~ Chapter 13 ~

[ A Knight's Duty ]

They arrived much faster than she'd expected them to.

It was only two in the afternoon, she noted, having spent the rest of the morning helping around town in all sorts of things; delivering meals to the Million-Eyed victims and offering her strength for manual labour, be it transporting goods and pushing carts.

The flaps of her tent swooshed lightly as she stepped out, greeted by the afternoon heat—she'd had to insist to give an inn room up for another family of three. As gravel crunched beneath her boots, Fanatio made her way to the gates of Zakkaria. Several people poked their heads out through their doorways and watched her with interest, wondering what was going on.

Eventually, she arrived at the gates. Several guards were already standing there, and when one of them noticed her, he snapped her a salute. "Sir!" That prompted quick action amongst the others, as they roared out a cacophony of respect.

"At ease. What would be the situation?"

"Caravans. Plenty of them. And they fly the banner of the church."

"Then they are knights sent by the church, who will see to the people's return to their homes."

Many of them were immediately at ease when she said that. Perhaps some of them had expected something bad? It would have been ridiculous, she would tell them in any other situation, but a healthy amount of paranoia would serve a man well. Besides, after everything she'd just gone through three days prior? Better safe than sorry.

Fanatio moved past the soldiers—or, more accurately, she simply moved forwards while they parted ways for her, giving her a direct route to the helm that allowed her to beat witness to the literal of dust clouds that were quickly approaching their town. From the sheer magnitude and the impossibility of seeing beyond the cloud, the numbers were nothing to scoff at.

It was more or less two in the afternoon by the time everyone else joined her, a crowd of no less than ninety people having already formed outside the gates. The light of Solus shone down upon them with a gentle heat, winds from the plains carried forth to the gates of Zakkaria.

She couldn't help but feel some amusement, witnessing the awe and surprise of the people at the very sight before them—both those of Zakkaria as well as those who were abducted by the Million-Eyed. Her fellow knights took it all in stride, of course, though there was Entokia, who was probably fighting the urge to take off his helmet and smile back at the crowd. Always a little too friendly, that one was.

Still, this was duty. And duty required all the appropriate operational procedures, which involved donning the full suit of armour. It was necessary to instil a sense of authority and command the civilians' full respect and attention during situations that require quick action. And it certainly helps here.

Although that comes at the cost of making the wearer feel sluggish underneath all that metal. She dare not imagine what assignments out in Southacroith would be like, where it's nothing but desert and hot temperatures.

She looked out over the field outside of Zakkaria. That the church was able to arrange this much transportation in such a short time is rather impressive. She'd expected at least a week, so for this to have taken only a span of three days was a sign of the church's competence and ability to take quick action in times of emergencies.

"Sir Fanatio," someone saluted, which she returned with a nod.

"Twenty caravans, split into five per empire. Each will be transporting six individuals. Am I correct in that?"

"Yes sir. We are ready to make the necessary arrangements to move everyone out of Zakkaria."

She hummed. The ones tasked with returning people home here in Norlangarth would have an easier time, while the others would have to return to Centoria before moving to the next empires, since the routes to all four empires converge at the main capital. Travelling to the three other empires would take much longer, but she had no doubt that the people would be delivered to their homes without fail all the same.

All the while, the four Integrity Knights here will be tasked to protect a set number of caravans to make sure nothing bad happens to them during the travel. While she doubted anything bad would happen, it was better to be safe than sorry in the end.

She walked over to two knights, noticing them perk up at her. "I must say, I'm rather surprised you were able to make it here, Nergius and Entokia," she said. "Last I heard, you were overseeing the east, were you not?"

"Yeah, we were, but then the Axiom Church ordered us to return and help with the efforts. Apparently, the others are a lot busier. That okay with you?"

"I have no issues. If anything, I must thank you for your assistance. You have had to leave your stations to come all the way here, after all. The trip must have been arduous."

"Hah, it was nothing. Don't worry about it," Entokia waved her off with what she could only imagine to be an easy-going smile. Beside him, Nergius nodded politely. "So yeah, if there's nothing else to be done here, guess we can get started. That alright?"

