Chapter 77: The Empire Never Forgets Its Debts - (1)

I am so sorry. I seem to have caused you all so much worry.

But I am quite alright now! I have recovered so completely, I could join the tournament this very instant!

Elizabeth...!!!

A-Are you really alright...? You're not pushing yourself again, are you...?!

Ooooh... I'm so glad you're awake... I really am!

I told you a hundred times she'd be fine. Were you actually doubting the diagnosis of this living legend?

Honestly, this is why you shouldn't neglect your history lessons.

Look who's talking. You were glued to Elizabeth's side every day too.

One day you even had dinner an hour late. My heart skipped a beat when that happened.

Hey! If I'm not around for even a single second, you should have delivered it to me!

Right, because if it was even a second late, you would've fallen into a hunger-induced coma yourself.

Oh... This is all my fault.

I should have baked more emergency apple pies... just in case...!

That has to be the most trivial regret to ever come out of a queen's mouth.

My beloved is quite right. If a monarch bows their head so easily, it reflects poorly on those who follow them.

Keep your chin held just slightly higher than your opponent's, and stride forward half a step ahead with pride, wherever you go.

Yes, indeed. That is just the right amount.

Heh. I completely agree.

Sometimes, a bit of honest shamelessness is exactly what it takes to move people's hearts.

K-Kay! Are you alright?!

I heard you used the Flame Emperor's strength! They said it could be incredibly dangerous this time...!

.......

Pfft...! You haven't changed a bit, even after becoming queen.

Seriously, look who's worrying about who. Do you even know how many days have passed since you collapsed?

Well, it's true that Kay's condition isn't exactly perfect.

It's a miracle that monster... I mean, that spirit, still has a shred of sanity left...

...Otherwise, this Fairy Queen might have had to get her hands dirty.

I'm perfectly fine, really. It's just the occasional hallucination and hearing voices.

Hey, how on earth is that "perfectly fine"?!

It's likely a side effect of the souls intertwining. It's basically like having two souls crammed into one body right now.

Even so, the reason Kay is still in her right mind is probably...

Yes, Agnes is asleep right now.

Drifting through a dream with no clear beginning or end, like a light afternoon nap.

With all of her consciousness and memories buried deep down... she has entrusted her soul to me.

U-Um... I didn't understand any of the details, but...!

At least you're going to be okay, right? Right...?!

Who knows? I'm no expert myself.

She should be fine for now. We used a similar method when stuffing the World Tree's memories into that pig over there.

Tsk, what a shame. I had so many questions for that depressed wolf...

Huh? Questions?

It's probably about Oberon again.

I was too distracted to notice when we first met, but the Flame Emperor kept trying to tell us the truth.

But Agnes couldn't even speak Oberon's name, let alone the truth about the Holy Sword.

Even for me, sharing a soul with her, nothing comes to mind.

Hmm, I don't know if this comparison makes sense, but...

...It's as if that specific part of her mind has rotted completely black.

She must have suffered the same fate as Karishara.

Not only erasing memories, but making it impossible to even recall or speak of them again.

I hate to admit it, but I have no idea what kind of magic could do this...

...In fact, I'm not even sure if it's actually magic at all.

Either way, it's not something we can figure out right now.

Well, she seems cooperative enough now. We can just ask her when she wakes up.

True. It's an ill-fated connection that Agnes herself must settle once and for all.

And the only thing I can do right now is prepare for that moment.

Yes, but now we're in this together.

So please don't overdo it on your own, Kay... *cough*!

E-Elizabeth?!

I-I'm fine! Just a sneeze... *cough*! *cough*!

.......

...Ethan, Morgana. And even Bedivere.

You all know what kind of state Elizabeth is in, don't you?

That's why you're leaving the throne behind and journeying somewhere together.

.......

W-Well, that's...! The thing is...

...Then you must also understand why we can't answer you.

And you know it's not a topic we can just discuss in the open.

Heh, if it were the usual me, I might throw a fit and insist on tagging along.

But things have gotten complicated. Too complicated for a simple excuse like competing in a tournament to work.

...Kay.

The Knights of the Holy Flame's surprise attack has virtually wiped out Cameliard's fleet.

As long as the Dragon Lord is on their side, the same thing could happen again at any moment.

Kay... I-I...!

So, give me the order, Elizabeth.

