The Unfamiliar In a Familiar Place
And here we are with another chapter from the new season of Re:Zero a New Crusade! As said before it's good to get this story rolling once again, so let's dive on in!
Morning: The Mansion of Crusch Karnstein
It was a surprisingly bright morning despite the bloody occurrences of the day before. Ulric and Emilia had both attended a short service for those lost in the attack before moving to ready their own wagons. The knight did mourn the loss of fellow comrades, but despite that he still felt blessed as he glanced at the blue-haired maid standing next to him and Emilia. Somehow she'd managed to hold on to one or two memories and that, at least according to Felix's theory, was why the oni had been able to awaken.
Whatever the reason, it was still a miracle. One that Ulric and Emilia were both more than thankful for. "Emilia, Sir Ulric, and Rem," addressed Crusch Karnstein herself, who'd donned her signature blue military coat, "I would be more than happy to host the three of you at my home for as long as you need."
"We do appreciate that," replied Emilia with a gentle smile, "however, we do need to get the villagers back home. But we should be able to return as soon as we deliver them and talk to my sponsor, Roswaal."
"As you wish," said Crusch, "hopefully when you return, I can repay the great debt that I owe you all."
"I merely pointed the way to the white whale and lent my aid along with Rem," replied Ulric, "you have done quite a fair share for us, such as this payment." The knight reached out and scratched Spiegel's ears affectionately, eliciting a pleased grunt from the mount and currently carriage puller.
"And you've taken good care of me as well," said Rem with a polite bow, having donned her familiar maid attire.
"Just make sure to get some rest when you get back to the mansion," said Felix as he popped out from behind the carriage, "Rem's pretty much healed thanks to being an oni, but you've been working your gate over time fighting Sloth. I managed to clear up what toxins had managed to get in there, but I'd still recommend a few weeks to even a couple months rest."
"I can make no promises given the frequency of strange occurrences that seem to arise from this land," replied Ulric, "but since it's your recommendation I'll try and keep its use for only dire circumstances."
"I guess that's the best I'll get out of you," said Felix, "anyway, I think it's time for you to get going. Care to give them some parting words, Lady Crusch?" The Royal Candidate nodded in agreement before holding her hand out to Emilia.
"Emilia," she said, "I wish you good health, and I look forward to seeing you again very soon." The half-elf girl actually looked confused for a moment as she seemed to study Crusch's hand. But eventually, she took it. And with a smile to boot.
"And you as well, Lady Crusch," said Emilia, "and next time, I won't be just the one who always needs saving. I'll be someone who can help others." The Royal Candidate nodded in agreement to this before turning to Ulric.
"Sir Ulric," said Crusch, "I wish you all the best in your future."
"So long as God wills it," replied the Knight as he shook her hand.
"And do take good care of Rem," said Crusch with a smile, "she's very lucky to have you." Ulric glanced to his side to see the girl currently holding onto his arm. He'd never prompted it, she'd simply started doing so as if it was natural. In a way one could say that it was natural.
"I have already sworn to do so," replied the knight as he patted the maid on the head, causing her to turn a slight shade of red. With the parting words out of the way, the trio boarded the carriage, with Otto the merchant as the driver who snapped the reins and signaled for the black and blue ground dragons to begin pulling them away. Though it didn't go unnoticed that Crusch and much of her camp were bowing to all of them as they departed. 'May we meet again,' thought Ulric.
Some Time Later: The Mathers Domain
Ulric had to admit, there were certain perks to being the knight of a royal candidate. The carriage they were using was one of the nicest he'd ever ridden in, or even seen up close for that matter. The inside was long enough that it had four glass windows with curtains and two cushioned benches, all of which displayed a darker blue aesthetic. The knight was even more surprised when he discovered a fully-stocked, albeit still small, bar in the front of the carriage.
Were he not technically still on duty he would've expressed his admiration a bit more. As it was, he was currently sitting across from Emilia while Rem sat on his right side, enjoying watching the passing scenery out of the window. "You're sitting next to Ulric as if it's the obvious choice," Emilia suddenly said, startling Rem a little.
