Eternal Flame

Kay. What are these books?

Oh, that's a journal.

Before Vortigern betrayed Britannia...

And... it's a journal recording what happened before I reunited with Eli.

But why are there two of them?

Just how much hardship did you go through...

Heh. No, the other one is someone else's journal.

Due to some circumstances... I'm the one keeping it for now.

I see...

Are you curious about what's inside?

Well... it'd be a lie to say I'm not.

Then feel free to read them.

Huh? Really?

Don't people usually try to hide their diaries at all costs?

Fufu, it's fine.

I just want many people to remember her name... as the brave knight she was.

What was the last one again...

If I knew this would happen, I should've trained harder.

I can't even finish it, so I don't look cool at all.

...Are those your last words?

What a foolish soul.

To throw away your life for nothing but empty honor.

Last words, huh...

Sorry, mister, but I've never lost.

To begin with, I don't even start... a fight I can't win.

Haha! It seems you've finally lost your mind.

Did you honestly think such a bluff would work... against an Apostle?

Open your eyes and look closely.

Don't you see the guys collapsed behind me?

Even if you're balding, your eyes must still work.

......

You would do well to be grateful.

For my master... embraces even fools like you with love.

What? Did that make you mad?

Since you proudly called yourself an Apostle, I thought you were some kind of higher being...

But you're just an ordinary human, aren't you?

Ngh...!

You should've been a nicer person!

You reap what you sow in life.

An ignorant person like you could never understand.

The path I walk is the will of the Great One.

All for... the salvation of Britannia.

Pfft! Ahahaha!

Turning innocent citizens into test subjects...

And burning down town granaries to massacre countless people is "salvation"...

......

Mister, I told you earlier, didn't I?

You reap what you sow in life.

You won't live very long.

I know.

But... it doesn't matter.

If it is for His will...

I would gladly... give up my life.

......

However... your concern is useless.

For my life will be much longer than yours, at the very least.

...! Argh?!

That spearmanship...

Heh. Sorry for interrupting at such a critical moment.

I was going to wait until the end...

But my body was itching for action.

You are...

We can do introductions later.

That old man... looks absolutely furious.

This power...

Haha! I never expected us to meet in a place like this.

The Flame Emperor, Agnes...

Have you still not faced your destiny?

...My name is not the Flame Emperor.

And that is the very mindset I call foolish.

You must already know.

That you can never go back to a normal life.

......

Where did you... hear that information?

The Great One knows everything.

Including the fact that you don't have much time left.

What is... your purpose?

The salvation of Britannia...

My master always wishes for peace in Britannia.

It seems you're in no position... to call me foolish.

Haha! You might not understand it right now.

But the moment of choice... will surely come.

And when that day comes, the one who will need His wisdom the most...

Will be you.

......

It is a shame we couldn't settle this, but... it cannot be helped.

For the day you realize the whole truth...

I shall take my leave for now.

......!

My apologies for the late introduction. I am...

No, it's fine.

I have a pretty good idea of who you are.

Pardon?

A red-haired knight who wields a spear...

Kay... right?

How did you know?

Is there any Imperial soldier who doesn't know you?

A master of Britannia spearmanship...

And the rising star of the Empire, once touted as the Next Knight Commander.

......

So when you vanished... everyone mourned.

To the point that the princess's weeping never stopped in the castle.

Eli...

I wondered why you left without a word...

But seeing that old man back off so quietly... you must be caught up in some pretty troublesome business, huh?

Yes. I wanted to return to Britannia, but...

I needed a lot of time.

Then you helping me wasn't out of pure goodwill either.

...You're very sharp.

It's not really something to be praised for.

All the people who weren't as calculating as me are dead.

......

I was looking for someone like you.

Because there is a favor I'd like to ask.

What is it?

I need you...

To kill me.

......

Are you testing me right now?

Or did you lose your mind in that brief moment?

Ah, I didn't mean for you to kill me right this second.

That's why I'm saying I don't understand what you mean!

I need to know the situation to make a plan or anything!

......

As you just heard... the Flame Emperor's power is currently sleeping inside me.

If it awakens... it is a terrifying existence that could put all of Britannia in danger.

So... you want me to kill you?

No. I can't shoulder someone else with such a heavy burden.

There is only one thing I want to ask of you...

Please help me return to my hometown.

Your hometown... the Kingdom of Britannia?

Yes. I've already prepared myself.

To protect the kingdom, I'm not afraid of death.

But before that...

Even if it's just once... I want to see the scenery of my hometown.

...So if you're going to die anyway, you want to die in your hometown?

What a romantic request.

