Chapter 42: Winds of War

It's been a while since it was just the two of us.

...Not that I'm happy about it.

What? Are you still holding a grudge against me?

I told you already, it wasn't something I could help...

Enough! I don't want to think about it!!!

Anyway... the forest feels unusually quiet.

Think the fairies will attack us again?

Hmph, if they fail to recognize their queen again... I'll make sure they remember...

It's the Swordbringer!

He's away from his usual group, now's our chance!

The Tiamat Church?

What are they doing here?

...Something's wrong.

Yeah, there's no way Merlin or Mia would've lost to those goons...

Could it be... the Apostles?

...No time to waste. We're running out of time.

Let's take them down, fast.

Hehe, it's been a while since it was just the two of us, Your Highness.

It really has... Back then, we were just running for our lives every day.

To think the alliance actually came together, it's hard to believe.

It's all thanks to everyone's efforts!

...Though, I didn't really do much, hehe.

Don't say that, Bedi. Like you said, we all played a part.

And besides... you're my one and only knight.

P-Princess...!

We all made it this far through combined effort...

But still, I let everyone down...

I'm sorry, Bedi...

N-No! It's not your fault, Princess!

Ethan will surely uncover the truth behind the Holy Sword. I know he will!

...Thank you, Bedi.

And we have Ethan and Morgana on our side, too, they're stronger than any sword.

And we've come a long way ourselves!

So... u-um...

Huh?

If anything happens to you, I'll protect you with my life!

...!

I may not be as strong as Ethan or Morgana, but...

No, Bedi. I've never once thought that.

If you hadn't stood by me the day I resolved to find the Holy Sword... I wouldn't have made it this far.

Wahh! P-Princess!

So let's make it back, together.

To the place full of our happiest memories.

So you're attacking Avalon now... I wonder what made you so reckless.

Drunk on power, maybe? Your church practically worships the Apostles

Had Avalon stayed neutral, we would've left it alone.

But it held that summit, formed your little alliance.

We couldn't just sit back and ignore that, could we?

So this is your twisted idea of holding Avalon accountable?

Its leader sided with the Swordbringer.

Who's to say the elves and fairies won't join your cause next?

I hoped we could talk this out, avoid unnecessary bloodshed.

I hope you make the wise choice...

Too bad.

I'm not in the mood to talk.

Kuh... So we're settling this in blood?

Talking is for people who understand reason.

Brutes like you don't deserve that luxury.

If you want to see my apprentice, you'll have to convince me first.

Let's see if you're even capable of that.

...Then we have no choice.

You'll regret this.

I'll return those words right back at you.

Don't expect to leave here alive.

That one there... I remember seeing them in Mercia...

Looks like our hunch was right. Let's regroup...

Wait, Ethan.

Someone's following us.

So you're the Swordbringer.

......

An Apostle wielding twin blades... Could she be the Apostle of Lust?

Spot on. The name's Anessa.

I won't bother with introductions. Just one question...

Why should I answer anything?

Just a curiosity.

I wonder what your blood smells like.

Ugh!

Ahh!

No need to answer.

I'll find out for myself!

Huff... Huff...

You're more capable than I expected.

It's been ages since I've had a fight this exciting.

She's enjoying this? Is she some masochistic lunatic?!

Even powerful magic doesn't seem to faze her...

No... she's not enjoying it. She's just numb to the pain.

As must as I'd love to stick around and play...

Time's up.

It was fun, Swordbringer.

Next time, I hope I hear your screams.

Maybe... if I cut off that arm clinging to your sword...

I bet the sound would be delightful.

What happened to all your threats?

You said I'd regret this.

Kuh... to think someone as violent as you was named an Archmage...

Uther really had no standards, did he...?

......

Why not ask that in person? You'll be joining the dead soon.

And while you're at it, pass on a message, tell him he left me with too many responsibilities.

...You'll never get the chance.

My faith will never waver...

Not until the Day of Salvation comes!

That spell... it can't be...

Merlin!

Ethan? What are you doing here...?

The sword rejected Elizabeth...?

That's why we came. We were hoping for your advice.

The witch's words might be a clue. Do you know anything that could help?

...There's nothing like that in the prophecy.

I think we'll need to ask Vivien directly.

Hey!!! It's the Swordbringer! Don't let him get away!

...But first, we got some cleaning up to do.

Sure thing. Cleaning up messes is kind of our thing.

Ugh... If I'd known this would happen, I should've just gone with Elizabeth...