Norwich (I)

Hey, old man! How's that armor repair I asked you for coming along!?

Oh, that? I finished it ages ago! Only took me two days to rehammer the whole thing!

I know you've been taking good care of it, but it's time you put it to pasture!

If I were you, I'd stop by the brass shop and choose a new set already!

You roast apples here!? Doesn't that make them hot!?

Wait, there's something on it! Something see-through and shiny!

This your first time in Norwich, good sir Fang?

This here's a new addition to the Count's menu. You won't find it anywhere in stuffy old Oxford.

Here, have a taste if you don't believe me. Don't worry, this one's on the house. We're handing them out for free all over the commercial district!

Dammit, where'd the chimney sweep faerie go!?

You! It's your job to get rid of the soot! What've you been doing out here!?

Ah, come on, good sir human, what's the harm? That thing's gonna be falling on our heads soon enough.

Once it does, it'll blow away all the soot anyway. Along with the rest of your apartment building!

That's not the point!

Even when you know it's going to rain tomorrow, you still need to wash the windows! Even when you know a storm is coming, you still need to keep the yard neat!

Why? Because you never know when a new potential tenant might show up!

You can't run a business while passing up opportunities for new clientele!

Haha, guess you're right about that! No wonder they call you the Spriggan of this street!

Guess there really is no beating a human when it comes to making money! Don't go dying on me, old man!

...This is all you guys got done yesterday? You're not slacking off on me, are you?

I swear, everyone's been on edge since they heard Morgan abandoned the city.

Even the soldiers are all holed up in Spriggan's tower instead of making their patrols.

Don't you guys see? This is the perfect opportunity.

All we gotta do is "borrow" a little from the guys who won't even notice it's gone...

The harbor's off limits!? Dammit! And just when Faerie Britain's first ocean liner is docked right there!

They say Inabamaru's construction's like nothing else! Do you want us to lose to the Count's Cutty Sark!?

I'm sorry, but until the new lumber shipment comes in, there's nothing I can do. I wonder what Lord Spriggan's planning to do about this...

It's so...

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Right? Welcome to Norwich, Faerie Britain's only port town.

One of the laws passed during the Era of the High Queen prohibited the construction of any new iron weapons.

So for about nineteen-hundred years, there were no iron weapons made in Faerie Britain whatsoever.

But...

Oberon! I thought that was you! You always do stand out!

What the hell are you doing in Norwich!? Haven't you seen the sky!?

Hm? Oh, you mean those rain clouds? Yes, I did think those were odd, since the rainy season's supposed to be over now.

But it's going to take more than a few rain clouds to put a damper on Norwich, right, Nack?

Besides, a good actor is never far from where there's fun to be had.

Norwich is about to have the party of a lifetime, yes? Of course the Faerie King's not gonna miss that.

Ha... Haha, you got that right! You really are something else, Oberon!

We scoundrels of Norwich knew we were asking for trouble when we broke the law and turned this town into a smithing city!

Compared to the queen's sheer might, this calamity pool is nothing!

Thanks, Oberon! Make sure to come by the shop later! The wife's a big fan of yours, you know!

Damn, who was that Earth clan faerie? He had one hell of an aura about him.

How long's he been working the forge? Gotta be more than two or three hundred years.

I know what you mean. Nack, was it? He had the same incredibly obstinate aura as you do!

Uh, that ain't what I was talking about...

Hahaha. If you're curious about Nack, I can take you to his smithy later.

I believe he's a low-class faerie who's been around for four hundred years, so he knows pretty much everything about the history of smithing in Faerie Britain.

Four hundred years!? Even though he's a low-class faerie!?

It's because his purpose hasn't changed. He's still just as capable a smith as ever.

Now, where was I...? Oh, right.

One hundred years ago, Spriggan led Norwich to greater prosperity by rolling back the "no iron weapons" law.

The law was originally passed because iron weapons are dangerous to faeries, and having more of them in circulation would inevitably result in more homicideser, faericides.

But then, between the northern faeries' suspicious activity, the rise in the number of mors...

...and above all, the developments in human technology, it was clear the fae folk would need to rely on iron again.

Spriggan was able to convince the queen of the necessity, and she relented.

Ever since, Norwich went from being a city of faeries to a city where the laws of smithing come first.

While Salisbury is the only city that grants humans their freedom under Faerie Britain's rules...

All are equal under the laws of artisanry in Norwich.

Here, while some faeries still have human slaves, others respect humans for their skill at smithing.

In fact, there are even some human merchants who are so respected that they have a steady pool of faerie labor they regularly exploit.

You mean, there are human company owners slave-driving faerie employees here?

That's right. You won't find their stores on Main Street, though. They're more under-the-counter outfits.

Faeries are pure by nature, which also makes them gullible.

There is no end of faeries here who are worked to the point of dying from exhaustion.

...and they don't even have one Morpound to show for it.

Suffice it to say, Norwich is known for both its smithing and its loose morals.

But then, that's just how it is for all human cities, isn't it? Nice, shiny storefronts next to filthy back alleys.

And Spriggan, the head of the Earth clan and lord of this city, hasn't been at all shy about promoting those kinds of ventures.

Sometimes, it even feels as though he's trying to turn Norwich into a human city...

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Um... So, is the fact that there's a calamity pool in the sky here now a kind of judgment on Norwich?

Like, is it just nature's way of punishing the city for its misdeeds or something?

Of course not. There's good and bad in any city. Norwich is hardly special in that sense.

It winding up the site of the next calamity is just coincidence, really.

Hmm... You know, since it looks like we still have some time, why don't we split up for a while?

Go visit whatever part of the city interests you.

After all, we're trying to save this city from the calamity pool that's hanging right above it.

Getting to know it on your own terms before you set about defending it can only be a good thing.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Besides, I was just thinking I could use some more information on that giant...rain cloud calamity pool.

Will you come with me, Fujimaru?

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I think I'd like to visit Nack's smithy.

I could use a good blacksmith to make a magecraft item I've been wanting to try out.

I'll go with you then. I'm curious to see what a faerie smithy's like.

Besides, I'm your bodyguard.

The smithy, huh... Guess I'd only get in the way if I went along, too...

In that case, how about sampling the local delicacies with me while we look for a place to stay?

Really!? That sounds great! I'm with you, Oberon!

Then it's settled. We'll meet back up here on this street around lunchtime.

Oh, and while Fujimaru shouldn't draw much attention walking around on his own here...

I'd still appreciate you looking out for him in case any of the guards decide to question him, Da Vinci.

Don't worry. If that happens, I'll just pretend I'm Fujimaru's big sister!

Okay, Norwich sightseeing sounds good and all, but first, there are two other things we need to take care of.

First, we need to find out everything we can about that dark cloud...the calamity pool hanging above our heads.

That includes what kind of harm it's doing now... What kind of harm it's expected to do later...

Whether it's even possible for us to get rid of it... That sort of thing.

And the other thing is

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Haha, guess that one went without saying, huh!

Okay, let's start with the stores over on Main Street.

We don't have a lot of time, so let's just get in there and ask as many questions as we can, no matter how weird they look at us!

A human girl in black armor?

Hmm. I see humans in armor every day, since the Round Table Army comes here to buy supplies...

But I've never seen a girl with black armor among them. She does sound kind of familiar, though...

But hey, never mind that. Now that you're here, why not buy some news about the Child of Prophecy?

I've got a story about her battle with Gawain at the western ranch, and another about her battle with Tristan in Gloucester!

They're both good, trust me! But if you wanna know more, you'll have to cough up the Morpounds!

We know for sure the Child of Prophecy has shown up now!