Any passing bard would drool over a story like that.

Heh. I'm glad you catch on quickly.

But why me, of all people?

If you want to return to the kingdom, it would be much easier and safer to approach the commanders.

......

I detected a large army of monsters nearby.

That's why you were so confident in your battle with the Apostle, wasn't it?

After baiting them into underestimating you,

you could lure the monsters over to create an opening and escape.

......

Besides, you survived against the Church of Tiamat until the very end.

Even though the survival rate of a unit that lost its commander and fell apart... is close to zero.

I need your composure and wisdom.

The more I use my power, the stronger the Flame Emperor's consciousness becomes.

It would be easier to join the Kingdom Army, but...

we would certainly have to fight countless battles.

And I... would never be able to ignore people in distress.

If that happens...

The Flame Emperor's power... could run wild, right?

Heheh. Exactly.

So please, show me the safest path.

Then from my perspective, there's even less reason to accept, isn't there?

It's hard enough surviving on my own, and you want me to bring a walking time bomb back to the kingdom?

Even if we avoid battles... some battles are inevitable, aren't they?

Protecting one person is more than easy enough without using the Flame Emperor's power.

My spearmanship hasn't rusted yet.

......

What do you say?

As you said, I'm no different from a time bomb right now, but...

if you handle me well, I can be your most reliable sword.

Haa...

You approached me with this in mind from the very beginning, didn't you?

Knowing that I wouldn't be able to refuse.

Fufu. Then let me introduce myself once more.

I am Kay. Nice to meet you.

......

...I'm Elena.

Elena. Why were you all by yourself?

Huh? You just said it yourself.

That the survival rate of a unit that lost its commander and fell apart is close to zero.

That is exactly the situation I'm in.

The general is dead, and my companions are scattered.

For someone in that situation... you're surprisingly calm.

Huh? Of course. I'm confident I'll make it back alive.

I'm not as good as you, but I can handle a spear well enough... and I've already memorized the Kingdom Army's supply routes.

The Church will definitely target the supply routes, so...

as long as we avoid them, we can make it back safely.

...Though running into an Apostle was an unexpected variable.

......

Why? Are you surprised that I'm much more of a scumbag than you thought?

Well, from a lady's perspective, such as yourself, it must be hard to understand.

But caring about honor is ultimately a privilege of the strong.

For an ordinary soldier like me, just keeping my own head on my shoulders is hard enough!

No.

I actually think it's admirable.

...Where did that come from?

Accepting your own weakness...

and finding the path you must walk.

It's something I could never do.

Ah... I can tell where this is going.

If we keep going like this, I feel like I'm going to hear your dark past.

Heheh. Would you like to hear it?

No, I'll pass.

It feels like the prelude to a tragic ending, and it's making me anxious...

...Where are you going?

......!

I-It feels like... there are monsters nearby.

I'll go take a quick look.

Haa...

If you're going to lie, you could at least try to hide it on your face.

You have to put in at least that much effort... for me to pretend to fall for it.

......

Kay. Since you seem to have forgotten, let me tell you once more.

The Apostle already knows our faces.

The moment you run off to save people, the entire Church will hunt us down.

In the worst-case scenario... even that could be a trap to lure you out.

......

If the Flame Emperor's power runs wild while you're fighting an Apostle...

won't the whole kingdom burn to the ground?

If that happens, you'll never be able to go back home.

......

You can't save everyone.

And... don't act so recklessly.

Didn't you say you wanted to spend the last moments of your life for yourself?

Then steel yourself.

That terrible hypocrisy of yours...

could put you, me, and the entire kingdom in danger.

...I'm sorry, Elena.

......

Also, don't underestimate the kingdom.

Even while you were gone, countless knights have protected the kingdom.

Those people will be rescued anyway, even if you don't step in.

...Well, I guess I'm not one to talk, though.

...Yes, thank you.

You're a warmer person... than you look.

...In what way?

You're just soft.

Heheh... Perhaps.

The more I think about it...

I'm truly glad... I met you.

Elena. Where is your hometown?

Why ask that all of a sudden?

I don't have romantic hobbies like you do.

I was just amazed by how you never get lost in a dark forest like this.

It's something kids who grew up in the castle, like me, could never do.

Is it... somewhere near here?

......

Well, it's true it wasn't a castle.

It's a common story.

A town lacking money, so someone had to be sacrificed... one of those dime-a-dozen stories.

I was just the protagonist of that cliché story.

...That's a heartbreaking story.

Why? Most other soldiers are probably in the same boat.

I actually got off pretty easy.

There were many people who left the town and never returned.