Command me to protect Cameliard as a Knight of the Round Table.

Tell me to trust in my lord... and ask no further questions.

......!!

Heh, I've always had a soft spot for this kind of formal drama.

If it is a command from my proud lord, I will have no choice but to obey with all my heart.

Ahaha... I still have so far to go. Even after pledging so many times to become worthy of the crown.

Yes, but I think I understand.

To be half a step more arrogant, and shameless enough to touch one's heart...

...and keeping my chin held just slightly higher...!

.......

Proud daughter of Britannia, Kay. Defend this Cameliard until the day your lord returns.

In the name of Elizabeth Pendragon, and the Knights of the Round Table!

And above all... for your very own honor!

Yes. Until the day this life ends, I shall wait for my lord.

.......

..........

...Um, can I clap this time?

No.

Oh, okay...

Excuse me for interrupting such a heartwarming moment, but it is a bit too early for farewells, isn't it?

There is still some unfinished business between Elizabeth and me.

Huh? What does that mean...?

...Ah!!

Oh, it seems you finally remember.

Since the party in question is right here, let me state it once more.

Lady Elizabeth, would you grant permission for the marriage between Ethan and myself, Guinevere?

.......

...What?

W-Wha... Wh-What?!

Ahem... This is certainly not a topic that can be dismissed as mere formality.

Aha, this unleashed pig has finally shown his true colors.

Perfect. He's useless anyway, so let's just sell him off at market price.

Oh, my. How much would he be, exactly?

One apple pie. I'm feeling a bit peckish.

No, no, no! This is the first I'm hearing of this!

Was this seriously what you two went off to talk about back then?!

Of course, your opinion is what matters most, my beloved. Despite how I look, I am a girl who dreams of romantic love.

But... I am not so blinded that I cannot see reality, either.

Seeing how my beloved never leaves Elizabeth's side, day or night, rain or shine...

It's not even winter, you know. And it hasn't rained, let alone snowed...

Ah... I suppose it is too late for my love to reach you.

In the end, I was never meant to be the heroine of this story.

I-In that case...! Let's just pretend that proposal never happened...

And so! I, Guinevere, have decided to settle for being my beloved's concubine.

Isn't it a common saying? Love only grows the more you share it.

.......

...Excuse me?

No, no, no, no, no!

Could you please consider my feelings for a second?! How did we even get onto this topic in the first place?!

E-Elizabeth...? Wh-Why are you looking at me with those eyes...?

My beloved? When do you think we should hold the wedding?

...Wait, would it be a bit strange for a concubine to marry before the official partner?

Well, it can't be helped. Let's make it as soon as possible...

*cough*! *cough*! *cough*! *cough*! *cough*!

I-I am so sorry, Princess Guinevere! I-I suddenly feel unwell again... *cough*!

Quickly...! We h-have no time to lose, we must depart immediately!

Surely none of you want to see me collapse again, right?! Right?!

Argh! Let go of me!

Okay, okay, I get it, so let go! I can walk on my own...!

W-Wait...! My clothes... can't breathe... *cough*... *cough, cough*!

Oh, my. How passionate.

.......

.......

.......

...*sigh*.

.......

...Alright, we are finally completely clear of Cameliard!

And my coughing fit has conveniently stopped as well! I seem to have caused you all worry once again.

Perhaps it would be best to let go of that pig first.

If you keep dragging him by the collar like that, I fear that purple pig is going to turn into a black pig.

Oh.

Groooaaan...

Oh, no! Ethan's face has actually turned purple!

...Well, I didn't die at least. Though I did almost pass out a few times.

I-I am so sorry! I got a bit too carried away...!

As long as I'm alive, it's fine. Just seeing that you've recovered is enough.

Let's take a quick breather and decide on our next destination. After all, our mission hasn't changed.

Our target is still the Ygritte Empire. And the condition remains the same: we can't be spotted by anyone.

Heheh... I put together a flawless plan while Elizabeth was recovering.

Yes! It's so perfect that even I can understand it!

I don't think "flawless" is the word for that.

Um... actually, I have something to say about...

First, we need to meet with Archduke Isabel in secret.

The Duchy of Aurelia shares a border with the Ygritte Empire.

And then, we'll slip through "Gray End," the underground slums beneath the Duchy.