"Oh, I," the oni girl turned a bit red at that, "I can't really explain it. Something about him makes me feel safe, like I can trust him with just about anything. Is that strange?"
"Not at all," said Emilia with a kind smile, "Ulric is a very loyal knight and given what he told me about the battle with the white whale, the two of you made quite a team. I'm certain there's a reason you chose to hold onto the memory of him above all else, even your own name."
"You know I am still here in the carriage," Ulric pointed out before turning to Rem, "and you needn't feel obligated to stay near me. If you'd like to sit by her ladyship, I'm certain she won't object."
"But I want to sit by you," said Rem, suddenly closing the distance between the two until their faces were mere inches apart, "even if I can't remember much of anything I still know my own feelings. And I feel most at ease when I'm by your side Sir Ulric, so please, if it's not causing any trouble I'd like to continue sitting here with you."
"Yes, of course of course," said Ulric as he put his hands on her shoulders and sat her back down, "I see you've still got that oni girl fire in you. That's good, it means despite their best efforts there are some things the cult will never be able to take away from you or anyone else."
"It's just something I know is right in my heart," said Rem as she put a hand over hers, "If nothing else, I know I can trust that."
"Did someone say my name?!" Said Otto suddenly as he slid open the panel to the driver's seat, ruining the moment in the process.
"I said 'of course,'" Ulric pointed out, "I don't see how you could mishear that as 'Otto'."
"Well since I've got your attention," said Otto, "Is there any chance you could-."
"You needn't worry, I gave my word," said Ulric, "You'll get to negotiate payment with Roswaal in person as promised. We've just run into some unexpected delays."
"Well not to rush you or anything," said Otto worriedly, "but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say my life is riding on this!"
"Well given that you're the driver of this carriage, all I can really say is pick up the pace," replied Ulric as he stood up and put his hand on the sliding panel, "until then, there's not much else to discuss."
"But wai-," Otto started to protest before Ulric slid the panel shut.
"My apologies ladies," said Ulric, "but as you can see, dealing with merchants is not my forte." The two girls simply glanced at each other before bursting out laughing at the situation. It made the atmosphere much lighter as they arrived at their destination.
Arlam Village
It took only a matter of minutes to discover that something was wrong, with the main issue being that no one appeared to currently be in the village. And after several minutes of searching, it was made clear that no one was hiding either. It quickly sent a note of unease through the returning villagers as they stood in a group just outside of the wagons. "Ram and the others must not have returned from the sanctuary yet," surmised Emilia as she and Ulric looked upon the desolate scene.
"It seems so," agreed Ulric, "we'll need to head there after getting the rest of the villagers situated."
"With luck it won't be too far away," said Emilia, drawing a questioning gaze from her knight.
"Your ladyship, are you not aware of the location of the Sanctuary?" Asked Ulric. His question caused her to jump a bit in surprise.
"I thought you might know where it is," said Emilia as realization dawned on the two of them.
"Roswaal never bothered to mention its location to me," said Ulric with his arms crossed, "and I doubt I have to explain why getting it out of Ram or Beatrice would've proven impossible. Did Roswaal at least give you any hints as to where it might be?"
"All he told me was that it was like a secret base of sorts," replied Emilia, "I'm sorry I never thought to ask for more detail."
"It can't be helped," said Ulric, "I'm just as guilty if not more for failing to ask myself, so forgive me your ladyship."
"It's alright Ulric," said Emilia, "we'll just have to think of something else."
"Indeed," said the knight as his eyes roamed the disappointed and expectant faces of the villagers, "We'll just have to head up to the mansion for now, and then convince a pint-sized mage to help us."
"Are you sure I'll be welcome there too," said Rem as she poked her head out of the carriage, "if no one remembers me, wouldn't that make me an intruder?"
"Not so long as you're in the company of her ladyship," said Ulric, "worse comes to worse, simply introduce yourself as her personal assistant."
"Well this outfit does fit the role quite well," admitted Rem as she looked down at her maid uniform, "so I'll do my best to help however I can. It's the least I can do."
"Trust me Rem," said Ulric, "you'll excel at such a position and more. But we need to get there first, so get the dragons rolling Otto!"
"Right, up to the mansion we go," said Otto nervously as everyone boarded the wagons once more and continued on their way.