She didn't answer immediately, eyes gazing to the side.

Deusolbert Synthesis Seven, clad in bulky crimson armour from head to toe, stood motionless. His head swivelled slowly from side to side, watching the crowd as calmly as ever, a quiver strapped to the left of his waist with his bow to his right.

Goddesses know how relieved she was to be wearing a helmet that masked her expression. Were she to look in a mirror, a distraught look would stare her back.

It was such a strange feeling that washed over her. A kind of unease that she had never experienced before.. or is it familiar? Resurfacing after what she'd been told, and to then be facing the supposed culprit behind a child's pain? Duty forced her to she say nothing. Her heart wanted nothing more but for her to march over and demand answers out of him.

Tearing her gaze away, she nodded back at the grey-clad knight. "I feel that is fine. Everyone probably wants to return to their homes as soon as possible, I have no doubt," she regarded each knight with a look, then finally nodded. "I will leave them to you."

"You got it!"

"Of course."

"Very well."

"Hmm."

That was their cue to begin taking charge. Fanatio didn't bother to stay too long to watch the process, although seeing Nergius turn around to approach her had her pausing in her steps and turning to face him. The greenette bowed a little before her.

"La—I mean, Sir Fanatio," he amended, prompting her to greet him back in kind. "Perhaps you know of this already, but I thought it necessary to pass on the message to you regardless. Her Eminence, the pontifex, wishes to speak to you regarding this incident upon your return to the Central Cathedral," and then he paused, tone inflecting a bit of worry. "That is, if you are willing. I am certain she will be willing to delay your audience to give you time for rest."

She shook her head. "That is kind of you, Nergius, but that should be unnecessary. I understand the urgency of the matter. I shall return to Centoria and meet with Her Eminence immediately."

"Thank you, Sir Fanatio. And also," he made to say when she was about to turn away. "I am pleased to know that you survived this battle unscathed. I… Having laid eyes on the creature's remains, I am still incapable of believing that you had succeeded in slaying it."

"Indeed. It was… not a fight I'd imagined myself ever getting into," even now, with three days past, it still felt like a dream. "And know that it was not just me. I had willing companions who assisted me in felling the creature. Were it not for them, perhaps we would be facing a worse fate."

"Then I am relieved that I am speaking to you here now, rather than to a tombstone. And I am sure the people feel the same. To have their families return to them is a blessing I am certain they wouldn't dare take lightly. If you have the opportunity, I ask that you pass on my thanks to them for me."

"Very well."

"Indeed… Well then, if that is all, I shall take my leave," he bowed once more. "I pray to see you when I return, if the goddesses will it."

Nergius wastes not a single moment after, walking away to speak to the caravan drivers regarding the arrangements. He wasn't the only one moving, as everyone—victims of the Million-Eyed, the knights, and even the people of Zakkaria who, even now, are offering them small amounts of food and clothes as a departure gift—bustle across the grassy field. Noise had become more apparent now, drowning out even her thoughts.

That wasn't enough to fully block out Murasaki's call, who was standing near the gates and awaiting her presence. Her fellow dragons had already moved to join their respective riders, it seemed, and she was looking forward to a long rest back in the cathedral.

Even so, she couldn't leave. Not yet. There was someone she needed to see.

He, nor his companions, hadn't been a part of the crowd. After learning what she did, she wasn't too surprised by that.

Deciding that she could trust the other Integrity Knights to handle the civilians, she made her way back into town. The people parted for her, so she wasn't slowed in the slightest. And since everyone were near the entrance, the area was almost vacated, with not much of a head of hair in sight.

Not until she reached the plaza. As most people have already vacated the area, it was simple enough to find him and his two friends, Eugeo and Charlotte; all three of them were sitting by the water fountain. From this distance alone, however, she hadn't needed to be a genius to recognize the less-than-happy mood.

