Storm Border is definitely intact.

So if everything starts working again once we put some distance between ourselves and the isle, then we'll know we have a secure escape route out of this Lostbelt.

Now we just have to figure out what comes next... Does the Shadow Border still work, Da Vinci?

Unfortunately, no. We can still use it as a ship to get to the shore, but I'm sure it'd stop working if it made land.

So we can't use the Shadow Border, either? Damn...

Oh, what about comms, then? Will those still work on land?

Again, I can't say for sure until we try, but given how everything else is behaving, I wouldn't get your hopes up.

In the worst case, we may have to rely on more primitive means of communication. How are you with carrier pigeons, Holmes?

The most interaction I've had with carrier pigeons was when I once unraveled a trick that relied on them. Of course, I can still use them just fine.

Gotcha. Guess that makes me the expert then. Don't worry, I'll handle the written correspondence side of things.

Oh, one more thing. I need to tell you all how much time we have to work with.

In its current state, we can keep the Storm Border powered for about thirty days.

If we really stretch ourselves thin, we can make it last for fifty days before the auxiliary power runs out.

So that's our time limit.

Once the mission's complete, we'll move the Storm Border away from Britain and restart its engines.

As soon as the Triton Engines are back online and generating a stable supply of magical energy, we'll break back through the wall of light and leave the British Lostbelt.

And that about sums it up. Sound good to you, Director Goredolf?

Right then. If the Storm Border can't get near land, then we only have one course of action available.

Kyrielight will accompany Fujimaru as his bodyguard while he infiltrates the Isle of Britain.

Once there, the two of them will carefully investigate the area and find the cause of the future collapse observed at Chaldea.

If circumstances allow, they will also make contact with this Lostbelt's king and acquire Rhongomyniad.

During this operation, we expect that communication with the Storm Border will be limited at best.

Therefore, I'm empowering the two of them to make their own calls in the field, with the expectation that they will return safe, sound, and successful within fortyno, forty-five days.

Huh!? You're just sending Fujimaru and Mash!? There's no way they can pull this off alone!

At least send me or Chin along with them! Not that I'm eager to get myself killed out there, 'cause I'm definitely not, but come on!

Don't be daft, you fool! Your going along would mean Kyrielight needs to worry about keeping two people safe instead of only one!

She may be an excellent Servant, but she's still only one person!

So if we only have the one Servant to work with, I'm going to make damn sure she supports Fujimaru to the best of her ability!

Don't call me "Uncle"! I'm still in my twenties, dammit!

？！

Is that clear, you two!? Go on then, repeat your mission's objectives back to me!

Yes, sir! My job is to assist Master as he investigates this Lostbelt in whatever way I can!

？！

Very good. Then let's get this mission underway. We only have forty-five days to work with, after all.

Britain is a big place. If I were you, I'd start by making my way for Oxford, then

Hm? What are you doing there, Technical Advisor?

Is there a reason you're packing various items into a rucksack?

You need to ask? I'm going with them, obviously.

Didn't I say I would handle the written correspondence?

So keep an eye out for my familiar, 'cause that's how I'll be sending you letters from the field☆

？！

Say whaaat!?

N-nnn...! I'll admit, that does make sense...!

Gnnn... All...right... You have my permission...to go with them, Technical Advisor!

...Okay. I can at least take you to the shore. Take care of them for us, Da Vinci.

And here we are! The Isle of Britain at last!

Whoooa, it's so foggy out here! And it's so warm, too!

All right, settle down.

You've already taken out five Lostbelts, so another strange land shouldn't be anything new to you.

Well it is, as a matter of fact, since this is my first time out on an adventure like this. You can't blame me for getting excited.

Now, go on, Captain. Head back to the Storm Border already. You're having a hard enough time as it is out here, right?

It's our job to investigate this area, so you can just sit around and grit your teeth until it's your turn.

Fine. I guess I don't have to worry if you're in such good spirits, anyway.

Fujimaru. Mash. Don't forget to take care of Da Vinci while you're out there on your mission.

It wasn't much, but I got a brief glimpse of the place back in the Command Room, right before we lost consciousness.

Everything east of this shore is shrouded in fog, but I did make out what looked like a city approximately two hundred kilometers from here.

Assuming nothing gets in your way, you three should be able to get there in about two or three days, so that's where I'd start if I were you.

I hate to ask you to trudge through this fog, but I don't see any way of going around it even if we had the time to spare.

？！

I guess that's true, isn't it? Okay, Fujimaru, Mash, Da Vinci. Good luck out there.

I can't wait to hear back from you with good news.

I finished checking our equipment, Master. Our survival kits are all set, and we have ninety days worth of rations.

Great! You two can keep the food for yourselves. I don't get hungry as long as I have enough mana.

Say, where's Fou?

I don't see him with either of you.

Well... Fou actually never got on the Storm Border with us this time, so...

？！

Aww, really? That's too bad. He was always there on your journey to restore humanity, right?

Man, I was looking forward to having the same experience as my grown-up self, too. Maybe Fou just doesn't like Britain or something?

Oh well, nothing we can do about that now. Besides, I'm sure we'll have other chances to travel together.

Absolutely!

I'd love to go on an adventure with you, Holmes, Director Goredolf, Sion, Meunière, Fou, and Senpai all together!

？！

You said it! Next stop: a city about two hundred kilometers to the east!

Buckle up, guys, 'cause we've got a long road ahead of us!

Indeed we do. I can sense it as well.

...Bwa?

？！

...I can't believe it. Of all the luck...

My first adventure ever, and I'm already hallucinating...

Then...you and Master are seeing this too, Da Vinci?

I thought I was so on edge that my eyes were playing tricks on me...

？！

...Why are you all acting like it's so strange for me to be here? This is making me very sad...

I mean, I will admit that this certainly wasn't the most dramatic summoning.

If anything, it felt as casual and automatic as a weathercock turning in response to the wind.

Oh! I'm sorry, everyone! I have a report to make! My round shield is pulsing with the same warmth it typically has after conducting a summoning!

？！

Whoa, really? So I'm not hallucinating after all? ...Oh wow, you're right! His Spirit Origin is solid!

Then it really IS Sir Tristan! But how!? I thought this place rejected all Heroic Spirits from Proper Human History!

...Hmm. I see.

It sounds as though you're not upset with me, but rather, that my summoning itself came as a surprise.

Well, I can assure you all I didn't answer the summon of my own volition. One moment I wasn't here, the next, I was.

Of course, I am a Heroic Spirit on humanity's side, and know about you and Chaldea...