A Short Ride Later: Roswaal Manor
The sun was setting by the time they set foot upon the mansion grounds. Nothing looked out of place for the moment, so Ulric gave the order for Otto to park the carriages and wagons around back while he, Emilia and Rem all approached the main door. "So I really used to work here," said Rem as she looked around in awe, "it's so enormous, I can't believe I maintained it all, with a sister?"
"It's more correct to say you accomplished the tasks that she couldn't," explained Ulric, "in general your skill was superior in every menial task given when compared to Ram. So picking it all up again shouldn't be an issue, though that's only if you desire to do so. But now that we're here, I have to wonder who it is that shall be greeting us at the door."
"Beatrice returned to the mansion after helping you against Sloth," said Emilia, "so perhaps she'll be the one greeting us."
"In that case," said Ulric, "you'd best call out Puck. I made a rather embarrassing deal with that sorceress recently and I'd rather she forget about it while in polite company."
"I'll see what I can do," replied Emilia as she touched the green diamond around her neck, "Puck, are you there Puck?" The two waited for a moment, but nothing happened. "Strange, he's not responding. Perhaps he's sleeping."
"Humiliation it is then," said Ulric with a sigh as he reached out and used the gold knocker on the door to announce their presence.
"One moment please," said an unfamiliar female voice, eliciting a look of surprise from both Emilia and Ulric. In the next moment, both doors opened to reveal its source. "Welcome home, Lady Emilia. I have awaited your return." It was a woman standing at about Ulric's height with blond hair that rolled down her back, and a few stray strands hanging down her front, and green eyes. She was garbed in the same type of maid uniform that Ram and Rem wore, but the skirt was longer and ended down near her ankles.
"Frederica?" Said a confused Emilia. The woman responded with a toothy smile, that is, a very toothy smile.
"Yes, it is I-," the maid tried to respond before Ulric reached for his sword.
"What is your purpose here?!" Said Ulric, "on whose orders have you come-ow!" His questioning was interrupted by Emilia suddenly pulling on his ear.
"Sir Ulric," said Emilia, "I will thank you for not assaulting a member of this mansion's staff."
"She, works here?" Said a clearly confused Ulric, "I wasn't aware there were any other maids here?"
"I see an explanation is in order," said Frederica as she bid them to enter, "let us have a seat first." The knight was still a bit uneasy, but he did as requested and took a seat alongside Emilia and Rem.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself, Sir Knight," she said with a bow, "I am Frederica Baumann. I was employed here once before."
"Now that I think of it," said Ulric as a memory surfaced in his mind, "I do recall something about another maid recently vacating her position before my arrival here."
"It was merely a leave of absence for personal reasons," said Frederica with a friendly expression that turned to one of slight confusion, "I returned at the request of Ram, but when I arrived the mansion was empty. Fortunately, I was able to find a letter in the Master's office which gave me an idea as to what had occurred."
"Roswaal left a letter?" Questioned Emilia.
"But that still leaves the question of why Ram requested your return," Ulric pointed out.
"Upon my return," began Frederica, "the kitchen as well as the trees in the garden were in a desolate state. It was an awful sight to behold."
"So Ram needed help maintaining the mansion," surmised Ulric.
"It's strange though," said Emilia, "Ram has always worked hard for us since you've been away. So how, in just the past few days…."
"It's because she didn't have you," said Ulric as he turned to Rem.
"Me?" Questioned Rem, "surely that can't be the only reason."
"It is when you worked your absolute hardest to keep her work load light," said Ulric, "it's likely she was so unaware of just how much you did that it took her by surprise to suddenly be doing all of it on her own. Naturally, a mansion of this size would require more than one servant anyway, so her calling Frederica for help is quite logical."
"That does bring up a question I have," said Frederica, "I was made aware of the knight, Sir Ulric, but would you mind telling me who this girl that bears a striking resemblance to Ram is? Moreover, why is she wearing the uniform of a maid?"
"Oh," said Rem as she stood up and bowed, "my name is Rem, and they tell me that I am Ram's twin sister. I've also been told I'm many other things such as kind, strong and a hard worker. But recently my memory was taken away as well as my own name, which means that no one else remembers me. But I'd like to think you and I were friends once."