Sigh, if they went to earn money, they should've just focused on that...

Why is everyone so eager to play the hero?

Fate decides who gets to be a hero anyway.

......

Elena. Have you ever thought of becoming a knight?

I'm sure it would suit you well.

If you don't mind, I can introduce you to a great master.

Ugh, don't tell me... Ector...?

Yes. My father's spearmanship is considered among the best in the entire continent...

Argh! N-No way!

The scar I got from my first training... still stings!

Do that hellish training daily? Absolutely not!!!

...That's a shame.

I thought it would be... the greatest reward I could offer you.

How is that a reward?!

If you're going to show gratitude, make sure it's with money.

Even better if it's enough to let me laze around for the rest of my life.

Heheh. Alright,

On the honor of my family...

I promise you the highest reward.

Deal. No backing out later, alright?

......

To think a town existed in a place like this...

Let's rest here for today.

Come on, get inside.

...! What are you doing, Elena?!

Just barging into someone else's house like this...

It's fine, just come in.

Who knows when we'll get another chance to rest?

Still... we should have asked for permission first.

......

Do you still not get it?

There's no one left in this town.

They've all been hunted down.

...Huh?

Surprisingly, the Church doesn't kill the commoners directly.

They use methods so cruel... you'd wish you were dead instead.

They use far more cruel methods.

......!

It might be hard to believe, but what you're thinking is right.

Because I saw it with my own eyes.

I saw my own companion turn into a troll right in front of me.

Elena...

Well, the point is, there's no one here to kick us out.

Come on, let's go inside.

We have to leave before dawn.

Wow! How long has it been since I've been in a bed!

Come on, hurry up and lie down.

We won't find a spot this good until we get back to the kingdom, you know?

......

Are you... not going to take off your armor?

It's the safest place around here... but still, you never know.

Would ambushers really give me time to put my armor on?

Heh. You actually have a girlish side to you, don't you?

You... always act like someone who doesn't know the meaning of fear.

If that's what you thought, you couldn't be more wrong.

I'm a bigger coward than anyone.

Because I accept fear as a given, I just happen to look confident to others.

To be able to do that so effortlessly... Only you could manage that.

I'm not special. You're just exceptionally cautious, Kay.

......

Why don't you try being a little honest with yourself for once?

Hehe, should I?

I've been saying I'm fine, but...

Truth is, I've been feeling quite exhausted too.

I should get some shut-eye.

...Playing dumb until the very end, are we?

Ngh?! E-Elena! What on earth are you doing all of a sudden?!

Ah... I'm the type who can't sleep without a plushie, you see...

Just fill in for one night!

D-Don't lie to me!

There's no way you'd have such a cute hobby...

Ah...! S-Stop...!

Feeling them myself... they're truly scandalous...

Just what do you eat to get them this big?

Or... is this also the influence of the Flame Emperor?

Ugh... Seriously...!

Mmph?!

If you're that lonely, use a pillow, not my chest!!!

......

Well, is this what they call one step forward?

...So, you ended up losing them?

I merely let them go on purpose.

Aren't we destined to cross paths again anyway?

I wonder what makes you so confident... to be this relaxed.

Don't you already know as well?

Once the power of the Flame Emperor awakens, we won't be able to guarantee the outcome.

I am well aware. Unless the Great One takes action personally...

Even we Apostles... cannot guarantee victory.

If you let them go knowing that... you won't have any excuse.

As the saying goes, more haste, less speed.

I would rather ask you this instead.

Do you really think dragging them back by force... will yield the results the Great One desires?

......

It would only provoke needless defiance.

If they were to take their own life...

That would be an irreversible failure.

Just what... are you plotting?

Haha! If you are so curious, why don't you lend me a hand?

I am running a bit short-handed on my own.

If you explain it properly... I might just cooperate.

......

There's no one else around.

They must have stayed behind to protect this place all by themselves... for the sake of their precious ones.

......

Elena?

...Huh?

You've looked troubled for a while. Is something wrong?

Ah, sorry. I guess I'm still half-asleep.

Did you... lose sleep because of me, by any chance?

......

Pfft!

What's so funny?!

...Well, yeah.

Thanks to a certain someone coldly rejecting me... I had quite the restless night.

T-That's...

B-Because you... touched me in a... weird place!

We're both girls, so what does it matter?

It absolutely matters!

You usually swing your spear around like a general...

But you're such a child in moments like this.

...You're no different, Elena.

You look like a lady on the outside...

But sometimes... I wonder if you're actually a man.

If you're in doubt, just say the word. I've got nothing to hide.

S-Stop! I get it, so don't drop your pants...!!!