But aside from that, I have no clue as to what's going on, either. Could someone please explain it to me?

？！

Now I see. So this is a Lostbelt... A hypothetical version of Britain that could normally never exist.

I don't know why this Lostbelt allowed me to be here any more than you do...

But I suspect it has something to do with this being the Cornwall shore.

I do have close ties to this land, after all.

And while its history may be different, the land itself is still the same. I think.

Oh! That's right.

I forgot that Sir Tristan is said to have been born in Cornwall, in southwest Britain.

That must be why we were able to summon you. Or maybe...the land itself needed your aid?

It could also be that Fujimaru was nervous about exploring a mysterious new land...

...so he ended up summoning Sir Tristan here unconsciously.

Either way, having him here with us should be a big help. And it bodes well for the future, too!

Even if this Lostbelt is devoid of human heroes, we now know that it's still possible to summon Heroic Spirits from Proper Human History with strong ties to a given area.

Maybe we'll also be able to summon Sir Gawain of Orkney, or even Camelot's own King Arthur!

You wish to summon King Arthur here directly? I'm not so sure that's

...No, you're right. That would be wonderful. And knowing him, I'm certain he would be willing and able to help you.

In the meantime, I will of course be happy to offer whatever meager assistance I can. Any Knight of the Round Table would do the same.

Master Fujimaru.

I know that neither of us meant for this summoning to happen, but rest assured that my bewitched bow is yours to command regardless.

From here on, I, Tristan, Child of Sadness, shall be your faithful Servant.

Now then, allow me to lead the way.

I know this southwest corner of Britain like the back of my hand.

There's a hilly area just past a few mountains not too far from here.

With a little luck, we should be able to reach a high road in about two hours. Shall we, Master?

？！

...

...

？！

Um... Sir Tristan? I'm very sorry to say this, but...

？！

We are not lost.

Now, I don't blame you for feeling like we are, since you all rely on your eyes so much...

But I can assure you, we are indeed making progress. In fact, we've covered no less than four kilometers by now.

The only downside is that we somehow haven't been able to escape this shore yet.

If Sir Bedivere was here now, he'd happily say,

"Don't worry about it, Tristan. You just go to sleep."

"I'll lead the way from here."

Then we ARE lost! I knew it! Also, I doubt Bedivere would be any happier about this than we are!

...Yes. I suppose you're right about that...

Ahh, this makes me so sad... If Sir Bedivere would only be straight with me, I would have been happy to play him an encouraging song.

？！

Yes, that's true. Perhaps this fog is to blame.

I've been laying down bow strings wherever we go to ensure we don't get turned around...

But at some point, the string trail keeps going cold. And not because someone's been cutting it.

It's because I've been letting go of them myself.

It's almost like...I keep forgetting what I meant to do with it just a minute ago...

...!

...! Master! I'm detecting high-density magical energy signals up ahead!

I can't tell you any more than that without analysis from the Border, but

...!

They're attacking us! Get ready to engage, Fujimaru!

Be on your guard!

O-oh man, they were way stronger than I was expecting! Were those British ghosts or something!?

I guess we managed to drive them away since they're gone now, but it really doesn't feel like we actually beat them at all!

I have to agree. Their sheer vitality was astonishing.

I don't think those were ghosts at all. They were so...unusual, and so steeped in Mystics that they almost seemed like...

...No, never mind that now. For the time being, I must commend you on a job well done, Master.

I was concerned when you said you couldn't summon Heroic Spirits here in Britain...

So it's a great relief to see that it's still possible to summon them temporarily for battle.

？！

Yup. I was watching you, and you were definitely using much more magical energy than usual.

So we'll need to try and avoid fighting as much as possible, since you convert your own vitality into magical ener

Oh no...

Mash? Is something wrong?

The Black Barrelno, the whole Ortinax...

It's not...working right...anymo

Mash!? Are you okay, Mash!?

？！

...Did something happen to them? I can sense them close by...

...No, wait. They're getting further away. This is not good. It's too easy to get separated in this fog.

Let me call out to them. Ah, what were their names again?

I think they were...were...

Wait... What's MY name?

？！

？！

？！

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Uh-oh. And here I thought I might arrive early.

Huh? It's because I took my sweet time? Well, you can't blame me for that.

These are my very first guests. It's only right to look your best for guests.

Besides, I'd say this boy and his companions made a pretty big mistake, too.

I mean, no one in their right mind would ever think to go into the Nameless Woods without any protection.

I guess this just goes to show how brave this Master of Chaldea really is. Don't you think, Blanca?

...

Hm? Am I really going to trust these outsiders? Yes, I will. I'll trust them with all my soul.

Sure, I still had my suspicions up until I saw them in person...but now, I can tell.

They're the real deal. As crazy as it sounds, they're dead serious about saving the world.

...Oh yes, I'm definitely glad I waited for them now.

...

That's right, Blanca. It's finally time for me to get serious, too.

Hmm, seems we've got a few local faeries here. One, two, three, four... That's a couple too many for me.

Fortunately, it looks like they're good-natured sorts. I'm sure they'll rescue the Chaldeans.

In the meantime, I think I'll make my way back for now, and save our fateful encounter for another time.

Good luck, Chaldean lad. I suggest you start by getting familiar with Britain's...ambience.

Oh, and one more very important thing.

Whatever you do...don't let anyone know you're human.

Oh good, you're awake.

You don't seem to be injured, and I don't think your life's in any danger...

But if you're hurting anywhere, please let me know.

I still have a lot to learn, but I can at least perform basic first aid.

？！

？！

O-oh, right. That does sound like it's my name...

Phew, thank goodness. I was having trouble remembering who I am, too.

So, my name's Mash, huh? I like it. It's short, soft, and unique.

And hey, if you know my name, that must mean we really are friends! I knew it!

Anyway, good morning, Lysander. Do you know where you are right now?

？！

Huh? Um... Your name IS Lysander, right? I mean, that's what's on your name tag.

Apparently, we all collapsed in the Nameless Woods. Do you know about the Nameless Woods?

The fog is so thick in there that as soon as you set foot inside, you can never find your way back.

The more lost you get, the more you forget, and eventually, you won't even remember your own name or who you are.

Basically, it's a forest of no returnone of the most dangerous fae domains in all of Britain.

I wonder what it is we were doing in a place like that...

Maybe something really nasty happened to us.

You know, like when everyone at your table orders ginger ale, but for some reason, you end up getting salt water...