"It is unfortunate," said Frederica as she put a hand to her chin, "but you are right, I have no recollection of you, and I can't say how the Master and Ram will react upon hearing this news when they return."
"I doubt anyone but God above could tell us how Roswaal will react," said Ulric before hanging his head slightly, "as for Ram, well she can be an incredibly cold girl and I'd rather not think on how she might react at the moment."
"By the way Frederica," said Emilia, sensing that now was a good time for a change of subject, "have you heard anything from Roswaal?"
"Sadly, I have no way of discerning what is going on within the Master's mind," replied Frederica, "I believe there are only two people in this world he trusts enough to reveal his intentions too."
"And who might they be?" Questioned Ulric, already having a vague idea.
"Ram and the great spirit of the mansion's library," replied Frederica.
"I take it you're referring to Beatrice," said Ulric. He let out a sigh as the head maid gave him a nod of confirmation. "Well I suppose that's my next stop then. With luck, I'll return shortly and hopefully not by flying out of a window." He didn't intend for it to be funny, but Ram and Emilia giggled a bit anyway as the knight got up and headed down one of the mansion's many long hallways.
Ulric often wondered if the miniature magic wielder changed the location of the library's doors for the fun of it, but quickly discarded that thought as she seemed a bit too serious for such a thing. In fact, the only time he recalled seeing her smile was when he caught her playing with Puck a couple of times. So it came as no surprise to him after his second attempt rewarded him with entrance into the library and the sight of Beatrice frowning in concentration as she sat on her stool while reading a book. "Ah, it's good to see you're doing well after so long," said Ulric.
"Now I see why the mansion seemed so noisy all of a sudden," said Beatrice, "and remember our deal on how you are to address me for the next month."
"Yes, of course," said Ulric as he bowed, "oh great master of magic and possessor of vast knowledge, this humble and wholly unworthy being that dares to defile your library with his very presence, begs your permission to remain in your astonishing presence."
"It needs some work," said Beatrice as she closed her book, "but it's enough for me to tolerate you for a couple of minutes I suppose."
"And here I thought you might like to know that everyone's been a bit worried about you," said Ulric as he stood back up to his full height. "At the very least you should tell them that you're well."
"I fail to comprehend why I should inform them of my well-being," said Beatrice, "any who know of my greatness would not doubt that I am healthy."
"I've been told it's healthy to mingle from time to time," said Ulric, "after all, you wouldn't have meet Puck if you didn't."
"Don't bring Bubby into this," warned Beatrice, "just get to the point already I suppose."
"Well to sum it up simply," said Ulric, "I need to know a few things about Roswaal, specifically what he might be thinking right now. I was told you are fairly privy to his thoughts."
"And who told you such a-," Beatrice started to say before she answered her own question, "ah, it must've been the half-beast girl who just returned. There is some accuracy to that statement I suppose." She pointed a finger at Ulric then. "But whatever connection I have to Roswaal has nothing to do with the current circumstances."
"Including why a man said to be one of the most powerful wielders of magic in the domain left no countermeasures in place to protect his own mansion," Ulric pointed out.
"All I can really say is that he wouldn't do something with nothing on his mind I suppose," replied Beatrice, "given that I can defend myself from some rowdy cultists, it made little difference to me whether or not there were countermeasures in place."
"Speaking of cults," said Ulric as he pulled out something he'd absolutely loathed carrying up to this point, "would it be possible for you to take a look at this?"
"A gospel, of the witch's cult," said Beatrice in actual surprise, "why do you, of all people, have such a thing?!"
"It was recovered at the sight of an attack by the Archbishop of Gluttony," replied Ulric, "I destroyed Sloth's, but given what he said about it and the unknown nature of our current foe, I thought it best to have an expert's opinion on it."
"What became of Sloth himself?" Questioned Beatrice.
"Dead," replied Ulric, "Emilia froze him and I blasted him into pieces."
"Then you've left me behind too I suppose, Geuse," said Beatrice under her breath.
"That name," said Ulric, "who does it belong too?"