Nevertheless, she approached the group, making sure her steps were loud and measured enough to alert them of her incoming presence. "Everyone," she greeted. Charlotte raised her head to meet her eyes, nodding back. "They are already preparing transportation. You'd best join them, lest they end up leaving you behind."

"…A walk back to Rulid wouldn't be so bad."

"Kirito, please don't. I am seriously not in the mood for any physical exertion of the sort."

"I mean, we'll technically have to go back to our calling."

"Even still, I'm taking any excuse I can get to not do any physical work…"

Their little exchange was amusing, though that wasn't why she'd come here in the first place. "Are the two of you alright?" She asked, kindly.

Kirito was honest. The kind of person who wore his feelings on his sleeve and hid nothing from the world. His expression morphed into discomfort, black eyes averted from hers as he rubbed his arm. To his side, Eugeo seemed to wilt just the same.

"Not really," the flaxen-haired boy responded first. "We just… saw someone back there, and we got a little upset. That's all."

"It was Deusolbert, wasn't it?"

Blue eyes widened in surprise, head snapping upwards to meet her gaze. "W-What? How do you know—"

"I told him," his best friend said. "About Alice."

That got him to quickly go still, understanding dawning on him in just a mere second. "You did..?"

"I'm sorry. I should have asked you first."

"No, no, it's nothing like that. I trust you," and the lack of hesitation in saying that only proved his belief in his friend. Then again, there was no doubting their bond, considering they'd jumped into a monster's stomach together to slay it from the inside. "It's just, I'm… surprised, is all. I didn't think you'd tell… um…"

"That he'd tell an Integrity Knight?" Eugeo didn't reply verbally. He only nodded sheepishly. She couldn't blame him. "Please, do not worry. I am not slighted by that in any way. If anything, I must admit that I feel just as surprised."

"I trust you, somehow," Kirito said with a shrug. "I don't know. I wasn't really thinking whether I should have told you or not. But maybe I just didn't want you getting the wrong idea or whatever."

"And I am honoured in your trust in me."

"Which makes him the second person you've told this to," Charlotte pointed out. "Besides me, that is. And I feel that is fitting. We did fight a monster together."

"The worst kinds of danger often forge the strangest but equally strong bonds in people," the ravenette chuckled, his friend joining with a smile. "That sounds about right… Still, I'm sorry if we worried you or anything, Fanatio," the woman perked up. "We won't do anything. Really, I'd learned my lesson. And… I get it. Deusolbert did his duty. That's it."

"And you're fine with that?"

"Believe me, I'm still pissed as hell after what happened. But what can I do?" He sighed. "I could take my revenge on him. I could try and kill him out of anger. I could do all of that if I decided to work towards it. But would that bring Alice back?"

"It wouldn't…"

"Exactly. Wasting my time figuring out how to make him pay would be useless," black eyes glanced sideways, meeting blue orbs. "We've many other things we need to do. Things our time would be better spent on."

"Mmhm. Realistic goals that we can work towards achieving, rather than chasing ghosts."

"A little more poetic than I expected, Eugeo, but yeah, you're right."

Fanatio felt her heart clench. A part of her respected him for his patience and understanding, and the ability to see ahead. And yet, she was filled with much sympathy for the two children, knowing that no amount of kindness could possibly reverse the fate of their friend.

"So yeah. I'll be pissed at him, likely for the rest of my life, but that's my issue. I'll still go on with my day with or without it."

"If only there was a way to properly do away with that pain."

"I'd rather if we could have Alice back, but hey? We can't win everything in the world."

None of them said anything for a long time afterwards. Fanatio, left with her own thoughts, couldn't help but wonder what it must have been like; helpless, standing in the crowd and watching her beloved friend taken away from her. Incapable of doing nothing more than to watch them go. Feeling useless. Hurt. Grief. Anger.

And he was still just a child. To be dealing with all of this…

Throughout her career as an Integrity Knight, she had never once lost a comrade. That was mostly because crime is almost non-existent in the Human Empire, and large-scaled battles just don't happen. There was never a reason to fear death.

But maybe fearing death and fearing the idea of losing someone else were two completely different entities. And she didn't dream to go through such pain.