？！

L-Lysander? What's wrong? Why are you holding your head like that!?

Oh no. Did you hit your head in the woods? Do you have a concussion? Or a fractured skull!?

No, it's nothing like that. I suspect it's simply that he doesn't know who he is.

And not just himself. I doubt he remembers you, me, or anything else about this place.

I certainly can't.

The only thing I do remember is that I serve him loyally.

Even now, I know I would have no qualms about laying down my life to keep him safe.

？！

Please, don't strain yourself, my Lord. I am Iseult Bestinclass... No, wait, that's not right.

Yes, I remember now. My name is...Tristram. I'm sure of it.

See? It's written right here in Olde English on this name tag made from a leaf. (Obviously proud)

？！

Indeed. We now know that you are Lysander, I am Tristram, and she is Mash.

Hehe. I can say with absolute confidence that we three are trusted companions who wound up stranded together! (Super proud)

？！

...? (What's Olde English?)

So, we don't know who we are, and we can't even remember where we came from...

But we do know that there is something important we need to do...

...and we must have entered the Nameless Woods to accomplish it, in spite of the risks.

？！

Correct. The only other things we know are that, even among my colleagues...

I am a peerless genius, a masterful poet, and a peerless archer. I'm sorry I can't tell you more.

I see... (So he doesn't know anything.)

？！

W-well, it's pretty much the same for me as it is for you two. It kind of feels like I lost a lot of belongings.

At any rate...

What I do know is that we all collapsed in the Nameless Woods, then some faeries from this village found us and brought us here.

So the next question is, why did they do that? Are they slave traders? I think I've heard that's a big problem these days...

Oh man. I don't want to think about it, but if that's what this village is for, then

Hello. Are you all awake now?

Oh... I-I'm sorry if I startled you. I heard voices, so...

A-anyway, um, the others said I should come and fetch you all.

I mean, it is going to be night soon, so... You know.

(...Do you know this person, Lysander?)

？！

(...I see. Well, I don't sense any hostile intentions from her. She seems to me to be a good-hearted person. Or rather)

？！

...U-um...

C-c-can you still not move? I-in that case, we can talk later...

Oh... But, if I go back without you, everyone will scold me for being useless again...

Are you talking about the other faeries from this village?

Don't worry. You can go back ahead of us. We'll be right there as soon as we're done talking.

We'll be sure to tell the others that you were the one who fetched us.

...!

Th-then, I really was useful this time! Oh, I'm so glad! Th-th-thank you so much!

Please come to the town square when you're ready! Everyone else is there! S-see you there!

？！

...Yes, I guess we should.

I'm still concerned, but it doesn't looks like staying in here will help anything.

Besides, no matter what they ask us, we can honestly say we don't remember a single thing...

So at least we shouldn't be suspected of being from a bad city or supporting the wrong queen or anything like that!

???

These the ones that almost died in the woods!?

Goddamn, I've never seen humanoids without wings before! I swear, what's the Wind clan coming to these days? Heeheehee!

Please don't lump us in with the likes of them. These fae don't have so much as a hint of wing stumps.

They must be criminals who had their wings torn off as part of their punishment. They probably came here while trying to escape Darlington.

Pathetic. Just look at their twiggy little limbs. The only thing those'd be good for is firewood.

Then maybe we oughta chop 'em up and make a fire outta them! That'll brighten the night up!

？！

Hold on. Let's hear what they have to say first. That's our rule, after all.

You there. What is your clan? Your names? Which city do you hail from?

What is it you came here to Cornwall to escape?

I, um... I'm afraid we really can't tell you. The only thing we know is our names.

We don't know where we came from, or why we came here, or what our goal was... Nothing.

...Are you kidding me? You don't even know which city you're from?

Tch. Haven't even got a goal, huh.

Goddamn, that's awful. It's terrible. It just ain't right.

And here I was hoping we could get a nice ransom outta them!

Guess there's only one thing left to do with them now, then.

Indeed. Now that things have come to this

Yup. Only one thing to do.

We'll just hafta look after 'em ourselves! You hear that, everyone? We've got new friends!

Yaaaaaay! Heigh-hoooooo!

New friends! This calls for a celebration!

Here, we're all a bunch of nameless, worthless failures without anywhere left to live!

We've been strung up, pelted with rocks, and before we knew it, we found ourselves here on the tippy tip of the isle!

Nobody likes us! We'll all be gone by tomorrow! Even the queen herself won't come into the Nameless Woods we call home!

So welcome, comrades, to Cornwall, the dead-end village!

You guys've had a hard life, right? You've already suffered enough, right?

If we're all just a bunch of burnouts anyway, we might as well kick back, relax, and enjoy life here!

？！

Huh?

？！

I can't believe the party they threw to welcome us is still going into the night! These faeries are so nice!

I was also surprised to see what a good conversationalist you are, Lysander.

You seemed a little unsure of yourself at first, but then you started talking to faeries from both the Wind clan and the Earth clan without any hesitation...

...even though everyone in Faerie Britain knows you're supposed to pick one to side with.

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Huh? You mean you forgot about that, too? Really?

Nnn... That's going to be a problem. The Nameless Woods only make you forget yourself.

You should still be able to remember the customs you need to know to survive. At least, that's what I've heard...

What about you, Tristram? Do you remember anything about Faerie Britain, the Land of the Fae?

...

I guess you're in the same boat as Lysander then. All right, I'll catch you two up.

I don't know a great deal about the world, but I've at least been taught the basic

All right, everyone, quiet please! It's time to end today's festivities!

I know how you all feel, but there's nothing we can do about nightfall. We'll just have to resume the welcome party tomorrow.

Guess it just goes to show how time flies when you're having fun. All right, everyone. Let's head to our homes.

Later, Lysander! Later, Mash! Later, fae-of-few-words Tristram!

See that roof over there? That tent's yours. Go ahead and hide out in there until morning!

You there. Show Lysander and his companions to their dwelling, won't you?

Better hurry it up. Knowing her, you'll just get even more injured if you take your time.

Yeah, don't get carried away and start takin' 'em down any side paths, got it? If you do that, no one'll be able to find you guys once night gets here!

Y-yes, I know. I-I'll be fine. Thank you for giving me this job.

If you'll follow me, everyone, I'll show you back to the tent that's become your territory.

?

...

W-well, good night.

Don't worry. This tent may be a ways away from the town square, but it's still well within the village.

I promise you'll be able to relax and sleep without any forest animals coming in.

？！

Okay, I'm sure you're both tired after talking with so many faeries...