"None of your concern," said Beatrice dismissively, "anyway, if you managed to slay Sloth, a Sin Archbishop, what happened to his witch factor?"
"His what factor?" Questioned Ulric with a raised eyebrow.
"You really don't know what it is," Beatrice asked back, "why did you even bother killing Sloth if you didn't know?"
"I shouldn't have to remind you that I am a stranger to this land," said Ulric, "even basic magic was unknown to me until but a few weeks ago. As for why I killed Sloth, it was to protect my lady, my love and the rest of the villagers and inhabitants of this mansion as I swore to do when I took an oath as her knight. So no, I am as of yet unaware of what this 'witch factor' is."
"In that case," said Beatrice, "you'll find all the answers you seek in the Sanctuary I suppose."
"Answers?" Repeated Ulric with a raised eyebrow.
"To Roswaal's intentions, the cult gospel's meaning, and even answers about the witch factor shall all be there," said Beatrice, "if you want them, then that is where you must go. The half-beast girl knows the way I suppose."
"But wait," said Ulric, "why can't you simply answer my question about the witch factor now?"
"Because I have the right to refuse to tell you," said Beatrice as the room around them suddenly began to distort and a sudden powerful wind kicked up, "I have shown you the path that leads to your answers, so do not expect me to indulge you any further I suppose!"
"What's gotten into you all of a sudden," said Ulric as he had to shield his face somewhat from the swirling dust in the air, "what's wrong Beatrice?"
"I am not some tool here for your convenience!" Exclaimed Beatrice as a powerful force suddenly flung the knight out of the library and back into the hallway. Or rather, right into the unfortunate merchant as they both crashed into the wall.
"Ho-How did you fly into me just as I was leaving the bathroom?" Groaned Otto under the weight of the armored knight. 'Why is it you looked like you were on the verge of tears,' thought Ulric, to lost in his own musings to notice the man's plight beneath him. "Excuse me, could you please get off of me!"
A Short Time Later: The Mansion Living Room
"So it's true," said Frederica as she poured some tea for everyone, "you really are allowed in Beatrice's forbidden library."
"I was under the impression that one merely needed to find it," replied Ulric as he once again sat on the couch with the others, "more like a hidden library than a forbidden one."
"I guess it makes sense given what Emilia's told me about you being a reliable person," said Frederica with a smile, "in fact she explained quite thoroughly, so half of me had high hopes that you would succeed."
"Frederica!" said a somewhat mortified Emilia that the maid was revealing one of their private conversations.
"Her ladyship really is too kind," said Ulric as he sipped some of the tea, "I've merely done my duty as her knight. The circumstances have just been continually extraordinary for whatever reason."
"I was just telling her that you've been a good knight, she's exaggerating," said Emilia as her face turned somewhat red while she waved her hands a little frantically.
"Oh, but I heard what you said about him too," Otto chimed in, "it makes me think Sir Ulric here might be more than an ordinary knight."
"Not you to Otto!" exclaimed Emilia as she grew even redder.
"You can thank her ladyship for that as well," said Ulric, "were it not for her I would not possess the small amount of magic that I currently wield."
"Let's just get back to our earlier topic," said Emilia, "what was it you were saying, Frederica?"
"Yes of course," said Frederica with a smug smile, "it's best we discuss everything in detail so that you won't wind up at a dead end."
"Indeed," said Ulric, "getting lost would not be ideal for our journey to the Sanctuary."
"Well as you know, Beatrice can be very stubborn," said Emilia, "so even if you were able to see her, there was still the matter of whether or not she'd even answer your questions."
"All she told me was that we'd find answers at the Sanctuary and that Frederica knew the way," said Ulric, "and given some of the topics she brought up, I've got more than a few questions to pose to Roswaal."
"There's a lot I want to talk to Roswaal about too," said Emilia, "that's why I've asked Frederica to tell us where the Sanctuary is."
"And I take it she has agreed to do so," said Ulric as he shifted his gaze to the head maid.
"I was never a match for Emilia's persistence," said Frederica, "even though I've been told not to disclose any more than necessary, I will still tell you all. But I first would like to ask for some time to prepare. About two days should suffice."
"And what is it that you would need to prepare?" Questioned Ulric.