Elena! Monsters!

......

The Church of Tiamat...! Since when were they here...?!

......

......

Elena. Please be honest with me.

Is something wrong?

......

I'm just not feeling very well.

I know that. Everyone makes mistakes.

But right now, you seem like a completely different person.

What on earth are you so afraid of?

...Mind your own business.

Once we clear this forest, the kingdom is right there.

We have no time to waste.

...That wizard we met just a moment ago.

You knew him, didn't you?

......

It's no use hiding it. Anyone could tell your mood took a turn after that.

You're worried... about the people from your hometown, aren't you?

...You're completely off-base.

My own life is what's most important to me.

Even deciding to team up with you...

And turning my back on my companions who wanted to save their families...

It was all just to survive.

......

Worried about the people back home?

I don't care about them one bit.

My survival comes first.

To be honest with your own feelings...

I think I finally understand why you said that.

...What?

Denying and ignoring the voice inside your own heart...

It looks so incredibly pitiable.

Elena. I'm suddenly not feeling well, either.

I think I need to rest for a bit.

What kind of stunt are you pulling now?! How can we rest in a situation like this...!

I'm sorry. I don't think I can move for the next three hours.

So...

Go on ahead, Elena.

......!

I can't move, but you're perfectly fine, aren't you?

Just go.

Getting me this far... is more than enough.

......

...You're so annoying.

I've felt this since the moment we met...

You and I are totally incompatible.

Heh. I completely agree.

Don't resent me later.

Unlike you, I have no desire to die like a fool.

Resentment, huh...

Why would I ever do that?

......

It wasn't for long... but I enjoyed our time together, Elena.

I hope you fulfill your dream.

Pant... pant...

I'm... almost there.

Once I cross this hill... to the kingdom...

It has been a long time, Flame Emperor Agnes.

......!

How truly remarkable.

To maintain your sanity for this long...

Your skill in sealing the Flame Emperor's power was indeed genuine.

I believe... I've told you this before.

I am Kay, a knight of the Kingdom of Britannia.

The Flame Emperor is already dead.

Haha! Surely you jest.

For I can hear it.

The Flame Emperor's sweet, lovely screams... filled with pure hatred.

Ngh...!

My, where do you think you're going?

You're...

I'm afraid our little game of tag is over.

Why don't you show us now?

I'm quite curious... as to why that Great One chose you.

Kyaah?!

......

What a major disappointment.

And here I was, actually looking forward to it a little.

No, it is only just beginning.

......!

That form...

Ngh...?!

Haha! We have succeeded at last!

Flame Emperor Agnes.

We are not your enemies.

We will no longer stand in your way...

So, why not show us your true self?

......

Just what... is your scheme?

Did you not just feel it yourself?

She was a knight who clung to her beliefs, despite harboring such overwhelming power.

Crushing the hope of a human like that is no easy task.

Soon, the girl's consciousness will likely awaken once more.

......

Hehe. So that's why you waited until she was left all alone?

Exactly. The Flame Emperor won't be able to contain her hatred for the world.

When she finally opens her eyes as time passes,

that girl will realize she has burned down her own justice with her very hands.

The moment even her tiny, fragile hope is shattered,

the Flame Emperor will finally be ready to join us.

You certainly chose a tedious method.

But one that guarantees success.

Let us be off. Time is on our side.

Thank you for saving us, Elena...

Is this... everyone who survived?

Yes... We were attacked while fleeing.

But... we promised to meet in the town below the castle before we got separated.

I'm sure everyone... is safe.

...Right.

Everyone! We're safe now!

General Vortigern has returned!

R-Really...? Does that mean... we're saved?

Of course! I asked the soldiers, and they said they'd take us with them!

Sniff... Thank goodness.

Elena, we're going to live!

Our home... is gone, but...

If we all pull together, I know... we can stand back up.

...Yeah.

Even if it takes some time.

Exactly! Still... it's not impossible.

A few days ago, that beautiful knight who saved us told me.

Until the very day the spark of life is extinguished...

humans will always keep moving forward.

......!

Could it be... a red-haired knight?

Yes! How did you know?

Hurry up, everyone! We're leaving soon!

Ah! We're going to get left behind!

Elena, let's go!

......

Sorry. Go on ahead.

Elena...? What's wrong all of a sudden?

Truth is, there's something I left behind.

I know it's reckless, but...

if I let it go now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.

H-Hey, wait! Elena!

......

Eli...

I... wanted to be the knight who protects you.

Just like that day ten years ago...

When you were hesitating...

I wanted to be someone... who could stand by your side and hold out a hand.