I bet she could even get rid of the calamity pool if she ever decides to come to Norwich!

You wanna know what kinda problems we've had since the calamity pool showed up? Ain't it obvious? The damn weather.

It's dark, it's windy, and everybody's on edge! Even when you think it's finally gonna start raining, it never does!

At first we were all afraid it was gonna rain mors on us or something, but now, everything's business as usual.

Nobody has any idea what might happen if the calamity pool ever does come crashing down on us...

And I can promise you nobody's ever thought about how we might get rid of it!

Morgan's always managed to do something about them when they've sprung up in the past...

But since she declared she was gonna leave Norwich to its fate, we can't even count on that this time!

...Although, now that you mention it, it's strange.

How DID the queen get rid of the calamity pools before?

A human girl wearing black armor?

Yes, of course I know about her! She's all the customers have been talking about!

I don't know the details, but she's famous up in the north!

Eek! Don't get in my face like that! You made me drop the fries!

You really need to keep your servants under better control, Miss. Oh, wait...

Come to think of it, this was all the rage in Salisbury for a while, wasn't it?

Buying a human from a ranch while they're still young and raising them like they're your adopted child!

They say free-range humans like that can grow up much better than ones from a ranch!

Sorry, no. I'm human too, so I don't know anything more about the calamities than you do.

I've never seen one before.

They say a calamity shows up every hundred years, and every thousand years, there's a great calamity.

But we're well past the two thousandth year of the Queen's Era, right?

So everyone in town's afraid it's finally going to happen.

My wife's so anxious about it she can't even help me out in the shop anymore.

Every morning, she blinds herself. Then, when her eyes have healed the next morning, she does it again.

Why don't we just leave Norwich if we're that scared? Believe me, I've considered it.

But there's a reason we can't all just pick up and leave. Just between you and me

...On second thought, never mind. I don't need Spriggan's soldiers catching wind of this and breaking down my door.

I'm sorry, but would you mind going somewhere else now? My wife is scared enough as it is.

Hmm... Well, I guess that's about what we should have expected.

If there was something people could do about the calamity pool, of course they'd already be doing it.

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That's true! Before, nobody had heard of her. Now, we're at least getting glimmers of recognition.

We'll have to do some more digging in the afternoon. Who knows? Maybe Mash is a lot closer by than we

We're back! Nack's smithy was incredible!

I bet he could make the kind of magecraft stuff I can't even describe...and I bet he could do it easily too!

Hey, that's a good idea! It'll be like Faerie Britain-style vacuum insulation!

The only problem is how light we could make it...

Since that Nack guy can handle alloyed steel no problem, we might even be able to pull off stainless steel.

You two must have had a successful outing if you're already planning mischief together.

We're back, and wow... Norwich's rest areas are amazing...

They have this thing called a sauna that's really hot, but also really relaxing...

And the fruit juice they gave us afterwards was maybe the best thing I've ever tasted...

If we're going to spend the night here, we should definitely stay at that inn...

So their leisure facilities are that developed, huh...

They might not have Proper Human History's advanced technology, but they clearly have the same ideas.

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There's no rush to find a place to stay tonight, so let's worry about that later.

I'm afraid I don't have much to report.

Every conversation seemed to be complaints about Queen Morgan and hopes for the Child of Prophecy.

You know, stuff like, "I can't wait for the Child of Prophecy to get here!" "We'd give her a hero's welcome if she showed up!"

"She must be an incredible faerie!" "I don't know what she looks like, but I bet I'd recognize her instantly!"

"She must be stronger than Queen Morgan, more beautiful than Lancelot..."

"...more imposing than Gawain, and kinder than Tristan!"

If only they knew she was already here!

Will you keep your voice down, Oberooon!?

Hahaha. You think so? Well, maybe... Tristan definitely didn't seem very kind at all...

I'm not sure how to feel about there only being one area I can compete, though...

Y-you think so? Is that how it seems to you, Fujimaru?

Well, I guess it's true I still haven't shown off what I can really do! I mean, I'd BETTER have some kind of hidden power that has yet to reveal itself!

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Huh? N-no waaay! She's here! She's really here!

Everyone, come quick! The Child of Prophecy is heeere!

H-huh!? W-wait! I'm still not ready!

You've got the wrong faerie! No, wait, that's not true, either...

I know I might not quite look the part, but... Oh, fine, it's true. I AM the Child of

She came here from Sheffield up north, through the impenetrable Odvena!

She deposed Boggart the Tyrant, and now she's here to save Norwich, too!

It's her! The Child of Prophecy in black armor!

Good day, my beloved citizens of Norwich. Please, settle down, if you would.

I was planning to announce this at the bell tower with a more appropriate ceremony...

But, since you're all here now, I may as well take this moment to introduce you.

Indeed, this is the very knight who defeated the three Tam Lin at Sheffield, and who brought Boggart the Banished to justice.

This is the Child of Prophecy, Tam Lin Galahad.

Just look at all that magical energy! It really is the Child of Prophecy!

But, why is she with you, Spriggan?

Isn't the Child of Prophecy High Queen Morgan's enemy?

It seems there's been a misunderstanding. Her Majesty has never once called for the Child of Prophecy's death.

"If any of you should find her, you are to invite her to Camelot as a proper guest."

Those are the high queen's own words, delivered directly to myself and my fellow clan heads.

That is why I went out to greet her last night upon her arrival from Odvena.

And since I couldn't risk anything happening to our honored guest, I brought my elite soldiers with me to keep her safe.

Oh... So, I guess the Child of Prophecy's gonna be taken off to Camelot soon then...

Oh no! Not at all!

High Queen Morgan never said anything about bringing her there immediately!

Rest assured, my good people, I take my responsibilities as your elected clan leader very seriously!

While I of course have the utmost respect and loyalty for High Queen Morgan, your safety is my top priority.

Which is why I will be having Tam Lin Galahad stay in my vault castle.

Rest assured, the Child of Prophecy has come to Norwich! We need fear the calamity no longer!

So please, my good people, relax and go about your business as usual!

If the high queen should have any complaints, I shall take full responsibility!

Th-th-THAT'S the Child of Prophecy? Really?

Have I just been wrong this whole time, because that would be hugely embarrassing! Ahahaha...

Of course not, Altria! Please, have more faith in yourself!

I don't know who this Galahad person is, but she has to be either an imposter or the real deal!

Right, Fujimaru!? You've been traveling with Altria all this

Fujimaru, why do you look as if time's just stopped? Just so you know, I WILL stab you if you go over to the other Child's side.

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What?

？！

THAT'S Mash!?

...

Oh crap. Keep cool, Fujimaru! If you go into the plaza now

Oh? I'm surprised to see someone push through the crowd and climb up on stage while I'm giving a speech.

You're not from Norwich, are you, human?

If you were, you would know exactly what would happen if

Now, now, it's all right. He's just a human. No threat whatsoever.

From the looks of you, you're not from Britain, are you? Then you must be the one Beryl

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Oh? Then who are you here for?

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Mash... Um, how do you know that name? I don't think we've ever met before...

Oh, right. I went by that name in Sheffield, so I guess word must have spread.

Yes, I'm Mash, knight of Sheffield. I'm also known as the Child of Prophecy.

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As Spriggan said, I came here to rid Norwich of the calamity.

I can't promise I'll be completely successful... But I swear I'll fight as hard as I can.

Any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

？！

Wonderful. Just the sort of announcement I would expect to hear from the Child of Prophecy. My people should all be able to sleep much more easily tonight.

Now then, we'd best be on our way. You can have him stand down now, guards.

Yes, sir! All right, that's enough from you! Consider yourself lucky you didn't even get punched!