It's a lawless zone untouched by the Empire, so it'll be much safer than traveling by sea or land!

Excuse me... that's exactly what I wanted to talk...

Besides, we happen to know the boss of that place.

And since we're really close friends, they'll definitely help us out!

Ugh... I know we don't have other options, but I can't believe we have to deal with those weirdos again.

Everyone?! Could you please listen to me for a second?!

...Ah!!

S-Sorry... What were you trying to say?

Actually, I received a letter from Sir Mordred.

Huh? Just to you?

Yes, and I've been trying to figure out how to explain this...

It seems all of the plans we just discussed have already been passed on to the parties involved, and the negotiations are complete.

Not only with Archduke Isabel of Aurelia and Lady Lumi of Gray End...

...but even with the "power player" we are meant to meet in the Ygritte Empire.

Wait... what? Who in Ygritte?

Ooooh... That's way too many names at once. My head is spinning!

No, wait. No matter how competent Mordred is, this is way too fast.

They didn't just track our movements from Camelot, they planned our entire future route too?

Ha! That bat has finally shown his true colors!

It's treason! Treason! Elizabeth, your throne is in danger!

No, Sir Mordred merely delivered the letter to me.

The sender's name is "Krasa Hellenes."

The Consul of Hellas in the eastern continent, and the one considered to be the true power behind the Ygritte Empire.

Whoa... The scale of this just skyrocketed.

H-Hellas is incredibly far from here...

To think they predicted everything and sent a letter in advance...?!

Oh gosh... Th-They must be far more terrifying than the Emperor himself!

Hmph. They're only human, regardless of who they are.

Consul or not, before this Fairy Queen, they're nothing but...

Oh, by the way, there was also a gift enclosed for you, Morgana.

It's a Ygritte dessert called... Lokum?

"A tribute offered with the utmost respect to Morgan le Fay, the great Fairy Queen of Avalon"... is what it says.

......!!!

...Ahem. Unlike a certain insolent lizard, this person actually has some manners.

Bought off already. The future of Avalon looks bleak.

Yes, and it seems they were also the one who alerted Camelot to the Knights of the Holy Flame's movements.

Their motives remain unclear, but at the very least, they aren't working with Lucius.

S-So they're a scary ally? What a relief...!

I guess their reputation as the Empire's true power isn't just for show. To create so many variables with just a single letter.

Ahaha... Indeed...

I'm also a queen, after all... This is all stuff I should have been handling...

Yet here I am, relying on a complete stranger for absolutely everything...

I feel... a bit discouraged, to be honest... Ahaha...

You're too busy dealing with your own situation to even sit on the throne right now.

You can't really compare yourself to them in the first place.

That's right! One day, Elizabeth, you'll be just like that Krasa person... Um, uh...

L-Like... right! You'll become a truly terrifying queen one day!!

I-I don't particularly want to be a terrifying queen, though...

But they are like a great senior to me, in a way.

Even if I can't fully trust them, I'm sure I have much to learn...

Oh... Ohhhhhhh!!!

This is incredibly delicious! It's way better than any dessert I've ever had in Britannia!!

Let's go meet that Kra-whoever right away! And get the recipe for this Lo... Lo-lolo... Lo...!

Lokum.

We have to force Elizabeth to learn the recipe for this Lo-whatever dessert!

And then we'll spread it across all of Britannia by Queen's Decree!

.......

...*sniff*! You've never been that happy eating my apple pie...!!

N-No, Princess! Your apple pie is definitely the best in the, *mmph*!!

Well? Good, right? Consider it a special treat from the Fairy Queen herself!

.......

...Wow! This is really delicious...!

It's better than any dessert I've ever had in Britannia...

Ah.

Haha... Hahaha...!

I can't even protect my throne... and I can't even bake properly...

Well, I suppose it doesn't matter anyway since I'm going to die soon... Hahaha...

Even if a fool like me racks her brain, there's no way I could untangle a grotesque knot like that.

But if we just cut it loose, even my kids would end up turning into actual villains.

But! That is exactly why!!

The cause of our "Pink Knights" must shine in a radiant pink...!!!

Every single day!! We'll beat up as much dull garbage as we can!!

And make them reborn as cute "Pink Knights"...!!!

.......

.......

Lumi, you seem in high spirits today, meow.

And with good reason! We haven't been able to recruit any decent newbies lately.