But I think we should finish our conversation from earlier before we go to sleep.

Faerie Britain, as you can probably tell by the name, is the Land of the Fae. You DO know that much, right?

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Good. Then next, we have the different kind of faeries.

It would take hours to go into all the details that differentiate the various kinds of faeries...

...so for now, let's just focus on the broader clans.

The clans represent the Land of the Fae's different races.

There's the Wind clan, the Earth clan, the Fang clan...

...the Wing clan, the Mirror clan, and the King Clan.

Members of the Wind clan, like Halobaromia, are humanoidfaeries that look just like humans, basically.

They're all very rational and peaceful, and they have excellent fae markings.

Members of the Earth clan, like Onpham, are solid, stout, and stocky humanoids.

They're the hardest working of all the clans, so we need their help to make roads and buildings.

Members of the Fang clan, like Douga, are basically wolves that live as one with the land.

They love to fight, and they're very good at it.

It's even said that we fae folk wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the Fang clan fighting for us.

As for the Wing and Mirror clans, well...

There aren't many rumors about the Wing clan, so I don't know very much about them.

And the Mirror clan used to be the most popular clan in all of Faerie Britain, but then, a few years ago, they disappeared along with their entire city...

？！

Hmph. Do you really want to know, Lys?

The King Clan is the biggest bunch of good-for-nothings in all the land! The only thing they ever make is trouble!

Even though there's only one of them left, she looks down her nose at all the other clans, like she's sooo much better than us!

I mean, who goes around bragging to a sweet, innocent country girl about how great her life is in the big city?

Then there's those flamboyant clothes she wears, and all her servants, and her oh-so-cool plan for her future... Ugh, I wish she'd just die!

？！

Sorry. That may not have been entirely fair. Please, just forget I said anything.

The King Clan is kind of a special case. You see, there's really only one of them...

But she's also kind of a, well, protective queen bee type who welcomes anyone who serves her as a King Clan member in their own right...

If you ever have the misfortune of meeting her yourself one day, Lysander, you'll see what I mean.

It's obvious to pretty much anyone with eyes.

Everything about her, from the way she looks to the way she acts, just screams:

"Yikes, she's a real piece of work. I'd better not even make eye contact, or she'll ruin my whole life!"

On a different subject...

Are you okay, Tristram? You've seemed on edge for a while now.

...That's because I am. No... It wouldn't be a stretch to say I'm afraid.

I haven't had a moment's rest ever since we went to the town square.

The villagers may have seemed weak, even feeble to the two of you...

...but while I may lack my memories, I do know that they are to be feared merely by dint of being fae folk.

Even that fae girl who showed us the way to the square holds some manner of Mystic.

They may not have said anything about it, but they have power far beyond any human.

Just remember: it would be an easy thing for these faeries to slaughter us all if they decided to do so.

Ahh, how terrifying...

？！

...

I guess you must have served in the military at one point, Tristram.

I can't even imagine two faeries fighting each other.

Maybe I could see it for one of the purge kniI mean, soldiers who serve the queen in her castle...

But I was taught that faeries always resolve their differences through peaceful discussion, no matter what they may be.

Well I suppose there might be the occasional eccentric exception to the rule...

But there wasn't a single faerie at that square who disliked us.

...You may be right. I certainly didn't sense any hostility from them...

Of course. They're not dangerous at all. They're all so peaceful it's almost hard to belieHm?

Forgive us. Forgive us. No more prayers. Close your eyes.

There's not much fun time left. The veil has fallen. Extinguish the light.

Today is ending. Farewell. This day, too, will end, forever.

Forgive us. Forgive us. Forgive us our sins.

It's too late to do anything now but make sure everything is cleaned up!

...It looks like it's time for lights out now. Let's pick this back up tomorrow.

I'd hate to do anything to upset them after they've been so welcoming to us.

？！

... (Nodding quietly)

Let's see, this must be it. Oh wow, it's one of those new glass lamps that are all the rage right now!

There must be an Earth clan faerie or two from Norwich here. I'll have to track them down tomorrow!

Anyway, good night, Lysander. Good night, Tristram.

You know, I was kind of worried when I first woke up, but I'm so glad you two turned out to be good people!

Huh? Why did you stop?

...What's that? You just didn't feel right saying it?

...I see. Well, that makes sense. It must be a very important name to you.

It's okay, Lysander. These things happen. Okay, good night. For real this time.

？！

G-good morning, everyone. I-I've been asked to show you around the village today.

Our territory isn't all that big though, so it won't take very long.

Cornwall is built on the remains of an ancient city.

When the Tam Lin defeated the lord of Cornwall about two-hundred years ago...

...the lord cursed the woods with a fog that would rob faeries of their memories.

...This village was a-abandoned not long after.

From there, it became the most dangerous area in all of Britain. Even the queen wouldn't come near it.

Nobody will follow you in here. It's basically a penal colony.

Ahaha, who are the Tam Lin? Teehee, good one.

...No, not exactly...

？！

This territory is a home for all kinds of outcast faeries.

Fae whose roles have ended, fae who aren't worth anything anymore, fae who lost their friends, fae who lost their purpose...

All we can do now is wait for our livesour fatesto come to an end.

Every faerie here is so kind. They'd much rather help each other than compete with one another.

But...there isn't a place for fae like that in Her Majesty's Britain.

Dying is much better than having members of your own clan laugh at you, or ignore you, or steal from you...

So everyone here came to this forest to end things. At least, that's what I think...

I don't know what to say...

Hey, it's Lysander! Man, yesterday was a blast, huh!?

Anyone who enjoys a good meal as much as you do is all right in my book! Hope you're hungry, 'cause I'll be bringing plenty more food back with me today!

Good day, Lysander. I must say, your voice is as warm and full of life as the spring breeze.

Why not try your hand at a song today? I'll even break out my harp for the first time in ages.

Hey, Lysander. Let me know if you need any of your clothes mended.

I've still got some cloth from Norwich left over, and I'm sure you'd look good in whatever I whip up.

(Bewildered at the difference in treatment.)

Y-you certainly are popular, aren't you, Lysander? I mean, I'm in much the same boat myself, but... Haha...

I guess you just have that certain, um...je ne sais quoi about you? I'm kind of oblivious when it comes to that sort of thing, so...

Really? I think you're perfectly wonderful too, Mash.

Lysander just has a kind of refreshing aura about him. His presence alone makes things more fun.

But your aura is more...warm? Bright? I'm not sure what the right word is...