"A guide of sorts," replied Frederica, "I will be staying at the mansion you see."
"Then who will lead us to the to sanc-," the knight's eyes turned to the merchant who currently had a smug expression on his face, "oh, so you'll be driving us again Otto?"
"It will be no issue to locate with a few directions," assured the merchant.
"Well I suppose you do want to make the best impression you can for Roswaal, including helping Lady Emilia in any way you can," said Ulric, causing Otto to stiffen a bit.
"W-wait, it's not like that," said Otto desperately trying to redirect the discussion.
"Is that true Otto," asked Emilia with a surprised, innocent expression on her face.
"Oh! Emilia's innocent eyes are killing me!" exclaimed Otto as he put his hands to his head, "I'm sorry but it is true!"
"Well at least you're a tad bit more honest than a lot of merchants," said Ulric with a smirk of his own.
"I'm not sure whether or not that's a compliment coming from you," said Otto.
"Well regardless your help will still be appreciated," said the knight before turning back to Frederica, "with that out of the way, you can tell the four of us more about the Sanctuary itself."
"Very well," said Frederica with a slight bow before her expression turned a bit more serious, "I will tell you about the Sanctuary of Clemaldy and how to enter it. And one name you must not forget as you travel there. Beware of the one bearing the name 'Garfiel'. When you are at the Sanctuary, he will be the one with whom you must exercise the most care."
Two Days Later
"Are you sure you'll be alright," asked Rem as she helped Ulric don his armor.
"Ram and Roswaal himself are supposed to be at the location we're headed," Ulric reminded her as he finished fastening his gauntlets, "if anything I'm more worried about leaving you here. If Frederica is anything like you or Ram, I've no doubt she can handle more than a little trouble, but with everything that's happened recently-."
"I'll be alright," Rem assured him with a sudden hand on his cheek, "you've told me time and again that I'm strong, so a day or so of relearning my previous occupation should be of little issue. But I would like it if you could hurry back."
"As a knight I've been taught that it's rude to keep a lady waiting," said Ulric as he kissed the top of her head, causing her to blush a bit, "so I will make haste to the Sanctuary and back." Rem nodded in understanding as they both opened the door to the hallway, and were greeted by the sight of Petra in a maid's uniform waiting for them.
"Are you all prepared," asked Petra with an inquisitive expression.
"As prepared as I can be, new recruit," said Ulric, "are you finding the new uniform comfortable."
"I feel so cute when I wear it," laughed Petra as she did a little spin before taking a curtsy bow. "By the way, how long do you think you'll be gone for?"
"At worse no more than a couple of days," replied Ulric, "the sooner this situation is resolved the better. But while I'm gone, do help Rem here adjust to life in the mansion."
"But would I not out rank her if I've worked here as long as you say I have," Rem pointed out.
"Frederica says since this is like your first time here that we're the same rank," Petra countered, "so if I do a better job I could outrank you."
"Then I suppose I had better not lose," said Rem in mock dismissiveness before the two smiled at each other.
"I do still wonder if your parents are okay with you coming here to work at such a young age," said Ulric as the three of them began walking down the hallway, "True, I was trained for several years to become a knight, but I didn't even see my first battle until I was seventeen."
"I am twelve years old," Petra reminded him, "here that's old enough to be a working grown-up-er I mean adult! And you should treat me like an adult too Sir Ulric!"
"I wasn't treated like a knight until I was fully initiated as one," Ulric pointed out, "so first get Frederica to fully initiate you and then we'll see."
"Okay….I mean yes sir!" replied Petra, still learning a bit about polite speech.
"And while I'm thinking about it, watch out for Beatrice," said Ulric, "her library moves around randomly from door to door, so you might encounter her at some point when opening one. She's the grumpy sort, so don't be surprised if she acts dismissively towards you. Same to you Rem."
"We will," they both said with some determination before glancing at each other. The knight wondered if he was going to encounter a mess when he returned. The rest of the walk outside was passed in relative silence with the odd comment thrown about here and there until they made it to the mansion grounds.
The carriage was already waiting with Spiegel hooked up to it. Otto was in the driver's seat again and Emilia was conversing with Frederica when they approached. "Take care of the mansion, and everyone else while we're gone," asked Emilia.