Ah... Wait. Could I talk to him for just a little

I'm sorry, Tam Lin Galahad, but we really must be getting back to the castle now.

Here you are: a special carriage fit for the Child of Prophecy toOh?

Why are you crying, my dear? Is something wrong?

Huh? ...Oh, gosh, I am, aren't I? I'm not sure why, either...

Some of Norwich's soot must have gotten in your eyes. It happens all the time here.

Now, come, Child of Prophecy. You must be tired after your journey, and I can assure you that my castle is the safest place in all of Britain.

...Guards, keep an eye on that human. If you see him going anywhere alone, bring him in.

Rough him up if you want. Just don't kill him.

That boy is one of the high queen's guests, too. Having him in our custody can only give us more leverage.

Phew, that was too close for comfort. I can't believe you went right up to Spriggan like that.

He's the head of the Earth clan, and the lord of Norwich.

So, that girl he had with him who he claimed was the Child of Prophecy...

You're saying that was Mash?

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Absolutely. Even at this distance, I could tell it was her.

Though I don't know why she's calling herself the Child of Prophecy, or why she didn't react to Fujimaru

Wait, yes I do. It's the Nameless Woods.

I managed to avoid losing my sense of self thanks to my unique memory capacity settings...

But in Mash's case...

There's a very high chance she's suffering from the same temporary amnesia Fujimaru and Altria had.

But Fujimaru got his memory back pretty quickly, right?

So why's the shield girl still missing hers?

Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe she ended up gaining some kind of powerful position before she could remember who she really is?

Until I get a chance to examine her myself, I can't say anything for sure.

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Yes. That's very true, Fujimaru.

I was pretty taken aback to see people call her the Child of Prophecy...

But aside from that, the fact that she's alive and here in Norwich is the best news we could have hoped for.

Yup. Spriggan may have beaten us to the punch, but it also looks like he's giving her the royal treatment.

So all we have to do is create an opportunity to talk to her, which should only be a matter of time.

In the meantime, our current most pressing problem is

I know. Our unexpected company.

You there, with the human. You're all suspected of criminal activity.

Come with us. Try to resist, and we'll execute your sentence here and now!

Spriggan's soldiers! What do we do, everyone!?

Take them down, of course! Right, Fujimaru!?

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Dammit, here comes another wave! Form a square around Fujimaru!

Don't get caught out alone, or they'll pick us off one at a time!

R-right! That makes sense! They're definitely stronger than I am!

I'll say! They might not be as bad as the soldiers in Olympus, but they're still ridiculously tough! Guess that's faeries for you!

(Okay, uh, let me try a flashbomb spell... Oh, right! I used it up at Nack's!)

？！

Good, those MPs must have heard the commotion. You there, cut off their escape route!

It's over for you! Prepare to feel the wrath of Lord SpriHuh!?

You're right, it is over...for you. This area belongs to the Norwich Merchants Association.

Lord Spriggan's private soldiers have no authority here. You're the ones breaking the law.

Why you...! Who do you humans think you are!? What firm do you belong to, huh!?

We're part of a provisional militia formed by every firm that was reinstated to help deal with the calamity pool.

Our financier is the Count. Need I say more?

You've got the Count backing you!? Ugh, dammit!

Khh... Fine, we'll take our leave for now! But this isn't over, MP! Mark my words!

It's great that they took their injured and left... But...

Yeah. You guys are Norwich soldiers too, right? Why'd you help us?

We don't know why we were given these orders, either. All we know is that you, and you

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And me?

That's right. The Count asked us to extend you an invitation to his mansion.

And any friend of the Count's is a friend of ours.

We hope you'll pay him a visit if you have the time.

He said he would like to give you all a special welcome as the true saviors of Norwich...

And I can assure you, Count Peperon is a man of his word.

Huh?

？！

Of course it was me, hon! Ooh, long time no see, Fujimaru!

Aah! Another Nightcall!!!

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Oh my, what's this now? You're already palling around with two new cuties since the last time I saw you♡

My goodness, fate just loooves you, huh, hon? Now you've got local girls fawning all over you as well as Mashie!

Oh... If it isn't Peperoncino. You really made a name for yourself here, huh? I almost didn't recogni

Ah, what'm I saying. I'm not some starving crow. Of course I'd recognize you. Only difference is you're seething even more now.

Huh. You know this man too, Muramasa? Maybe you can introduce me, then.

! (So he's got Muramasie and another beautiful man with him, too! Who is that, I wonder?)

...Ahem. I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?

I'm Count Peperon, the fabulous, charismatic designer who arrived in Faerie Britain like a comet...

...and built a brand to rival the Knocker Company in only a month.

I hope we can let bygones be bygones and focus on the here and now, Muramasa. Oh, and you are...?

I see. So you're Count Peperon. It's an honor to meet you.

I'm Oberon the Faerie King, a Servant on Proper Human History's side.

Oh my! Oberon? From "A Midsummer Night's Dream"!?

Ooh, how wonderful! You're just like I always imagined you! I think you and I are going to get along swimmingly!

Just look at how similar our names are! Peperon, Oberon... It's like we've got talent running in our very veins!

...Do you really know this person, Fujimaru?

He...doesn't seem like an ordinary human...in multiple ways...

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Hehe. What an honor to know you trust me so much, Fujimaru.

Okay, I'll start with my story.

After all, I'm sure you must be on the edge of your seats wondering why I'm here in Faerie Britain...

...and how I came into possession of such a fabulous mansion.

Not really, no.

You came here to kill Beryl in revenge for what he did to Kirschtaria.

You'd have arrived a month or two ahead of us, around the time we were dealing with Limbo's nonsense.

Then you used your knowledge of Proper Human History to give yourself an edge as a designer.

And now you're high on your own success and have everyone calling you Count Peperon.

Sound about right, Fujimaru?

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Well thanks for stealing my thunder there, Da Vinci! You're a huuuge help!

I'm surprised you nailed the Beryl angle, too. Do I really seem the caring type?

Uh...

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...I guess I do. I'm not quite sure how to feel about that.

Well gosh, all that trust you have in me is going to make life hard for me as a Crypter.

Oh? You're still counting yourself as one of those?

Kirschtaria already cut ties with the Foreign Godor rather, showed he was never really on her side to begin with.

And since you were always on Kirschtaria's side, I thought you'd given up being a Crypter back at Olympus.

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Besides, Daybit's still out there.

Anyway, this is a whole other thing.

I'm not doing this for Wodime. I'm doing it for me.

As a member of Team A, I feel it's my duty to tie up all these loose ends.

On another note: How was your battle with Wodime, Fujimaru?

Was it fun? Or was it grueling?

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I see...

Okay, now I want to hear aaall about you guys.

What can you tell me about the current situation in Chaldea?

I see... So there's another threat to the world besides the Bleached Earth Phenomenon.

And you came here to stop this collapse.

Yep, that tracks. Not really the kinda thing you can just turn your back on.

Sounds like things didn't go so well after you made land, though. So that's why Mashie isn't here with you.

Fujimaru, Mash, and I all ended up taking different routes out of the Nameless Woods.

Mash somehow ended up in the north, and some of the faeries think she's the Child of Prophecy now.

Do you know anything about how that happened, Count Peperon?

No, I don't. I didn't even know people thought Mashie was the Child of Prophecy until you told me.

But I do know she's definitely not the Child of Prophecy. For one thing, she's not even a faerie.

Exactly! The only real Child of Prophecy is Altria! Accept no substitutes!

Haha, I don't think you need to be THAT insistent about it, Gareth...