I really did, and yet...

Where did it all... go wrong?

Kay... please don't cry...

Hm...?

What do you mean, Eli?

I'm not... the one crying.

The things happening right now... aren't your fault, Kay.

So... please don't cry, Kay.

Wake up, and look ahead.

Kay. The things happening right now... aren't your fault.

So please, open your eyes.

Nothing has started yet,

and nothing is over.

......!

Elena!!!

......

Why on earth...

Why did you come back...

You said your own life... was what mattered most to you in the world.

If you were on your own... you could have survived... So why...?!

For someone like me...

Why go this far for someone who's about to die anyway?!

...Didn't you tell me to be honest with my feelings?

......!

Do you know why... I hate people like you?

Because... unlike you... I could never be a knight.

The only thing I was capable of...

was running away like a coward.

Elena...!

Truth is... I thought it was so admirable.

Seeing the backs of my companions... risking their lives... to save others.

But I... was terrified.

And so... I ran away.

Telling myself that nothing would change even if I went...

and that it was only natural for a weakling like me to flee...

Comforting myself like that... was all I did.

Please, stop...

On the day we first met... you told me.

That standing up to the Apostle... was all part of your plan.

Haha... Are you stupid?

Do you really think someone like me... could run away... from an Apostle...?

I was just... putting on a brave face... one last time before I died...

Elena... stop this.

I will make sure... to get you to the kingdom.

So... please... don't give up...!

...Don't cry.

I was destined to die back then anyway...

If anything, thanks to you falling for it...

I can make my exit... in style... like a real knight.

Elena!!!

Kay...

You said... you were going to die soon, but...

I see it... differently...

To me, it looked like... you were constantly... searching for a reason to live.

......!

So... I will give you... that reason.

Kay. One day... a moment will come... when your strength is needed.

So you must... survive...

and protect the kingdom... for my sake too...

But... if I do, the Flame Emperor's power will...

What are you... worrying about...

Since things turned out this way... that Flame Emperor's power...

just make it... yours...

You can do... at least that much, right...?

Because you are... the kingdom's... strongest knight...

Elena...?

No... Elena...! Wake up!!!

Elena!!!

A fine look you have on your face.

Do you finally feel like joining us now, Flame Emperor Agnes?

I don't know how many times I have to say this...

My name is not the Flame Emperor.

Haha! Do you intend to turn a blind eye to reality even now?

You must have realized it by now.

You can no longer... live as an ordinary human.

...Yes, I know.

But... I must return to my homeland.

......! That power...!

Could it be... you succeeded in controlling the Flame Emperor's power?

If you still plan to stand in my way even after seeing this...

You'd better be ready.

......

Haha... Hahaha!

And here I thought it was a flawless plan...

It seems an unextinguished spark... was left behind.

Very well. I shall concede defeat.

Just like you... I still have much to do.

For the Great One's sake, if nothing else... I cannot afford to die in a place like this.

What... is your purpose?

There is no need to rush.

For the day of salvation shall soon arrive.

Salvation...?

If you wish to live to see that day of salvation... keep this in mind.

Take care not to be consumed by the Flame Emperor's rage.

You said the kingdom is... just past that hill.

...I don't understand, Elena.

Why on earth...

Why did you make... such a choice for me...?

King Uther is dead!

Everyone, run!

......!

What do you mean? His Majesty... is dead?!

Vortigern... has started a rebellion.

He was in league with the Church of Tiamat from the very beginning!

Knight Commander Ector is dead... and Princess Elizabeth is missing!

This country is finished, so you'd better run too!!!

......

Kay. One day, a moment will come when your strength is needed.

Just how far... did you foresee?

Thank you... Elena. I guess it's too early for me to die.

I will definitely keep my promise to you.

Until the day the spark of my life is extinguished...

I will fight for the kingdom.

...Will it really be okay?

What if she resents me...

Don't worry, Kay.

Rita is your sister, after all.

Instead of worrying about that, go and comfort her.

So much... has happened in the meantime.

...Yeah, thanks, Eli.

I'll summon some courage too, then.

Welcome back, Mas... ter?

......

......!!!

...Rita.

I'm sorry, I'm so late...

......?!

Sister!!!

Sniff... You're alive...

I'm so... so glad!!!

Thank you... for staying alive, too.

And... I'm sorry.

I should have come to see you first...

I'm so sorry... for being so late.

Sniff... No, Sis...

I heard... everything that happened to you.

Thank you for coming back... Sis.

Thank you so much... for not giving up on me until the end...!

...Yeah.

I'll never give up... ever again.

No matter what happens, I won't leave you alone.