"You can rely on me," said Frederica reassuringly with a bow, "take care during your travels, Lady Emilia, and take this." The maid held out a string necklace with a pointed blue diamond attached to it. "This will allow you to get past the barrier in the forest and into the Sanctuary. From there, your liger should be able to bring you to the location I described."
"Will just this one stone be enough for all of us to get through the barrier?" Questioned Ulric.
"Emilia has the qualification," said Frederica as she put the jewel in the silver-haired girl's hands and closed them around it, "all that's needed now is the resolve and a strong will. Take good care of the Sanctuary, and remember what I said earlier." The half-elf looked up in slight confusion at her words but then nodded in understanding.
"Okay, we'll be on the lookout for Garfiel," said Emilia, "I promise."
"And, um, Ulric," said Rem as she suddenly started fidgeting nervously before pulling out a white cloth, "would you please accept this?!"
"Of course," said Ulric as he took the white handkerchief, "I'd never turn down a token of your esteem."
"It is more of an old custom for wishing one safe travels," Frederica pointed out, "be sure to return it dirtied and worn from the journey as is the second part of the custom."
"Then you have my word that it shall be returned," said Ulric as he let her tie it to his armor. Though he was a bit surprised when Petra also tied one to it.
"I was the one who told her about it in the first place," said Petra shyly before moving to hide behind Frederica. Rem, apparently not to be outdone, quickly pecked Ulric on the lips before moving to stand beside the half-beast woman, earning an annoyed look from the newly recruited maid. Frederica merely smiled at the scene.
"You should hurry now," she said, "The Lost Forest of Clemaldy is far more dangerous at night." Ulric and Emilia nodded before boarding the carriage. With a snap of the reins, they were off once again to a place unknown.
Some Time Later: The Lost Forest of Clemaldy
"Puck hasn't been answering you?" Said Ulric with a little confusion as he leaned forward a bit in the carriage's seat. There was still a lot the knight didn't know about spirits arts users, but even he knew such a circumstance was unusual.
"I've called out to him several times already," said Emilia, "I can feel the link from our contract, but not much else."
"Aside from him sleeping, has something like this ever occurred before?" Questioned Ulric.
"There have been a few times," admitted Emilia as she thought back, "it's not often, but I remember a couple of instances where he wouldn't show up for a few days." Puck's words played across Ulric's mind as he tried to think of the reason. 'Take care of Lia for me,' that's what he had said. "But we don't have to worry too much, I do have contracts with lesser spirits too. I can even fight with some of them." She demonstrated this by having a few blue spirits float around her fingers like fireflies, "no matter what happens, I'll still be able to battle alongside you!"
"Well if your lesser spirits are anything like La was, then I doubt we'll even need to raise a finger," replied Ulric with a playful smile which got a quick laugh out of Emilia. "And given what Frederica told us, we should be vigilant."
"Garfiel," said Emilia, "I do remember her warning."
"Now that I think back," said Ulric as he crossed his arms, "Roswaal did mention going to see someone of that name-."
"Excuse me back there!" Called Otto from the front suddenly as he slid open the panel, "we've made it to the forest!" The occupants of the carriage pulled the curtains back to view a large number of strange, vine covered trees which seemed to stretch on and on for miles. Ulric recalled the explanation Frederica had given them about how the barrier works. It prevented outsiders from getting close by causing them to lose their way, making its name 'The Lost Woods' all the more appropriate.
'Hopefully the stone she gave us works as promised,' Ulric couldn't help but think as he noticed Emilia's hand gripping the windowsill somewhat tightly. "Are you nervous, your ladyship?" He asked.
"Oh," said Emilia, snapping out of her thoughts, "how could you tell?"
"Your serious expression and tense body language," explained Ulric, "though the real giveaway was your hand. You had quite a grip on the windowsill."
"You're right," realized the half-elf as she released her hold and massaged the nervous muscles in her face a bit, "I'm sorry for worrying you Ulric. It's just that when I think about arriving at the Sanctuary, a place where only demi-humans live-."
"Do you believe there might be more half-elves like you there?" Questioned Ulric.