I can only say there's something nostalgic about it. It reminds me of more peaceful times.

Ehehe. You're spot on! As a matter of fact, my cheerful nature is the only thing I've got going for me!

I've long made it a point to keep smiling, no matter what the circumstances might be! Thank you so much!

Hehe. Yes, that's true. There's nothing better than a smile.

All right, let me show you around the rest of the village.

As long as you know how big our territory is, you won't disappear until the day of endings.

Well, that's our village's territory. Is there anything else you'd like to know?

The Nameless Woods' fog never comes into this village, right? How thick is it outside the village walls?

Also, if this village used to be a city, does that mean there's still a road back inland?

Hmm... The fog isn't too thick as long as you don't go deep into the woods, but that won't stop you from getting lost.

And the road back inland is completely overgrown now, so it's all but impossible to find.

I see... Then I guess we'll need to really put our minds to it if we ever want to leave these woods.

Huh? You want to leave, Mash?

Huh? Oh, no, not at all. I was just curious.

You don't want to leave either, right, Lysander? I mean, you came to the Nameless Woods of your own volition, so.

？！

I see. ...That makes sense to me.

I had a feeling you three were a little different from the other fae who come here.

I was even wondering if maybe you actually ended up lost in here by mistake somehow.

Well, if there's anything you ever need, please let me know.

I'm not much good for anything besides showing faeries around, but I promise I'll help however I can as long as it doesn't get me in trouble.

Okay, I think we've got the lay of the land now.

Now that it's just the three of us, shall we get to it, Lysander?

？！

Oh, silly! You really are an incorrigible jokester, aren't you!

What else could I possibly be talking about in a situation like this besides testing our skills!?

Now come on! Let's head out into the forest for a bit and see how good we are, and what kind of tactics we excel at!

Magecraft is power, and as they say, if you don't use it, you lose it!

N-n-not at all! I-I-I feel just terrible about this!

That you have basically no fighting ability must mean you come from such high social standing that you don't need to do your own fighting, so...

Oh my gosh! Are you the son of one of the clan chiefs, Lysander!? A-and here I've been treating you just like anyone else!

I'm so sorry! You must think I have no manners at all!

Can we please just forget this happened? I promise I'll do better starting tomorrow!

？！

Please, don't worry about it, Lysander. If anything, I'm more convinced than ever.

I can't remember why, but I now know for sure that this is what you're meant to do.

I may have been so intimidated by the faeries' sheer physical capabilities last night that I didn't act appropriately, but that won't happen again.

I see now that you have the makings of a great leader, like a winning football coach.

I even get the sense that as long as you're here to guide us, everything will somehow work out in the end.

？！

Heh... Please, just call me Tristram.

...

That's right! We're outcasts!

A buncha losers who couldn't even pay the annual existence tax to keep us in the queen's reign!

It was just a matter of time until we decided to come into these woods and forget everything we ever wanted to accomplish!

But don't worry. There's no need to be afraid.

We may have escaped from the city, but we're all still in the same boat.

Soon, the calamity will bring everything to an end, and only a few will survive.

So we may as well live the rest of our days here in peace.

We, all of us, from six different clans, live for festivities!

We're scared of the queen, we're scared of the mors, and most of all, we're scared of ourselves!

？！

What a lovely song. A simple tempo, to be sure, but there's something strangely invigorating about it...

I would think it was improvised if they didn't seem so familiar with it.

Well, of course they are. These kinds of festivals where everyone comes together are what all fae live for.

It's the only time the Wind and Earth clans can set aside their differences.

...Well, as long as they don't drink too much, anyway.

There are some faeries who really do get drunk on the...atmosphere, I guess?

What, had enough already, Lysander? No need to hold back. You only just got here.

Or was your journey here even harder than we thought?

Those marks on your right hand are unusual, but they're still Command Spells, right? And three of them, no less... Damn, you poor thing.

Well, don't worry. You can forget all about that now. No one here's gonna force you to do anything.

You did good, hanging in there until now. Especially for one as twiggy as you are.

？！

C-c'mon, you don't gotta get weepy on me.

No, it's okay. Just take as much time to rest as you need. When you get bored, you can help us out with village stuff.

What a kind faerie. Although... Command Spells...

Nnn, I feel like I'm THIS close to remembering something, but I can't quite get there. Ugh, it's so frustrating.

Okay, everyone, settle down, please! That's all for tonight!

I can definitely tell what time it is because I'm not drunk. Nope, definitely no drunkenness here.

Now, go on. It's time to get back to our tents before the beasts come out.

Don't blame me if you end up getting eaten alive! Marm! Thania! Dumbleton!

We Wind fae can make it back quicker than anyone! The responsibility of keeping order falls to us, the most beautiful clan of all.

Hmph! I see Halobaromia's just as much of an ass drunk as he is sober!

All right, let's get back home so we can be ready for tomorrow's feast! Later, Lysander!

Oh, I'll have to show you around our athletic field tomorrow! There's nothing more fun than a good ball game!

I guess that's all for today's welcome party then. Though it sounds like it'll pick back up tomorrow.

Indeed. Now that I understand we've truly been welcomed with open arms, I'm enjoying myself quite a lot.

Even though you still haven't relaxed your grip on that...um, bow?

Yes, well...it seems old habits DO die hard.

Apparently, I used to keep my fingers on my bow strings even when I was asleep.

I swear, between keeping my ears peeled and reading the wind 24/7, I guess I must have really loved training...

Oh well, I'm sure any habit can be broken eventually, especially since we shouldn't have to fight here.

Now, come on, Lysander, Mash. We should head back to our own tent.

Hey, you! Make sure you clean this place thoroughly! We're doing this again tomorrow, remember!

Y-yes, sir. You, um, do want me to clean up after everyone, right?

'Course I do, idiot! What else could I've meant!? Can't you do anything on your own!?

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I promise I'll do my best!

...

？！

Never mind that, Lysander. Let's just head back to our tent. We're still outsiders here, after all.

We should get a grasp on the situation before we go poking our noses in their business.

You wouldn't want someone you barely know telling you how to live your life, right?

Even if all the fae who live here are peaceful, we're still not in a strong position.

We've got nowhere to run if something goes wrong.

So we need to be extra cautious here. You understand, right?

Great. We can ask about it tomorrow.

I'm sure whatever seems off to you now will all make sense once we've talked to them about it.

Good, I'm glad you understan Wait. What!? Did you not hear me at all!?

(Huff, huff...) I really wasn't expecting you to take off like that...