No, she's right. You ARE the Child of Prophecy. You did come here with Fujimaru.

I've heard Ainsel's prophecy too. You've got the Staff of Selection, and you're traveling with a visitor from a foreign land.

That right there says it all. You're this land's savior, no doubt about it.

And if the fact that you match the prophecy perfectly wasn't enough, there's also your soul's aura. That alone tells me everything I need to know.

So chin up, Altria. You're stronger than you think.

Oh... Uh, thank you, Count Peperon.

That said...

Are you sure it's a good idea to talk about Proper Human History in front of Altria and Gareth?

Or does Chaldea just not care about secrecy like they used to?

I know... Gordy's definitely not going to be happy about this when he finds out.

But our Master insisted on at least coming clean about our objective.

Oh my, how decent of you. But aren't you worried that might arouse suspicion?

These faeries will think you're crazy if you go around talking about Proper Human History here, you know.

Oh, you don't have to worry about that. We have nooo idea what he's talking about, anyway!

Likewise!

But that's okay! Whatever it is he's trying to do here, we can tell it means a lot to him!

...Oh my, what wonderful companions you have. You are so very, very lucky. I'm jealous, even.

The world's full of strong people. Smart ones too.

But the only way you get dependable friends like that is to live a life of integrity.

The only friends I attract are just as selfish as I am!

That's not true, Count. Those soldiers who brought us here didn't just respect you for your money. They genuinely trusted you.

You're not nearly as awful a person as you make yourself out to be.

You think so? Okay, moving right along!

Count, do you mind if I ask you something?

Not at all, hon. I'm always thrilled to answer any questions a prince charming like yourself might have for me.

We need to know more about what's going on with Norwich and Spriggan.

Why aren't the faeries who live here evacuating?

What does Spriggan plan to do when the calamity finally hits?

Can you tell us anything on either subject?

Oh, that's easy, Oberon.

One reason the Norwich faeries aren't evacuating is because they don't fear death as much as we do...

But the biggest has to do with their jobs and the land.

You already know how much faeries care about their purpose, right?

Well, for the faeries of Norwich, their purpose is their job, so they can't just give it up and look for another.

On top of that, they're also being held back by psychological shackles.

You see, Spriggan actually sold Norwich's land right before those dark clouds showed up above it.

You see, back when he stole Norwich out from under the previous lord, Boggart...

...Boggart, and all the faeries who owned land here, were banished to the north...

...and Spriggan claimed all this land for himself.

For a long time, every smith in Norwich rented the land they needed to ply their trade...

But now, at long last, the land was put up for sale, and the faeries all worked together to buy it for themselves.

That includes faeries Spriggan has been exploiting all this time...

...and faeries who sold everything they had so they could finally afford their own land.

Things were much happier in Norwich after that. But then

The calamity pool showed up in the sky...

So these faeries won't leave Norwich because they finally have their own land here, huh...

I believe it. To a smith, their forge is more important than their life.

They could never leave it, no matter how scared they might be of this calamity pool.

Is that why you put your security detail together? Because you didn't think Spriggan's soldiers alone would be enough?

No. Spriggan's army has no intention of keeping Norwich safe.

If anything, he wants the calamity to get here.

I expect he'd like nothing better than if it got rid of all the faeries and buildings for him.

Well...

Ahh, now I get it. He's a land shark.

That's right. It makes sense you'd have some experience with this sort of thing, huh, Muramasie?

？！

Spriggan never meant to give up this land. He knew the calamity could be coming.

It's right there in the prophecy, after all. The part about disaster befalling a city of iron and soot.

So first, he sold the land to the faeries at a high price...

And then, once the calamity comes and effectively leaves all Norwich vacant, he'll buy it back for a steal.

Norwich's inheritance tax is stupidly expensive. The next generation faeries could never hope to pay it.

This way, Spriggan gets both the money for the land, and the rights to redevelop it however he likes.

Two birds, one stone, and he doesn't even have to throw it himself.

The only other place you'd find a faerie that devious is Proper Human History.

Are you kidding!? That's even more horrible than anything any faerie in Proper Human History's done! I knew Spriggan was shameless, but I had no idea he was THAT awful!!!

So that's why the faeries here are still living their lives as usual...

No... It's not that. They don't have any other choice. After all, if they left here...

They'd be broke, and unable to pay next year's existence tax...

I knew it was strange.

Why were there still faeries who cared about the well-being of their human servants here?

The calamity will kill humans too.

Now I see. Those faeries probably want to run away, but they can't bring themselves to actually do it.

Hold on. You said Spriggan has no intention of keeping Norwich safe, right?

So then, what if he tries to do something to Mash!?

Oh, you don't have to worry about her. She had as much magical energy as a Tam Lin.

There's no way Spriggan could do anything to stop her. At best, he can just stall her by entertaining her in his castle.

No, the real problem is...we no longer have any way to see her again.

Oh, right...

If Spriggan only cares about saving his own inner circle, he'd never let the Child of Prophecy leave the castle...

The second he let her talk to the faeries in town, Mash'd figure out what's really going on...

？！

I wouldn't recommend that. Spriggan's castle is the most heavily guarded place in all of Britain.

It's commonly known as the vault castle, and it's like Spriggan's antisocial personality come to architectural life.

If they hole up in there, not even the Tam Lin would have an easy time breaking her out.

I know there's nothing you can do about it now, but you really shouldn't have let Mashie go with him...

The only way we'll be able to see her again now is if she leaves the castle of her own accord.

Okay, that's that☆ Now I have a muuuch better idea of what you're all capable of!

Whoa... So those are the famous Norwich treasure golems I've heard so much about. They really do run on pixie dust!

？！

I was wondering what you were goin' on about when you suddenly asked if we wanted to exercise...

But not only did those things turn out to be pushovers, they were loaded with treasure!

It IS okay if we keep these spoils of war for ourselves, right, Count?

Of course. The Child of Prophecy's party has gotta live in style.

I know, right!? Thanks, Count!

Come on, Altria, Fujimaru! Let's go back to Norwich and spend some of this money!

I heard they have a wakame flavored gelato here that's to die for!

？！

Nnn, I think I'll pass for now! Or at least until Muramasa taste tests it for me!

Huh. Wakame flavored sweets? What, do they sprinkle sugar on seaweed or something?

I mean, I ain't gonna turn it down. I'd just rather have plain old gelato...

Hmm, hmm. It looks like all the tensions that were building when we first heard what the deal was in Norwich have eased away nicely.

I'm impressed, Count. You found a way to help us relax AND get a handle on our abilities all at once.

Who, me? I was just pawning off some grunt work. You guys saved me the trouble of taking out those golems myself.

You really shouldn't be so quick to trust me, Da Vinci. Like I said, I'm still a Crypter.

Once this business with Beryl is taken care of, I'm going right back to being your enemy.

...A Crypter, huh. Your real name was Myourenji Arou, right?

According to Chaldea's database, you were doing dirty work for the Mage's Association when Marisbury discovered you...

Then he assigned you to Chaldea after transferring you to the Astromancy Department.

That all lines up with what you told us in India, too. But that's as far back as your record goes.

Since you helped us out both in India and Olympus, and it looks like you're going to help us here, too...

Would it be too presumptuous to say I consider you an ally, and I'd love to know what really makes you tick?

Oh wow, that hit me like a bolt of lightning, hon! You really are a genius to come up with a line like that!

Really? Was it that good? I've never hit on anyone before, so that's good to know.

Oh yes, darling. It was simply wonderful.

After all, you said it for me, not for Chaldea.

All right. It's not a very fun story, but if you really want to hear it, well, how can I refuse now?