Seriously, though. The trash these days is way too fragile.

They pass out from a simple broken shoulder.

It wasn't a shoulder, it was a compound collarbone fracture, meow.

And they start crying just from falling on their butt.

I actually understand that guy, meow. A compound femur fracture is rough, meow.

Hehehe... But the new recruits this time will be different.

They are legendary heroes who saved the world and are incredibly cute, just like the "Cotton Candy Knights" in the fairy tale!

Just recently, they even defeated the elite garbage of the Ygritte Empire.

Oh, my! Could it be the ones I'm thinking of?

<The Cotton Candy Expedition>, page 67, section 24. It's the exact same development as the recruitment story of "Fluffy the Lamb," meow.

Alright, the shorter the backstory, the better! Let's jump straight to character introductions.

First up! A member of Camelot's Knights of the Round Table, and the girl chosen by the World Tree!

Bedi "the Candy Knight"!!!

Wow...! It's been a while, everyone! How have you been?

Next, the Queen of Britannia, and the girl blessed by the Red Dragon!

Eli "the Pudding Queen"!!!

Phew...

...Right, Elizabeth. To become a true queen, I must go back to basics.

Even a queen in a fairy tale is still a queen. The one and only absolute ruler of <The Cotton Candy Expedition>... "the Pudding Queen."

I will play this role flawlessly... and grow into a more fitting queen...!

And finally, the star of today's story!

Only useful when her belly is full! The self-proclaimed cute nuisance queen...!!!

Self-proclaimed... what?

Morri-ling "the Fluffy Lamb"!!!

How is it? I wrote this script with all my heart after hearing about your exploits in the Colosseum!

Well, well? Do you feel like you're part of our "Pink Knights" now?

I am saying this with absolute sincerity, for the millionth time...

...We don't want to have anything to do with weirdos like you.

We just asked you for directions, so why did you attach such a bizarre condition to it?

Acting as the "Cotton Candy Knights" with our whole hearts...? This isn't house play.

Ah, dear... I guess you really don't understand...

The reason why I, Lumi, demanded that you act as the "Cotton Candy Knights" in exchange for guiding you to the Ygritte Empire...!

No, actually, don't tell us.

It's bound to be some trivial, perverted reason...

Because it sounded like fun, of course!

You need a healthy dose of humor and madness to survive in this neighborhood.

To quote the Cotton Candy Knight, "A pinch of salt only enhances the sweetness of the sugar"... or something like that.

<The Cotton Candy Expedition>, page 371, section 29.

Aha, are those your last words?

This is actually perfect. I was already thinking of developing a spell specifically for exterminating perverts.

Huh? No such magic exists in <The Cotton Candy Expedition>.

Fine, let's look past that "pervert order"! But why am I the only one dressed like this?!

Because you're cute, obviously! Plus, it matches the "Fluffy the Lamb" role that Morri-ling is playing!

I don't care about that "Fluffy" monster! But why doesn't that pig have any role?!

Huh? What are you talking about! The Swordbringer has the critical role of "Choco Rock"!

You're lacking some common sense! The Choco Rock where Candycalibur was sealed is an incredibly important relic.

Be honored to become one with us, meow.

Yeah, yeah... I guess being a Choco Rock is better than being forced to play the Jelly Prince again.

Ugh...! I was finally starting to forget that horrible nightmare...

Wouldn't you forget it much faster if we just wiped them from the face of the earth?

Just once... if I use my real power just once...!

My, my... It seems this little lamb is in desperate need of a leash.

Instead of showing gratitude to your benefactor, you bare your vicious fangs.

......???

E-Elizabeth...? W-Why are you suddenly being like this...?

Insolent creature, who do you think you are looking at?

If you have not learned the etiquette of the Pudding Court, then keep your head buried in the dirt!

...Uh... um... Elizabeth?

Are you... feeling unwell again...?

Or is it... because of that dessert incident earlier...?!

Yaaaaah!!!

You look amazing, Elizabeth! You look just like the Pudding Queen I saw in a storybook!

Heh... I might not be as obsessed as you, Bedi, but I was a fan of <The Cotton Candy Expedition> when I was little too.

A queen in a fairy tale is still a queen. If I can't even pull off a simple role like this, how could I ever become a true queen?