Well, now that we've come this far, I guess I'll just have to stick my nose in, too!

This generally isn't my kind of thing, but no there's turning back now!

...Huh? I don't see anyone else here.

I thought we heard someone forcing someone else to clean up...but it's still just as messy as before.

？！

？！

I guess so. Well, as long as there's no trouble, that's all that matters.

Now come on, we really should get back to our tent. Apparently, it's dangerous here at night.

？！

Good morning, Lysander. Did you sleep well last ni

...I'm sorry. I just can't seem to put my heart into it...

Lysander... Lysander... Something about that name just doesn't sound right.

It's still a mess out here! What the hell were you doing, you damn good-for-nothing!?

That came from the square. Shall we go see what's going on, Lysander?

？！

This is awful. We can't possibly put on another feast tonight.

Why didn't you do anything? You hate Lysander or something?

Not at all... It's just...

...I, um, forgot what I was supposed to do...

The next thing I knew, it was morning...and you were all yelling at me...

Looks like it happened to her again, Douga. Guess we're SOL.

...Ugh, forget it. I should've known better than to ask you in the first place.

Just go. Get lost, and don't ever come back near the village. I don't wanna see your stupid face again.

Really? Thank you so much for forgiving me! I hope you'll invite me to the next one, too!

Oh, hey, Lysander! Yesterday sure was a hoot, huh?

？！

Hm? That faerie girl?

Hey, what was her name again?

The hell should I know? Damn, what was it again? I think she told us when she first showed up.

I'm pretty sure it was Hoh or Phu or something stupid like that!

Hmm, is that what it was? ...I guess she had a name at first, too.

Ah well, once you start forgetting your own name even without the fog, you're done for.

Don't bother about her, Lysander. You don't wanna catch her nameless disease.

So, she doesn't have a name? Is that why you treat her like that?

Whadda ya mean? No faerie without a name's worth anything, right? It's not like anyone'd miss 'em if they were gone.

Yeah, she doesn't even have a place here. Her tent's outside the village.

Yep, our territory just doesn't have room to spare for her. But I will say I'm impressed she's still alive.

She might get more banged up every day, but she's still got all her arms and legs. Who knows? Maybe she used to be some kinda big shot.

Not that it's doin' her much good now!

Guess not even the beasts of the forest got any interest in nameless meat!

...

Anyway, that's enough about her. C'mon, Lysander!

I told you we were gonna play football at noon today, right? See you at the athletic field!

...What would you like to do now that they've left for the athletic field, Lysander?

？！

I do. As the, uh, name suggests, they're faeries who have lost their names.

While we lost our memories in the Nameless Woods, sometimes, faeries lose their names all on their own.

In general, faeries don't age or die like humans or animals...

But we ARE born with a purposesomething we can lose ourselves in.

Faeries who lose that purpose lose their names, and then grow steadily weaker until they die.

That's what happened to that girl. It must have been quite some time since she lost her name.

？！

I'm sure it is. Faeries tend to shun faeries who have lost their names.

Honestly, the fact that she's even allowed inside this village speaks volumes about these faeries' generosity.

...I know what you're thinking, Lysander, but we can't.

If we invite her to stay in our tent, it will really upset the faeries in this village.

The best we can do...

...is visit her home and get rid of anything that might be dangerous.

We may not be able to invite her into the village where it's safe...

...but I'd be happy to at least make her home just as safe as the village.

？！

Huh? Um, why are you holding my hand?

...You're shaking my hand to express your gratitude and faith in me, huh? That's a new one on me...

But there's something really nice about it! I think I like this custom too, Lysander!

!

？！

There. I've driven the beasts back a bit and opened up some space for the girl.

I swear on my bewitched bow that I won't let them take another step toward her.

Thank you, Tristram! I'll take it from here! Hey! You leave her alone right now!

Cruel though it may be, I made sure to aim for spots that would be extra painful.

Hopefully, this will teach the other beasts that this part of the forest is dangerous.

I agree, that seems like the best way to go.

At any rate, that was amazing shooting, Tristram! Are you sure you don't remember being a soldier? Or maybe a hunter?

Either way, the king you used to serve must have been proud to have you!

Yes, well... I certainly hope so.

(That's weird. I can't sense any magical energy when he plucks his harp...)

(Does that mean he's from the Wind clan? But then, he doesn't seem to have enough magical energy for that...)

？！

Huh...? Wh-what's going on?

Did you...do that for me?

Yes, we did. Lysander insisted on checking up on you.

Are you all right? Did those beasts hurt you before we got here?

O-oh, no, I'm fine. I'm used to this sort of thing.

S-so, um, is there something more I can do for you? I already showed you around the village yesterday...

？！

We wanted to thank you for all your help yesterday.

You were so kind to us that we thought the least we could do is make your home safe from beasts.

...

Ehe. Ehehe. Ehehehe. That's so nice of you... It makes me so happy...

I guess this means I really was useful then. I'm so happy to hear that. It's been so long since I was useful.

Oh, I know. I'll bless you with good fortune in return for... Um...

...I'm sorry. I forgot how to cast blessings...

And I don't have a tent, so...there's nothing I can give you in return...

？！

Really?

Huh. Did I already give you some of the flowers I picked this morning and just forget I did?

Lysander, Tristram, why don't you go back to the village without me?

I'm going to put up a Bounded Field to ward off other beasts, but it's going to take some time.

Oh? Well, then we'll stay here until you're done too.

Those beasts could come back at any time, so Lysander and I can protect you while you put up the Bounded Field.

No, that's okay. I can handle those beasts alone if it comes to that.

...I see. Well, if you're sure... Is that all right with you, Lysander?

？！

All right, I'll see you two later, then! Have fun with the other faeries!

...

There, all done. You won't have to worry about beasts coming for you here anymore.

Well, at least for a few weeks, anyway. It's only magecraft, not sacrament, so it won't last forever...

But at least for those few weeks, you'll be able to rest easy knowing you're safe.

Magecraft... The mysterious power the queen uses...

I didn't know you could use it too, Mash.

Is using magecraft the "hot new thing" in the outside world now?

Uh... I don't know about that. I mean, half my magecraft is stuff I kind of taught myself...

Besides, that stuff's kind of why I ran away in the first place...

I mean, me, save Britain with magecraft like this? That's just not possible...

Um... Mash?

I'm so sorry if I asked something I shouldn't have...

Don't be. That was just a bad habit of mine.

You're not the reason I was feeling sad just now. Do me a favor and just forget about it, please?

More importantly...

...I think it might be better if you moved away from that village.

