Though Hallownest has been spared from the infection, I feel as though I still have a duty to protect it. To do so, I make expeditions throughout the kingdom's expanse while watching for any suspicious activity. These patrols keep me occupied for long amounts of time, but I only make the trip on occasion. It would not be wise for me to leave my troublemaker of a sibling alone for too long, of course. Upon arriving home from one such journey, I see that Dirtmouth has a new visitor.

It is none other than that pitiful bug from the Colosseum. I am surprised that he did not meet his end in the arena. Even more shocking is that he managed to make his way from the kingdom's edge to this village. No doubt, it would be quite the challenge for such a weakling. Nonetheless, here he stands, talking with Bretta in front of her house.

"Excuse me, sir. I came across you in Hallownest's arena, though I do not recall your name."

"Silence, Little Girl! Have you no manners! Do not Interrupt your superior when he is talking!"

"Wha-!" …Hmph, the nerve of this one.

"Since you have asked, it would be rude not to answer. I am Zote the Mighty, a knight of great renown. Cut me off again, and you'll find out why they call my weapon 'Life Ender'."

Hah, as if he could so much as land a strike on me! The gall of this bug is infuriating. Before I am able to respond, he turns his attention to Bretta and continues talking with frightening speed.

"As I was saying, that was not the only danger I had to overcome in my quest for glory! You've noticed this trophy, haven't you? A keepsake from my final, triumphant battle deep in the pit below us."

Sitting next to Zote is the mask of a warrior fool from the Colosseum. It hardly proves anything, though. He could have simply taken this "trophy" from any one of the dead bodies scattered about the area.

"Now, wait just a minute. During my trip to the Colosseum, I saw you- "

"Yes, 'Life Ender' claimed another victim, and the crowd erupted into ecstatic cheering. Cheering that was both loud and utterly sincere."

I, simply, cannot manage to get a word in edgewise against this outrageous liar.

"To what do I owe my long string of triumphs and victories, you ask? As I said earlier, the key is in my personal philosophy, the 'Fifty-Seven Precepts of Zote'."

Fifty-seven precepts? Oh, please. Fabricate the most convenient truth. Surely, that is the only rule you follow.

"Precept One: 'Always Win Your Battles'. Losing a battle earns you nothing and teaches you nothing. Win your battles, or don't engage in them at all!"

…What kind of precept is that? That is not some revelation, it is common sense that does not need repeating. Unbelievable. I must speak up.

"Bretta, I am aware that you may not look favorably upon me after…our last meeting. However, you mustn't heed this deceptive clown of a bug. He has no skill in combat and his intelligence is more than questionable."

The girl, however, does not even acknowledge me. Her eyes never divert from Zote as she listens with rapt attention. I…fear she has fallen for the self-proclaimed warrior. I cannot help but sigh. Trying to involve myself further in her love life would only bring me trouble, I am sure. At least she has quit pining for the little knight. Speaking of my little sibling, it notices the small group that has formed and makes its way near.

"Hello, Little Knight. Do not mind me, I was simply trying to reason with these two and I failed miserably."

The knight sees Zote prattling on and takes a seat on the ground nearby. Despite having to deal with the bug on several occasions, the vessel appears to enjoy Zote's company. For what reason, I have no idea. Perhaps the little ghost finds Zote's stupidity to be entertaining. Viewed in this lens, I would not mind listening to his drivel. I sit down next to my sibling. Just like that, Zote has managed to draw an impressive crowd of three.

"Precept Two: 'Never Let Them Laugh at You'. Fools laugh at everything, even at their superiors. But beware, laughter isn't harmless! Laughter spreads like a disease, and soon everyone is laughing at you. You need to strike at the source of this perverse merriment quickly to stop it from spreading."

Oh, goodness. Your lack of awareness is both comical and agonizing, strange bug.

"Precept Five: 'Strength Beats Strength'. Is your opponent strong? No matter! Simply overcome their strength with even more strength, and they'll soon be defeated."

…This advice is laughable, yes, but, after meeting the little knight, I feel there is some truth to this. The vessel's unwavering desire to meet any challenge is what makes it so formidable. None would disagree that perseverance is its own type of strength.