Indeed...! The Pudding Queen is the gold standard for all queens!

Yes, and she also possesses a character trait that I desperately need right now.

Huh? A trait you desperately need?

Exactly. She is famous for her wisdom and charisma, fitting for her Donut Crown, as well as her rose-like beauty, but...

But...?!

...She's actually an incredible cook too!!

......!!

You're right...! The Pudding Queen's apple pie is the model of all desserts!

.......

Good grief.

Bwahahaha!

Nice, nice! Excellent! I knew my eye for talent wouldn't let me down!

You're beyond perfect, you're absolutely adorable! So, Eli, keep staying in character just like that!

Excuse me...? Who dares call me adorable?!

I am the standard of beauty itself, the incarnation of enchanting allure and sensuality!

Not some pet who's only useful when full!!

Why are you looking at me when you say that?!

...Wait, so do I have to play the Cotton Candy Knight?

Urrrgh... I-I do have all the lines memorized, but...

Ah, Bedi, you can just act like your usual self.

I didn't expect much anyway. Your looks are completely different from the Cotton Candy Knight.

Oh... okay...

Y-Yeah, I figured as much...

If we're talking about staying in character, shouldn't you train "Morri-ling" first?

I heard "Fluffy the Lamb," whom she's supposed to play, ends every sentence with "fluff."

Are those your last words?

Oh, Morri-ling can just be her usual self too.

We, the "Pink Knights," respect personal interpretation and artistic expression.

If that is the ideal Fluffy that Morri-ling envisions, then that is an ideal Fluffy in its own right.

Oh, my! I find Lumi the cutest when she says something smart.

<The Cotton Candy Expedition>, page 1, section 1. "Dreams are fair to everyone," meow.

.......

...I must admit, I'm slightly relieved.

Hang in there. You just have to endure this until we get out of here.

Alright, so we just have to help you "clean up the trash" now, right?

Let's get this over with before Morri-ling's sanity completely breaks.

Yep! Apparently, the Ygritte Empire has been in quite a turmoil lately.

Which is probably why all kinds of "garbage" have been drifting down here to "Gray End."

But crisis is opportunity! This is our chance to kidnap a bunch of promising recruits!!

Well then, let's head out with vigor! In the name of the "Pink Knights"!!!

Cuteness is justice!

Cuteness always wins, meow.

Urgh... Is this really the end for us...?

Even though the "Holy Grail" we've searched so desperately for is right before our eyes...

To think we'd be held back by perverts like them in a sewer drain like this...!

.......

...Um, Lumi?

Hm? What is it, Bedi?

Those people... they're the "Knights of the Holy Flame," right...?

Holy... what?

Ah, now that you mention it, they did have a name like that.

Hehe, I forgot because it wasn't cute!

They're not just "not cute," they're the elite knights of the Ygritte Empire.

Ah, now that you mention it, they did have a backstory like that.

Hehe, I forgot because it wasn't cute!

No, no, no! Cuteness is not the issue here!

Why the hell are they down here?! They look like they've been sleeping on the streets for six months!

Darling, the important thing is that those pieces of trash did trashy things.

No matter what their name or role was in the past, they're just garbage right now.

And they aren't even cute, meow.

I was a fool to think I could reason with you guys.

Hahaha! Actually, I'm not joking this time. We clashed with those guys quite often, even before they became deserters.

To exaggerate a bit, you could call them the arch-nemeses of our "Pink Knights"!

But guess what? Their previous Commander suddenly went missing!

As a result, those poor guys became like lost puppies...

Simply put, they got on the new Commander's bad side and were purged.

How scary. Is this what they call the harsh reality of the adult world?

Politics is always a dirty business, meow.

...So in the end, unable to just stand by and watch, we stepped in to "rescue" them!

How is beating them to a pulp considered a "rescue"?

Ah, you must knead the dough before you can bake the cookies.

There are no exceptions to any recipe.

Y-You're right, Moriring! You can't expect any common sense in the <Cotton Candy Expedition> universe!

Of course! They even say "When in the Pudding Kingdom, follow Pudding Law."

The recipe must be strictly followed, meow.

.......

Um... I haven't been able to follow this conversation at all...

It's easier if you just give up trying. Or just feel it instead.

...Wait, more importantly. The former Commander is "missing"?

Could it be... that guy I defeated before...?