"I'm not sure," replied Emilia, "I've never seen any half-elves other than myself. But it's possible that in the Sanctuary.."
"You might encounter more like you," said Ulric, "I don't see any reason to worry about that unless you believe an issue would ari-." The knight's sentence trailed off as a sudden glow illuminated the interior of the carriage. And it was coming from the blue jewel around Emilia's neck. "Your ladyship, is that supposed to be happening?"
"I, uh, I'm not sure," she replied nervously as she looked down at the stone with confusion written all over her face.
"Apologies your ladyship," said Ulric, acting on instinct as he grabbed the necklace and yanked it off of her, "but I'm in no mood for surprises right now!" He made to throw the necklaced out the window, but before he could Emilia collapsed to the floor of the carriage. "Lady Emilia-!" The whole time the light from the jewel had been growing brighter and brighter until Ulric was forced to shut his eyes. It would fade after a few moments, but when the knight opened his eyes, another problem presented itself.
Emilia, Otto, Spiegel and the entire carriage was gone while Ulric found himself standing in the middle of the forest. 'What happened,' he thought as he looked around, doing his best to keep his panic under control, 'where am I?' The sound of movement among the bushes alerted him to the presence of another as he whirled around with his hand on his sword. But what he found was not a beast or bandit approaching him, but a girl with long pink hair wearing a white robe that covered everything up to her mouth, leaving on her hands, the top part of her face and bare feet exposed.
But caution kept Ulric from letting go of his sword, though he relaxed his stance slightly once he noticed how short the girl was. "And who might you be?" The girl didn't answer but instead seemed to be studying him quizzically. It was during this interval that the knight noticed something else striking about her. She had pointed ears like Emilia! "Those ears of yours, are you perhaps an elf?"
He was given no response as the girl suddenly turned and ran into the woods. "Wait a moment, I mean you no harm," Ulric called out as he began running after her. It wasn't long before he lost track of the mysterious girl, but he kept moving forward anyway with his ears and eyes strained for any sign of movement. Soon enough, he emerged into a clearing and was greeted by yet another surprise.
"A temple," he thought aloud as he gazed upon the sight before him. It was more the entrance to a temple with four pyramid-like columns, two on either side, and the main entrance which was marked by a pair of columns and vine-like designs around the door. Any other details were obscured by overgrowing trees and vines. "HELLO! IS ANYONE HERE! HAVE I ARRIVED AT THE SANCTUARY!"
His shouts were met only with the sounds of the forest as he proceeded forward and made his way up the temple stairs and into the entrance. The inside was characterized by numerous stone archways which led back further than the knight could see. 'I know Felix told me to be careful,' thought Ulric as he proceeded forward with a hand on his sword, 'but if it gets too dark to see I might have to create some light with mana.' And get darker it did, the knight even had to reach out and touch the wall a time or two to make sure it was still there.
"Hmm, I see," said a female voice suddenly. Ulric partially unsheathed his sword and let some mana flow through it, creating a blue light to illuminate his surroundings. "So that is the root of your desire, interesting." The voice seemed to be coming from all around him, as if it was in his very mind.
"If someone is there, show your-," Ulric started to say before the tunnel was suddenly flooded with light. But what was strange about the sudden light, was that the temple was now gone. In it's place was a grassy plain and a partially cloudy sky as far as the eye could see. "Oh, did that startle you?"
Ulric turned and drew his sword towards the direction of the voice and was rewarded with the sight of, a tea party? There, under a large blue umbrella with white designs was a woman in a black, long-sleeved dress sitting in a chair with floral designs on it. A small table and second chair was positioned across from her with a typical tea set atop it. "It's been quite a while since I last spoke with anyone, so perhaps I was too eager," continued the woman who Ulric noticed bared a striking resemblance to Emilia, save for her darker eyes and lack of innocence on her face, "My name is Echidna. Or perhaps you would know me better by my other title: The Witch of Greed."
And thus our knight has finally encountered one of the witches of legend! How will he handle this little situation. That and more will come in the next chapter. So in the meantime, feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Be sure to stop in next time as Ulric experiences the power of a true witch. 'Til then.