So, you want to know what happened back when I still went by Myourenji Arou?

You want to know what kind of person I really am?

Well, you probably have a good idea already from the kind of work I did for the Clock Tower.

My family comes from a long line of Shugendou practitionersspecifically, Tengudou, the Way of the Tengu.

It's a sect of Shugendou whose ultimate goal is to have it's practitionersreferred to as fallen or corrupted tenguarrive in hell.

I was good enough at it that everyone used to fawn over me...

But, well, me being me, it's no surprise that they eventually decided to expel me.

So, once my family stopped being my family, I tied up a few loose ends and put Japan behind me.

By which you mean...

I killed my entire family and the sect, yes.

...So, there's no one alive who knows your past. That would explain why there weren't any records of it.

So why did you do that, anyway?

...Can't it just be because I thought it was for the best?

The Myourenji family was a single generation of Houjutsushi.

Our founder managed to form a connection to Sanat Kumara on Mt. Kurama after he fell to Tengudou...

But his descendants weren't so lucky.

They had to undergo long, intensive training to make their bodies superhuman without the power of Sanat Kumara.

In some ways, it was similar to how Muramasa lived.

You practically kill yourself trying to come up with a special circuitwell, body, reallyand you can never pass it along to anyone else before you die.

That part, I didn't have a problem with, though. The real problem was how they went about growing the clan.

I was directly descended from the founder, so I was born and raised on Mt. Kurama...

But all the other Myourenji children were kids they abducted from around the foothills.

In ancient times, child mortality rates used to be much higher than now...

So back then it was easy to get away with kidnapping the occasional kid to raise as their own, but not now.

Plus, if the kids couldn't keep up with the training, they'd be abandoned in the mountains. And even if they persevered, the only thing waiting for them was a fall from grace into hell.

If messing with people's destinies wasn't bad enough on its own, the fact that the only choice they replaced it with was "death or disgraced tengu" made it even worse.

Any group that would keep doing something like that is irredeemable. So when I decided to leave the mountain, I killed them all first.

Even though they were your family?

BECAUSE they were my family. I wouldn't have cared if they'd been strangers.

But since they were my family, it was my responsibility to make sure they never ruined any more kids' lives.

I'm very sentimental, but I'm even more of a neat freak. That's why I chose to make a clean break with my family instead of sticking with them.

Basically, I'm a no-good scumbag who'd rather keep things neat and tidy than honor my Crypter obligations.

That's probably why I've been helping you guys, too.

Well? Are you convinced?

Yup. It turns out you're much stronger than I'd given you credit for.

By the way, purely out of curiosity: How talented were you, exactly?

Well...

If a Myourenji Houjutsushi can acquire one of the six Buddhist powers known as Rokujintsu in a hundred years...

...that's enough for them to officially be considered a tengu.

I'd mastered three of them by the time I turned ten.

Jinsokutsu: the power to run at superhuman speeds. Tashintsu: the power to read people's minds.

And Rojintsu: the power to know how long I'll live, and what my fate will be.

Can't blame them for thinking I was some kind of prodigy!

Ooh, this is so embarrassing! Now you know just how cruel I've been ever since I was born!

Don't tell the others about this, okay!?

I'd like to keep this our little secret!

Man, I'm so glad Count Peperon is a gourmand!

That was the first full course meal I've gotten to eat in the twenty-six days since we first got to Faerie Britain!

Yup! Altria and Gareth didn't know what to make of it at first, but it didn't take them long to see the appeal.

Too bad Oberon didn't join us, though. Come to think of it, I don't know if I've ever seen him eat.

Aha. I've suspected since we left Salisbury that we might be on different pages there!

Okay, this seems as good a time as any to clear this up, so let's go ahead and do that.

You probably feel as though you've spent ten fewer days in Faerie Britain than you actually have.

That's because you were unconscious for ten days after you passed out in the Nameless Woods.

And the reason I know that is because you guys showed up at Mike's establishment about ten days after I started working there.

？！

Anyway, it's getting pretty late. I know we have a lot to think about, but for now, we should make sure we're well-rested for tomorrow.

We can split up into two teams in the morning, and by then...

...it should be pretty clear whether we ought to focus on scouting out Spriggan's vault castle, or on investigating the calamity pool.

Okay, good night, Fujimaru.

Take advantage of the private room the Count gave you to get plenty of rest, okay?

Oh, hello.

Good evening, Fujimaru. I was just heading out for a bit.

？！

I'm not cut out for combat like the rest of you, so I need to at least keep a close eye on things.

You're turning in for the night, right? You deserve to enjoy a real bed after so much camping out.

Now that we have not one, but two Children of Prophecy here in Norwich, there's no chance of Morgan sitting idly by.

So I thought I'd go see what's happening in Camelot, at least as best I can.

Don't worry, I'll be back by morning. See you la

... ...On second thought...

I'm just going to ask you: Are you okay?

？！

I thought you would insist we head to the vault castle immediately when we were talking about Spriggan and Mash.

But you didn't say anything. You stuck to the same priorities we've been following so far.

I'm sure you want nothing more than to go after her, but as the Master of Chaldea, you decided to stay the course.

It was the right call, but seeing that face you made, I still couldn't help but worry about you.

？！

Nnn. Yeah, I did say that, but...

...Dammit, why did I have to say that back then? If only I'd known they'd be reunited so soon...

Sorry, just thinking out loud. Anyway, let me just say this.

...Mash said she still hadn't recovered her memories since leaving the Nameless Woods, right?

Well, I'm afraid Da Vinci's theory was right.

If someone who forgets their name in the Nameless Woods is given a stronger rolethat is, a new selfthan they had before they lost their memories...

...they may not ever be able to return to who they once were.

I don't know how Mash ended up taking on the role of Child of Prophecy herself...

...but did the Mash you know have a role that could possibly surpass it?

A role bigger than responsibility for the fate of the world, with everyone's hopes and dreams on her shoulders?

...Exactly. It's hard to imagine she did. Which means...the Mash you're looking for is gone.

We only need one Child of Prophecy to uncover Faerie Britain's secrets, and we already have Altria for that.

So I have to ask... Do you still need to concern yourself with Mash?

Even though she might never remember you, or go back to being the Mash you knew?

？！

...Never mind. It's obvious you do.

Sorry for wasting your time. I clearly should've known better than to ask.

Anyway, I'll be happy to lend you my full support! Anything you want to know about the state of the world, I'll learn for you!

Let's go, Vesper! Speedsters out!

Goood morning, honeybuns. Everyone sleep well?

Right!? Believe me, I have veeery high standards about my interior design choices.

But what's this Ritz place you're talking about!? I've had so much going on, I don't think I've heard of it!

？！

Okay, before we have breakfast, there's something important we should talk about.

For my part, I wanted to ask you guys something about Norwich's security...

But if you have a report you'd like to make, Oberon, please, go right ahead.

Thank you, Count. That's very considerate of you.

Last night, I did a bit of scouting in Norwich and Camelot.

The rain cloudthat is, the calamity pool above Norwich, is picking up steam, figuratively speaking.

It's swirling around faster now, and I can sense an incredible amount of magical energy I couldn't before.

If the magical energy were, say, gasoline...there'd be enough to burn Norwich to the ground.

He's right.

As of this morning, that "rain cloud" has enough magical energy to rival a gigantic reactor.

Exactly how big a reactor are we talking about here? Is it like the ones the Olympus machine gods used?

No...but it does contain enough energy to power all of Chaldea for two months.

？！

Wow, you Chaldeans really are something else, huh? I can't believe you go through that much magical energy in only two months.

Anyway, suffice to say, the situation in Norwich is much worse today than it was yesterday. All the townspeople are on edge, too.