"Precept Eight: 'Travel Alone'. You can rely on nobody, and nobody will always be loyal. Therefore, nobody should be your constant companion."

"…Do not believe that one, Little Knight. At the very least, you may always rely on me."

The vessel lays its head on my shoulder. I sigh. Such a touchy bug.

"Precept Eleven: 'Mothers Will Always Betray You'. This precept explains itself."

…No, it is essential that you explain this. It is clear from the other "precepts" that Zote does not get along well with…anyone, really. It seems his family is not excluded. My relationship with Mother was quite the opposite. She never betrayed me. She…gave her life for me. You truly had courage to spare, Mother.

"Precept Fourteen: 'Respect Your Superiors'. If someone is your superior in strength or intellect or both, you need to show them your respect. Don't ignore them or laugh at them."

"Little Knight, here is your big sister's first precept; 'Zote is not your superior'. Do not forget this."

The vessel nods with confidence. Zote would, obviously, object to this. It is too bad he is incapable of closing his mouth to hear anyone else.

"Precept Eighteen: 'Seek Truth in the Darkness'. This precept also explains itself."

No, it does not.

"Precept Twenty: 'Speak Only the Truth'. When speaking to someone, it is courteous and also efficient to speak truthfully. Beware though that speaking truthfully may make you enemies. This is something you'll have to bear."

Oh my. I would be furious if it would actually change his mind about anything. I know better, now.

"Precept Twenty-Six: 'Don't Trust Your Reflection'. When peering at certain shining surfaces, you may see a copy of your own face. The face will mimic your movements and seems similar to your own, but I don't think it can be trusted."

…My patience cannot last much longer…

"Precept Twenty-Nine: 'Develop Your Sense of Direction'. It's easy to get lost when travelling through winding, twisting caverns. Having a good sense of direction is like having a magical map inside of your head. Very useful."

The knight would actually benefit from this one. So many hours of aimless wandering could have been avoided…

"Precept Thirty-Three: 'Show the Enemy No Respect'. Being gallant to your enemies is no virtue! If someone opposes you, they don't deserve respect or kindness or mercy."

"Do not listen to this one either, Little Knight. The circumstance of time, place, opponent, and intent are all important in the heart of battle."

It nods.

"Precept Thirty-Four: 'Don't Eat Immediately Before Sleeping'. This can cause restlessness and indigestion. It's just common sense."

I…suppose so?

"Precept Thirty-Six: 'Eggshells are brittle'. Once again, this precept explains itself."

…Eggshells are…What kind of rubbish am I listening to?

"Precept Thirty-Seven: 'Borrow, But Do Not Lend'. If you lend and are repaid, you gain nothing. If you borrow but do not repay, you gain everything."

No, that means you are probably a barbarian.

"Precept Thirty-Eight: 'Beware the Mysterious Force'. A mysterious force bears down on us from above, pushing us downwards. If you spend too long in the air, the force will crush you against the ground and destroy you. Beware!"

They keep getting worse…I feel my sanity slipping away. Were it anyone else, I'd be certain that they were just playing a joke, but…Zote the "Mighty" is definitely not joking…

"Precept Forty: 'Obey No Law but Your Own'. Laws written by others may inconvenience you or be a burden. Let your own desires be the only law."

If you behave like this, then you are definitely a barbarian!

"Precept Forty-One: 'Learn to Detect Lies'. When others speak, they usually lie. Scrutinize and question them relentlessly until they reveal their deceit."

"Little Knight, it is likely best if you do not take anything he says seriously. If you do, I cannot guarantee your safety."

"Precept Forty-Four: 'You Can Not Breathe Water'. Water is refreshing, but if you try to breathe it you are in for a nasty shock."

…I am in danger of attacking him. I need to leave.

"Little Knight, would you like to accompany me on a short stroll?"

It nods and takes my hand as we set off toward the graveyard. Zote, unsurprisingly, does not notice us leave and continues spouting nonsense to his only remaining member of the audience.