It's not the other faeries' fault, necessarily. You're just not a good fit for it.

...

What about Salisbury? ...No, wait. They're very hostile to Wind faeries with damaged wings there.

How about Norwich? They say faeries and humans live side by side there.

And who knows? If you find a human who's a good fit for you, maybe you'll even find a new purpose, too.

Thank you, but I'd rather stay here.

Even if I did find a new purpose, I still wouldn't have a name.

I think I must be exhausted. Nothing ever goes right for me, no matter what I do or what help I receive...

I must have been so despondent with myself that I even forgot the most important thing of allmy name...

So...I don't need to go anywhere. Here, nobody will be angry at my old self.

Here, nobody will blame me for being a terrible faerie who wasted her life unable to fulfill her purpose.

...

But... I-I am... I'm r-really sad...

Not because the other faeries in the village hate me...

But because I can't remember my purpose anymore...or my name...

...

I see. I guess not having a name really is a terrible thing.

In that case, what about this? I just came up with the idea now, but...

Thank you, Mash. This is the happiest I've ever been in my life.

Oh come on. Now you're just being nice

...I see. Then I'm happy you're happy.

Still, don't forget, this is our little secret. If the villagers find out, we'll both get in trouble.

I'm sure they'd say something like, "Even a village of outcasts has rules!"

Or "Cornwall doesn't need any weird made-up customs!"

That's true. You might not know by looking at him, but Halobaromia actually used to be an aide to Lady Aurora.

Even now, he still admires the "elegant faerie way of life."

I really love that about him.

I feel the same way! He might act high-and-mighty, but I could tell right away that he really cares about the village!

...Oh, gosh, I didn't realize we'd been talking for so long. I'd better get back to the village.

I'll come again tomorrow, okay? In the meantime, enjoy your peaceful night's sleep.

I will. Bye-bye, Mash. See you tomorrow.

See you...tomorrow... ...Huh?

Ow... What just happened? Why does my right eye hurt so much...?

Where's a puddle I can use for a mirror... There. Now, what's going on with my eye

Ah

...I see. So I've turned dark. I guess I'm done for now.

And just when something finally worked out for me, too...

Good morning. It may be a shame to not have a banquet, but there is an upside: we got to bed earlier!

So, what would you like to do today?

If you don't have anything particular in mind, I'd like to go outside the village again, myself...

？！

Huh? You're...hungry?

Oh, good morning, Lysander. I'm sorry we couldn't give you the welcome you deserve last night.

Fortunately, we should be able to make up for it tonight, so I do hope you're looking forward to it.

...Hm? Is something wrong? You don't seem like yourself.

？！

Huh? You're hungry because you didn't have anything to eat?

Haha, don't be ridiculous. NEEDING to eat? It's not like you're human or som

...Wait. You're serious? You know, now that you mention it...

Oh my, I can't believe it! I never thought such a thing could be possible!

？！

Everyone, I have big news! Lysander is human! We have an unregistered human with us!

Huh? Come on, it's too early for this nonsense. There's no way a human would be here of all

I'm not joking! Take a closer look! It's not that his wings were torn off. He never had them to begin with!

Hurry! Come quick! We can't let him get out to the woods!

Oh my goodness, I feel terrible about this! If only I'd realized it sooner!

Now I'm even more sorry we didn't give you the kind of welcome you deserve, Lysander!

But don't worry, we're going to make up for that right now with a really, really fun welcome party! Ahh, what a wonderful day this is!

Let me see... Oh wow, you're right! Lysander really IS human!

A human! A human! Hooray! No wonder being around him made us all so happy!

This is great! Now we'll never have to worry about turning into mors!

？！

Oh no! I almost forgot! Be careful, Lysander! If you tell them you're hungry

Aaah! I'm too laaate!

Are you human, too? You are, aren't you!? You don't have wings OR Command Spells!

How about the guy with the harp? Is he human? No, wait, he's a faerie!

That's right! He didn't eat anything! But who cares!? Just put him with the others! It's easier that way!

Here, Lysander, Mash, and Tristram! Please, let me show you to the best spot in town!

From now on, you'll be staying in a tent at the town square, right in the middle of the village! Ahh, there's so much to do, I don't know where to begin!

...Welp.

It's been half a day since we were packed into this tent without so much as a word of explanation...

How's the food they've been bringing you every hour, Lysander?

？！

We're not allowed to go out, and there are faeries guarding outside the tent in shifts...

This isn't a welcome party. We are prisoners.

Do you know why this happened to us, Mash?

...Because Lysander is human.

Thinking about it now, I was a little surprised myself to see how much you enjoyed that fruit...

I should have realized it then, but I haven't seen many humans either...

？！

I'm, um...not entirely sure.

I think I'm a faerie...but I also feel like I've been called humanlike at one point or another...

But never mind that now. Right now, we need to focus on the situation at hand.

You might think they're giving Lysander a warm reception now, but it's only going to heat up as time goes on.

Really? Even more than this?

Yes, really. You see, humans are very important sources of sustenance for faeries.

Just having a human nearby makes them happier, almost like a mental balm.

But these days, the human population is carefully managed by the queen...

...leaving lower-class faeries without any humans for themselves.

In fact, the faeries of this village wound up here because they didn't have humans.

So, um... If nothing else, I'm sure they'll take good care of you, Lysander.

But...

Yay, humans! Humans in the village!

And not defective ones from the rebel army, or ones made for the queen! Real, high-quality humans!

This is so great! We'll have to keep them safe so they don't get hurt!

We'll have to figure out what they eat too. They say you can't just give them nuts and fruit.

Humans like meat, right? So we'll have to go hunt some meat in the woods!

Man, I'm so jealous of the guards. I can't wait until it's my turn.

I just wanna be near them... I wanna make them laugh, make them uncomfortable, make them cry...

I wanna comb their hair, and pull off their fingers, and skin them alive...

Too bad there's only two of them. No fair that Halobaromia gets to decide who goes first.

We'll never all get a piece of them that way. I just know I'm gonna miss out.

Yeah. We should just chop them to pieces and share with everyone!

I'll take the left eye, and you can have the right!

Yeah, yeah! I'll take the ring finger, you take the middle one!

Yaaay! That way, everyone can each get a piece!

Hey. What do you guys think you're doing? It's not your turn yet. Get back to your tents.

And don't try anything with Lysander. You shoulda seen him on the athletic field.

He used his head to score a goal! His head! I've never seen anyone play football like that!