Who are you calling stray dogs, you perverted bastards?!

Ugh... If only our Commander were still here... we wouldn't have ended up like this...!

He cared for us like we were his own children, and even baked fresh cookies for us every day... He was such a warm soul...!!

.......

...Okay, I'm taking this secret to my grave.

What have you been muttering about? Are you acting out the "Choco Rock" role already?

Something like that. As they say, "Speech is rock, but silence is chocolate."

I would literally bet your life that you just made that up.

Tsk, this is why I hate sharp-witted brats.

...Yes, our Commander is missing! He is gone!

But on my back, and in my heart!

you live on as one with me!!

For the eternal glory of Ygritte!!

We were born of ash, and to ash we shall return!!!

.......

..........

So cool...!

E-Everyone...! What if our Knights of the Round Table came up with a cool slogan like that too...?!

For example... For example...!

Hahaha! I'm an expert at that kind of stuff!

Once we wrap this up, I'll make a killer slogan for us.

Shouldn't we hear what the other knights think first?

The 'Order of Perverts' is more than enough with just you guys...

Alright, shall we get back to taking out the trash?!

For the cute glory of the 'Pink Knights'!!

We were born of sugar, and to sugar we shall return!!!

Ugh... Is this as far as we go...?

The Holy Grail we've searched so desperately for is right before our eyes, and yet...

To think we'd be held back again by perverts like them in a gutter like this...!

Vice Commander, leave this to me, Unus.

Even with my lack of skill, I should be able to buy you some time.

......!!! W-What are you saying, Unus?!

Are you telling me to abandon my subordinate and run?!

Sacrifice is a part of war.

Go. I won't be able to hold them off for long.

Damn it...! You fool...!

.......

...Um, why has everyone just been standing there watching this whole time?

If we attack now, we could take down their leader too...

Shh, shh! This is a super important scene!

Cliche sacrifice narratives are cliches for a reason, they always pull at the heartstrings.

Exactly, Moriring! If we interrupt them now, we'll ruin the moment!

Save it. How could a mere little lamb possibly understand chivalry?

We should just be glad she hasn't bared those vicious fangs of hers.

.......

...W-What on earth did I even do to Elizabeth?

Look at you, actually reflecting on your actions. That is some highly encouraging growth.

Huh...? Wait, hold on, where did all those guys go?!

Did they seriously just run away? That whole crowd, in the blink of an eye?!

Wow, they got us again.

They've always been pros at running away. I guess that's desertion experience for you.

This only happened because you guys were taking your sweet time!

Damn it, I knew things were going a bit too smoothly...!

Ran away?! The Vice Commander merely sacrificed the few for the greater good!

For his sake, even if I must lay down my life...!

......?! W-Who's there?!

Laying down your life? You shouldn't be so reckless with such valuable collateral.

Have you forgotten already? Those who cannot pay their debts do not even have the freedom to die.

Y-You... Don't tell me...!

Wait! Just... Just give me a little more time...!

Once the Vice Commander finds the Holy Grail...!!

Gyaaaaaaaah!!!

A-A mace bigger than his head just dropped on him! Are you okay?!

Hey, Lumi. Who's that weird woman?

Who knows? Seeing how she's cleaning up the trash, I guess she isn't trash herself.

Ah, so she must be another pervert then.

Since this godforsaken town has nothing but trash and perverts wherever you go.

No, that's not it! That scandalous outfit is definitely...!

It's definitely... from the famous Bacchanalia Casino...!!

Whew. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any major damage to the collateral.

These toned muscles, this imposing physique... and even the prestige of being from the Knights of the Holy Flame.

Hehe, there's no better product than this for a Colosseum gladiator.

Considering the interest accumulated so far... yes, this should cover about thirty percent of the debt.

Of course, you'll still have to diligently pay off the rest of the debt.

...I think that guy passed out a long time ago.

Oh my. It's been a while, so I must have overdone it.

Well, it's fine. Verbal contracts don't have any legal effect anyway.

But... just as not all history is recorded truthfully...

Sometimes, spoken words that never make it onto official documents can be much more solemn and dangerous.

My name is Nia, Nia Helenes.

As a humble servant of Consul Crassa, and the manager of the crusade of ecstasy, the Bacchanalia Casino...

...I have come to collect the debt Britannia owes to the Empire.