As for Camelot, fortunately, there was nothing major to report.

Their only troop deployment was a squad of about twenty soldiers sent to hunt mors. No sign of any large-scale deployments.

Let's see... The only other noteworthy thing I saw was the queen sitting in an empty throne room all night.

...

That must mean Spriggan hasn't told her about Mashthe "Child of Prophecy" yet.

Definitely not. Spriggan's greed is working for us there.

Even though he's counting on the calamity, he also wants to make sure his vault castle stays safe.

He's got years' worth of looted treasure stored there, and he wouldn't want to risk any of it.

For all his big talk about how the calamity could never destroy it, I'm sure he's eager for some kind of insurance.

That's why he brought Mash there; so he could make the "Child of Prophecy" at least protect his castle.

Unbelievable. What kind of clan head does that?

I just hope he gets what's coming to him someday...

Agreed. That's just another reason we need to keep Norwich safe.

The worst possible outcome here would be Norwich remaining intact, at least as far as he's concerned.

Just imagine what would happen to an incredibly unpopular lord who failed to take back his land once next year rolls around.

Oh, yeah! Good point!

Anyway, that's all for my report. Sorry I couldn't contribute more.

Don't be silly. That was plenty of useful info.

Now that we know the queen's army isn't headed here, we can focus on investigating that rain cloud up in

Count Peperon! We have an emergency!

A large mass of mors is advancing on the residential district from the ocean!

There must be at least a thousand of them! The calamity's begun!

Those of you with homes, stay inside them! Don't come outside, or the mors will get you!

Those of you without homes, run for the shelter! Hurry!

Dammit, there's no end to them! Where are they all coming fro

Aaaaaah! Stay back! Get away from meeeeee!

Eee! There's even more over here! Help! Save meee!

No, no, no, nooo! Please, let me go! Just let me

Gaaah! What're you doing!? It hurts! It huuurts! Aah! Aaah! Aaaaaah!

What the hell!? Did that mors just eat a faerie and GROW!?

I've never heard of anything like that happening before... If this is part of this new calamity, then...

Hey! Someone contact the Count! Tell him we can't hold them back, and he needs to give the order to retreat!

These mors can grow by eating faeries! Human soldiers alone won't be able to stop them!

Hurry! It might be too late for the north district, but there should still be time to evacuate the south!

That's the whole message from the captain! Please, Count! We need to evacuate now!

I see. And here I thought we'd have a little more time. Ah, c'est la vie, non?

These things always seem to happen when you most desperately want them NOT to. Ugh.

Um... Count?

Don't worry, I haven't lost my mind. There's no point in telling people to evacuate the city.

Spriggan's soldiers have shut the gates, remember? They WANT the local faeries dead.

No, just take them to the shelter we set up instead. That includes the MP faeries as well.

In the meantime, I'd like you human soldiers to keep the civilians safe, and to hold back the mors coming in from the harbor as best you can.

Remember, the people's safety comes first. That includes all of you. Whatever you do, don't try to fight the mors yourselves.

But, somebody has to defeat them, or the shelter will be

Yes, I know. Which is where these people will come in. Right, Child of Prophecy and company?

？！

Oh! Then, you really are the Child of Prophecy!

You look a little more...ordinary than I expected, but I like it!

A-ahaha. Thank you for being honest.

H-hold on. Are we sure about this?

These are mors we're talking about. There's no way faeries can beat them.

I can't even imagine how we'd win. I think we should retreat for now and assess the situation...

Oh? I'm surprised to hear that from you, Gareth. You're usually so brave.

Yes, the mors may be faeries' natural predators, but that doesn't mean we're helpless against them.

Altria will have Muramasa and Da Vinci backing her up, and Fujimaru has his summons.

I'd say that's enough to fend at least some of them off.

Isn't that right, Altria? You did come to Norwich to save it, didn't you?

No matter the nature of the calamity, you'll have to face it for your story to truly begin.

Y-yes, of course! Don't worry, I can do this!

Besides, the mors don't have any effect on me! I can touch them, no problem!

Really!? Well, then... Yeah! Yeah, this could work!

Then it's settled. Get to Main Street and hold back the mors in the south district.

I'd go with you too, but I need to stay here so I can command and supervise.

If you can just hold them back for an hour, I can get everyone in the south district to safety.

？！

Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh...

I knew I shouldn't've come back to check on the store... I knew I shouldn't've gone to check on the field when I knew a big storm was coming...

Oh man, I'm completely surrounded... It's just a matter of time until they find me...

Somebody... Please, help me... Savior... Lady Aesc...

I'm just a humble faerie who's been making shoes in Norwich since my great-great-great predecessor's time...

There might even be a legend or two about how he once made shoes for Lady Aesc...

So please... Please, don't let me die like this... Ahh, why are the mors so terrifying...?

？！

Stay where you are! I'm going to take care of these mors right now!

Now! Get to the Count's shelter! Hurry!

I-I-I'm saved! I'm saved! Thank you, faerie with the staff!

Gareth, you've got good eyesight, right!? Can you make out what's happening in the harbor from here!?

Huh!?

U-uh, yes, I can! There's a huge group of mors headed this way from there!

I'm counting thirty...sixty...more than a hundred! ...Wait! Half of them are going off that way!

？！

Forget it! You saw how strong these mors are! We can't possibly save everyone!

If even one of us falls here, we'll all be dead meat! Don't you get that!?

？！

Ugh, you really don't know when to give up, do you!? All right, fine! Use a Command Spell on me!

It might put me out of commission once this is over, but with a power-up, I oughta be able to hold my ground on my own for at least a while!

It's not how I'd choose to finish this job, but it's a damn sight better than all of us biting it 'cause you can't make up your mind!

Huh? Hang on. You can't just

Don't worry, there's no need for that! Take a look at that dust cloud over in the north!

It's the other Child of Prophecy, the one in black armor!

She just jumped down from the castle's bell tower and is tearing into the mors!

Whoa, she's amazing! Oh, there's someone else with her, but they're...less impressive!

They're totally holding their own too, though! It looks like they can stop the mors over there on their own!

？！

Indeed. I guess Spriggan couldn't talk her into staying in his castle.

If she can handle the north district on her own, then all we have to do is worry about the south!

This is it, everyone! It's up to us to keep Norwich safe!

Yeah! There's no way I'm going to let the other Child of Prophecy over there outdo us!

We're gonna show her why Altria's the real Child of Prophecy! Our defensive line won't move an inch!

...

How many is that!? And how many of these things are there, anyway!? I stopped counting after fifty!

How's things over there!? I'm starting to feel pretty worn out, myself!

？！

Fujimaru!? Hang in there! Deep breaths!

You've been overusing your Mystic Codes! You literally can't convert any more of your life force into magical energy!

Stand back and take a break! And make sure you use a vitality ampoule right away!

？！

Another group of mors is headed this way from the harbor! No way... There are hundreds... No, more!

We can't keep this up. How are we on time, Da Vinci?

We're all good there! It's been exactly an hour, and all the locals have made it out!

Come on! It's time for us to head to the shelter, too!

...Huh? Wait... Those aren't mors.

They're faeries... All the faeries that had been hiding out indoors.

Why are they coming this way? It'd be safer if they stayed insi

...What...IS that?

？！

Urk... Ghh...!

Gareth!?

It's okay! She's not hurt! She's just sick from looking directly at that thing!

It looks like that thing induces some kind of mental aberration in faeries!

Now all the faeries that were hiding in the harbor district are running this way scared out of their minds!

Crap! There's not nearly enough room for all of them in the shelter!