He's a really entertaining lad. As long as he's around, we're gonna have more fun than we've ev

You talk too much, Douga. We don't need talkers.

We can't help ourselves. There's only two of them. Only two of them.

Let's chop 'em up and share 'em with everyone! Let's chop 'em up and share 'em with everyone!

But we're the only ones who're gonna get a share! The Fang clan's gonna keep 'em all to ourselves!

The Earth and Wind clans talk too much, too. Let's get 'em before they get us!

？！

...

I'm not sure exactly why, but the faeries seem to be fighting amongst themselves now.

I suspect it has something to do with different clans wanting to keep you all to themselves.

The why isn't important now though. You're obviously not safe here. We need to leave right away.

？！

Let's head inland. Once we get through this village, we can make our way to the hilly area.

From there, there's a highway. And once we get there, we can think about where to go next.

But first, yes, we do need to do something about the guards outside...

Unfortunately, I doubt you and I alone will be any match for them.

Remember, these faeries are all very powerful. There's no way a human couldOh?

...Oh good, you're all still okay. Thank goodness.

I noticed something was off in the village this morning, so I've been keeping an eye on things from afar.

It's awful out there. First everyone was yelling at each other, and now they've started fighting...

Halobaromia was doing his best to calm everyone down, but I don't think it worked...

Hey, keep an eye on things near the tent. Don't let anyone near it.

I know we killed all the Wind clan bastards, but there's still some Fangs out there.

Ain't no way we're letting those veggie lovers take the humans away from us. We've gotta divide 'em both up evenly among the Earth clan.

？！

It's no use, Lysander. They're not the faeries you knew anymore.

They're being driven wild by their bloodlust.

Come with me. I can get you out through the weak stitching in the cloth where I snuck in.

You do want to get out into the woods, right?

Then please, trust me. I know a way inland. Now come on! Hurry!

Those are Earth clan faeries? They look nothing like they used to...

Ahh, how this saddens me. What do I see now but the devil?

Stop that, Tristram! You can't play your harp now! They'll hear us!

Hm? Hey, did you just hear something?

Maybe one of the Wind clan bastards survived. Kesli, Gam, go check it out.

The rest of us'll head to the tent. Crush their legs first. That'll keep them from running.

？！

I'm so sorry. My fingers moved before I realized what I was doing...

Anyway, yes, we need to get out of the village! I'll bring up the rear!

This way, everyone! Please, follow me!

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

Yes, this is it... Once you cross those three hills, you'll be far enough inland...

Are you all okay? I know we've been running nonstop...

？！

Indeed. There were two faeries after us, but it seems we lost them after we crossed that first hill.

They must have gotten lost in the fog.

I guess all that time you spent living outside in the forest must have paid off.

Thank you for showing us the way. You've been a huge help.

But...are you sure about this?

Now that you've helped us escape...doesn't that mean you can never go back to that village?

Yes, it does.

But please don't worry about that, Mash.

My home is safe now, thanks to you.

Now please, don't worry about me. You need to leave the forest as soon as possible.

Go. Quickly...before the villagers find you.

I have to put more distance...between you and them...

Am I...? ...I see. But, we're almost there now...

Hm? What mark?

？！

Ahh, I can smell the wind now... It smells just like good old Salisbury earth...

Soon, we'll be out of the woods... Not much...longer...

Ahh, beautiful Britain... You haven't changed a bit... You're just as I remember from when I had a name...

Hehe... Hehehe... Almost there... Just a little more...

I see a slope up ahead. That must be the last hill.

Once we cross it, we'll be out of these woods...

Thank you. We could never have made it this far without What's wrong!?

Gah...! Gaaaaaah!

Oh my gosh! Are you okay!? Are you hurt!? Why don't we take a little

Aaaaaaah! Shut up! Just shut up!

Don't touch me! Don't touch meeeeee!

It hurts! It hurts! It hurts so damn much!

It's been hurting for all these hundreds of years I've spent alone!

They kept forcing me to do things I couldn't do! Hundreds of years of endless frustration!

Nobody ever helped me before! Nobody ever even noticed me before!

So why did you have to be kind to me now, when it's already too late!?

Idiots! You're idiots!!! Have you really not figured it out yet!? I tricked you!

The only reason I brought you out here is so I could keep you all to myself! Why else would I be doing this!?

Aghhh, ghhh... Why did I

Aaaaaaah!

...Get ready, Tristram, Lysander. She's not a faerie anymore.

She's mors nowjust a thing that can no longer speak or listen.

It's a dark sludge that fouls the world just by existing... It is Britain's curse, and it is death to faeries.

...

...Be careful, Lysander. She's not done yet.

But...she's not trying to attack anymore. Is she...trying to tell us something?

...

Pardon me.

... ...

I hope you don't mind. I didn't want to make you three put her out of her misery.

As I know the mors well, I thought I should be the one to do what was necessary.

(That rapier strike came from behind us like the wind! And there's something familiar about them...)

...Sorry about that. You're free now. May you find peace in your next life.

No way... You're... You're...

Hey there, Fujimaru. Nice to meet you. Sorry I took so long to get here.

Then again, I guess that's pretty confusing too, judging from the look on your face. Hehe.

A king doesn't typically introduce himself, but none of my attendants are here, so I suppose I don't have a choice!

I am Oberon, a Heroic Spirit summoned here by humanity.

I'm the one and only Servant in all this Lostbelt who's destined to help you.

Most people know me as Oberon the Faerie King. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?

Most people know me as Oberon the Faerie King. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?

？！

Indeed. You are Fujimaru, the Master of Chaldea.

And I am Tristan, knight of the bewitched bow, and the Child of Sadness.

At last, I finally remember everything.

As for you, Mash, your name's not really Mash

Oberon...? Not Merlin?

Merlin?

O-oh, I'm sorry. You're just, um...not exactly who I was expecting.

But you look so much like someone I was thinking about that it threw me off for a moment.

Ahem. At any rate, I remember who I am now, too.

My name is Caster. Altria Caster.

Oh, but that's kind of a mouthful, isn't it?

Really, Caster was just my name in the village I'm from, so please, call me Altria.

I'm relieved to see you've got your names back. Now, we'd better hurry, or you'll get caught in that fog again.

Go on, get going. See those trees over there? That's your goal.

First, you should all see what Britain is really like. After that, we'll have plenty to talk about.

？！

I agree! Let's go, Fujimaru!

It's time you saw the twilight island home of so many faeries...

The utopia of wind, earth, and life, blessed by song and rain... The Isle of Britain!