Never mind the shelter. If that thing makes land, it'll destroy the whole city!

You mean it moves!? No, right, of course it moves. How else would it show up in the first place!?

Does this mean that THING is the calamity!? And if it is, then what about the rain cloud!?

Questions can wait, Da Vinci! Altria, Fujimaru, what do you want to do?

I know I said we should abandon the north side earlier, but that's no longer an option.

We can either stay here and disappear along with Norwich, or we can save our own skins.

It's one or the other. Which'll it be? Not too late to make our escape.

Remember, your job is to get rid of the calamity. Protecting Norwich is just a bonus.

Keep that in mind when you make your choice.

...

？！

I know how you feel, but we have to run! We can't possibly beat that thing right now!

Once we pull back, we can work on figuring out a weakness!

It's not your fault that Norwich is going to be destroyed! There's nothing anyone can do about it!

I know... I know. There's no way we can defea

Defea

？！

...Oh man. I really don't know if I can do this...

It's one or the other. Which'll it be? Not too late to make our escape.

...Oh Mash... What a shame. I guess nobody could stop her...

But, I guess it's no surprise. She really is a Child of Prophecy at this point.

That's what everyone around her expected of her, and she chose to try to live up to their hopes.

She must have chosen a story for herself that ends with her dying here.

Fujimaru... I'm really sorry to say this, but

？！

Huh!?

What are you talking about? I'm coming too! Oberon! Make sure these faeries get out of here safely!

...Well I'll be damned. I never saw this twist coming.

All right, get going! Sometimes you gotta throw caution to the wind!

You Chaldeans have made it this far, so I'm gonna trust you'll make it out of this, too!

That giant's going to fall on the harbor! That's one hell of a way to attack! Is it trying to prostrate itself or something!?

Still, crude as it might be, it'll definitely be strong enough to blow the whole harbor away! Any questions, Fujimaru!?

？！

She's already on the pier with her round shield released!

She's going to try and stop that thing by herself! But even she can't hold that thing back on her own!

As Chaldea's technical advisor, my official advice is: "If you head back now, you can still make it out of here alive, Fujimaru!"

Well? Have you got a good reason to ignore that advice!?

So I have to ask... Do you still need to concern yourself with Mash?

Even though she might never remember you, or go back to being the Mash you knew?

？！

？！

(I...)

But, even so...!

It's him...

Stop! You need to get out of here! In a few seconds, the entire harbor will be destroyed!

Ah...

You don't need to worry about me! I'm the Child of Prophecy! Please, just save yoursel

By my Command Spell!

Huh?

I don't care if you're the Child of Prophecy or not.

Just show this thing what you're really made of, Mash!!!

(Yes... That's right. That's exactly right, Master.)

Come on, Mash! Let's send this thing packing!

Right, Master!

Please, lend me your strength! Together, I'm sure we can repel this calamity!

I may not be the Child of Prophecy...

But right now, in this moment, what I want more than anything is to keep this city safe!

No way... The calamity is disappearing...

...We did it. We really did it, Senpai!

I can't believe it! We actually defeated the calamity!

？！

Oh... Right. Th-this is no time to be celebrating, is it?

I'm back, Senpai. I'm so sorry for all the trouble I've put you through.

Welcome back, Mash. Don't worry about it. We're just glad to see you again, and safe too!

We have a lot of catching up to do, but that can wait until later.

First, I want to introduce you to a local who's been helping us out. Well, she's really part of the team at this point.

Oh, there she is. Hey! Over here!

Altria, this is Mash, Fujimaru's main Servant.

Mash, this is Altria Caster.

She's Fujimaru's owner, this Lostbelt's King Arthur, the Child of Prophecy, and a powerful mage.

I...I-I guess I'm technically the Child of Prophecy, but powerful? King Arthur?

It's mortifying, being called any of that around you, when you're so...incredibly strong.

I'm sorry. If that had been me out there, that thing would have knocked me all the way back to the Nameless Woods with one flick of its finger...

I'm sorry I couldn't do anything against the calamity! I'm sorry I'm so weak! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

S-so your name's Altria, AND you're the real Child of Prophecy!

N-n-n-not at all, if anything I'm the one who should be apologizing for calling myself the Child of Prophecy even though I didn't know about you at the time and I don't know how I can make it up to you but hang on what was that about you owning Senpai I'm still struggling to make sense of that and wait I just realized it must be a ploy to hide that Senpai's from Chaldea and UGH you're teasing me, Da Vinci!

...

...

？！

Ahh, look at them hitting it off!

I had a feeling they would get along well despite their differences, and it looks like I was right!

Anyway, that takes care of two of our major objectives: expelling the calamity, and reuniting with Mash.

But there's still one more important thing we have left to do here in Norwich.

That's right: the Bell of Pilgrimage. I think we've earned the right to ring it after coming this far, correct?

I... I don't know. I mean, I didn't actually do anything...

Plus, it was Mash and Fujimaru who defeated the calamity...

So, I don't think I'm qualified to ring the bell...

That's not true, Altria.

I know you fought with everything you had to protect Norwich.

That it was me who defeated the calamity was just a coincidence.

Besides, I'm certain it takes more than defeating a calamity to be the Child of Prophecy.

All I did was follow my heart, just like you're doing.

So please, I want you to ring that bell. Don't worry, I'll clear it with Spriggan.

I-I see.

You know, you're not exactly what I imagined from what Fujimaru told me about you...

But you really are a great person, aren't you, Mash!?

？！

Oh, yeah, that's weird. Why's that big rain cloud still here even though we got rid of the cala

Look ouuut!

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Ow, ow, ow... Now I know what a football feels like...

Huh? Mash?

...

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What, didn't you see for yourselves? She disappeared after knocking you guys out of the way.

That was Morgan's water mirror. She usually just uses it against calamities.

I don't know why you guys were just standing around when you could see it right there.

Man, you humans from other worlds aren't big on caution, are you? Or is that just how you were taught?

Ah well, either way, my job is still the same.

Come on, Fujimaru, get your ass off the ground already.

Mash is safe. She's just not here anymore.

The water mirror's a teleportation spell, so she's somewhere else in Britain right now.

Don't worry. You two will see each other again. I'll be SUUUPER pissed if you don't.

But if you're going to make that happen, you need to stand up straight like a proper groom for your bride and do what needs to be done.

？！

Hmm. Well, at least you've got spirit. I'd say you just barely pass.

Nice to meet you, people of Chaldea. I'm Habetrot.

You can think of me as... Let's say Mash's manager.

I'm a little faerie with a big heart! And I'm ready to help you on your journey at no cost to you!

But only until you and Mash are reunited, mind you! Anyway, now that we're in the same figurative boat, you'd better be grateful I'm sticking around!

Oh man, this food is so good! Sheffield never had anything like this stuff!

Hey, can I get more of that, uh, pasketti stuff? I love twirling it around my fork!

Snort! And could I have oneno, two more of those carrot-colored cakes? Not two more slices; two whole cakes.

I was so sad to see everything was all said and done by the time I finished my detour around the river and finally made it to Norwich...

So if I don't ease my broken heart with natural sweetness, I don't think I'll ever be able to draw a carriage again.

It's great that you guys were able to protect Norwich. And it's great that you have more strange new friends.

But it sounds like things might have gotten a little more complicated.

You were finally reunited with Mashie, only to be torn apart yet again.

And outside...

The Child of Prophecy! The Child of Prophecy!

The Child of Prophecy saved Norwich! The Child of Prophecy will defeat the queen!

We don't have to listen to Morgan anymore!

The Child of Prophecy protected us! Now it's our turn to pay her back!

No more shipments to Camelot! Send weapons to Londinium!

Long live the Child of Prophecy! Long live the true king of Britain!

You did it, Altria! You won!

...

...True. In fact, between saving Norwich and repelling the calamity, you might have won a little TOO much.

Now that the faeries of Norwich are all completely on the Child of Prophecy's side, the queen's not going to just sit and do nothing.

So she's gonna start sending her army after us, huh. Now that we've taken care of the calamity, it's gonna be all-out war with her faerie soldiers.

Oh... Right. I guess we did kind of openly rebel, didn't we...?

I'm also worried about Mash, and where Morgan's water mirror might've taken her.

And that faerie there just keeps harping on about how Mash is in no immediate danger, and that we'll definitely see her again.

Well yeah. That's all the guarantees you're gonna get from little old Habbycat, since it's all I know for sure.

But I will say that you shouldn't run yourselves ragged looking all over Britain for her right now. Like they say, good things come to those who wait, and joyful evenings may follow sorrowful mornings.

You're just fulla sayings, ain't you, uh...Habbycat.

At any rate, it's not a good idea to go outside without a plan right now.

If you're not careful, you could unwittingly end up inciting these faeries further down the path of rebellion.

The smartest course of action would be to wait until nighttime and sneak out of Norwich quietly. Assuming you have somewhere else to go, of course.

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No, I don't think that's a good idea. Regardless of how we pulled it off, we succeeded at repelling the calamity and saving Norwich.

We can't let the opportunities this victory provides us go to waste.

Really, it's a miracle we even have themopportunities, I mean. I didn't mention this before because it would've been demotivating, but...

The prophecy originally not only said that the calamity would be banished, but that Norwich would be destroyed.

...I see. You want to meet with Spriggan, and demand payment for defending Norwich.

That's right. We're going to tighten the screws while the Norwich faeries are still on our side.

"Let us ring the Bell of Pilgrimage, or we'll help your citizens kick you out of power."

Let's see what he says to that.

But of course! How could I say no to the saviors of Norwich!?

Yes? Is there something on my face? No? I see. Then may I proceed? Thank you.

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You'll find the bell tower right above us. While I can't show you the way, given my subservience to the queen...

...I have no problem with you heading up there and ringing it yourselves.

If the matter ever comes up, we can just say that I was careless in assigning too light a security detail.

If it ever came up, and you confirmed that version of events, I'd be very appreciative.

You heard the man. He must be downright terrified of his citizens revolting on him.

Come on, Altria. Let's go ring that bell and be done with this place.

...Altria?

...I'm sorry. I can't do it.

Ringing Norwich's bell would mean declaring war on Queen Morgan.

...And I'm just not ready to do that yet.

Besides...I'm not the one who saved Norwich. Mash is.

So it's not as though the people of Norwich have really accepted me.

Oho. I see, I see.

Waiting for just the right time, hm? I can certainly respect that.

You're not nearly as naive as you appear... Indeed, ringing the bell here and now would not be the most moral choice.

If you wish to rally more soldiers to your cause, and to be more deliberate with your bloodshed, there are other steps you'll need to take first.

Yeah? Like what?

What I'm trying to say is, there are still many faeries who are loyal to the queen.

After all, she has single-handedly protected Britain from the mors for the past two thousand years.

However oppressive her rule may be, her accomplishments speak for themselves.

So it wouldn't be right to declare war on her only because the prophecy says you will.

First, you need to prove that yours is the side of justice and integrity.

If you can't do that...

It would make the Child of Prophecy no less a barbaric invader than the Saxons.

So, you're saying we should send out a letter explaining our intentions and condemning the queen for her failures before ringing any bells?

That's right. If you were to write such a letter, I would be happy to deliver it to Her Majesty myself...

But fortunately, there's also no need for one just yet. As it happens, I just spoke with the queen. She said:

"In recognition of the Child of Prophecy and the foreign visitor's defense of Norwich, notwithstanding the role of luck in your success, I am willing to grant them an audience."

"I shall treat them as guests who have accomplished a rare and unusual feat. Should they wish to speak on any particular subject, I will hear them on this occasion."

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Oh really? Hey, why don't we just jump straight into the pit and save her the trouble of killing us!

Does Morgan really think we'd fall for such a blatantly obvious trap!?

I assure you, this is no trap. Ruthless though she is, the queen does believe in the importance of decorum.

If she says she is prepared to welcome you as guests, you can trust that no harm will come to you.

As our supreme monarch, her every word carries a great deal of weight.

If it didn't, she could never have united all six clans under her rule.

...Now I see. We can't start a war against her without declaring it first...

...and the queen can't kill the Child of Prophecy without a damn good reason.

Especially now that she's gone and saved Norwich.

Politically speaking, she's gotta prove the justice of her rule just as we gotta prove the opposite.

Which means it all comes down to what each side has to say. Sounds like it's worth taking her up on this invitation.

I agree with Muramasa. Besides, I really want to know more about the queen herself.

So far, all we really know about Morgan is her name.

I'd like to speak with her directly so I can find out what she's thinking, and what it is she really wants.

That said, if we're going, we'll of course need assurance that we'll be able to leave safely, too.

So she'll need to promise that our truce will remain in place for a while even if the meeting doesn't go all that well.

Naturally. In fact, she's already promised as much.

It's all in this letter, which my fellow clan heads have also received copies of.

Hmm... What do you think, Fujimaru?

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Huh? Why do you sound like you're already set to pick a fight!?

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Oh... So that's why you're so upset...

...Okay. Let's do it. Honestly, I'm pretty pissed off, too.

What the hell does she mean, "notwithstanding the role of luck in your success"?

There was no luck involved! Mash and I both worked super hard to save this town!

I see. Okay, if you're all that sure about this, maybe accepting this invitation IS the right move.

Plus, Altria's decision not to ring the bell at this point also makes more sense to me this way.

If she had rung the bell, it would have officially made the queen and the Child of Prophecy political enemies...

...and then, this invitation would be moot. Isn't that right, Spriggan?

I'm afraid you'll have to draw your own conclusions there. I'm not at liberty to comment.

Oberon, was it? I don't think I've seen a faerie like you in Britain before. You're quite a nuisance, aren't you?

Very well then, I'll send a messenger to the Count's house tomorrow. They'll take you to meet with the queen's troops, who will be waiting for you outside the city.

...So the queen's own troops are going to escort us to Camelot, huh. Can I ask who's leading those troops?

Of course. You will be escorted by the First Royal Knight Mors Extermination Brigade, led by Captain Gawain.

That's right. Tam Lin Gawain herself will provide you all with safe passage to Camelot.

Huh? What was that, Lady Spinel? I couldn't hear you very well.

What was it that happened to the black armored Child of Prophecy again?

She's dead. Dead as a doornail. Mother's water mirror got her in Norwich.

They say she vanished completely, armor and all, without so much as a finger left behind.

What a joke, right!? Sure, she was weirdly strong, but she couldn't even last a second against Mother! Ahahaha!

Guess I won't get to torture her anymore.

Um, Beryl? Is something wrong? Did I say something I shouldn't have?

...Is that all? There's nothing noteworthy about that news, Lady Spinel.

It's such obvious misinformation. It's not even creative enough to be interesting.

Huh? But, isn't Mash your girlfriend? How can it not be noteworthy that she's dead?

It's simple. She just vanished, right? No body, no death.

Besides...

I might end up dying before her, but there's no way Mash would ever die before me. Never.

That's just not how the god of romance rolls.

She might end up taking a long and circuitous road to get here, but eventually, Mash WILL make her way to me.

After all...she and I are destined to be together.