In an uncharacteristic display of comfort, Fanatio moved over to stand before the two children. Charlotte quirked a brow, and the two boys perked up at her sudden approach, wondering what she was trying to do.

Without saying a word, she raised both hands and settled them onto their scalps.

They froze up beneath her touch, confusion wrought on their expressions. But, she felt, they at least deserved some amount of kindness in their lives. And if this was something that she could do for them…

"Your friend… She didn't deserve such a fate," she muttered. Her hands moved in slow circles, faintly assuming whatever form of affection and care she could muster. "You two are so strong, both of will and body. Thank you," she said, despite having said it so many times already. "For helping me save everyone, and for being so merciful as you are."

"…Heh. Merciful?" He chuckled. It sounded hollow, but he was trying to pour mirth into it. "Spiteful, rather. But… yeah. It's fine. And," he added. "For what it's worth, we don't hate you."

And the honesty in his tone couldn't have possibly been feigned. Eugeo nodded as well. They trusted her. And that felt much more relieving than she'd expected.

"I know," she said, patting them. "I know…"

She wished she could have spent a longer moment with the three. She felt closer with them than she'd initially expected, and a form of understanding had formed between herself and Charlotte. With her to watch over them, she had no doubt that they were in good hands.

Alas, she had to take her leave, and they would need to return to Rulid. A part of her wondered if she'd ever meet them again, so she held onto that hope. Life has a strange way with things, so perhaps they might truly meet again one day. In the distant future, perhaps, but that it was still possible was all she could ask for.

Murasaki was patiently waiting for her by the time she, with Kirito and the others, joined the others. She cooed lightly upon spotting her, and then turned her attention towards the children and their guardian. That was the only cue they had before she practically nuzzled each of them individually—short of an interaction as it had been, it seemed as if she'd grown to like them as well.

And so, mounting her partner and bidding the group of three farewell, she took off for the skies. Never once pulling her gaze away from the boy with the ice sword, or the boy with the «Sacred Arts», or the woman whose physical strength went beyond anything else she'd ever seen. Never once looking away until they became nothing more than specks of dots within her vision, the ground growing further and further away until they blurred with the rest of the ground.

And then, turning her head forwards, she flew on. Never looking back.

After having travelled far to reach the Million-Eyed, she'd expected the journey back to Centoria to take even half a day's worth. Such wasn't the case, as Murasaki, fully rested as she was, managed to fly the distance quickly enough that it had only taken two hours in total.

All the while, with Zakkaria far behind her and the memories of the fight still weighing somewhat on her mind, Fanatio had been entirely quiet during the entire trip. Murasaki, either sensing her feelings or merely opting to focus on flying, made not a single sound.

Eventually, even with her thoughts scattered, she caught sight of white piercing the sky. It towered above all of Centoria, being the tallest object that ever exists in the Human Empire; it is enough to make the Gigas Cedar and even the Million-Eyed feel small in comparison—something that only now registers in her mind and leaves her feeling intimidated and awed in equal measures.

With practised ease, the two flew for the thirtieth floor. The grooms were already stationed at the Dragon Landing Field by then. When Murasaki descended, the beat of her wings sent a brief gust of wind that kicked against the clothes of the grooms. Far too used to it, however, they barely reacted to it. Rather…

"Sir Fanatio! It is so good to see you again!"

"Uh?"

That sort of response did not fit someone as 'regal' as her, but she was somewhat taken aback by their sudden outburst of joy and relief. What was going on here?

"I-It's just… We heard of what happened," an old groom said, hand on his chest and looking even more aged in that moment. "A beast as massive as a hundred Mel… One cannot imagine how to face that thing in a fight to begin with…"

"And we were really scared that something horrible happened to you. We heard nothing from the others," the youngest there, a girl with pigtails and a hair ornament sitting above her right ear, let out a shaky breath. "To have you with us again… We are so relieved to see that you are fine."

"I…" She was a little taken aback by their happiness. What surprised her even more was the fluttering of butterflies in her chest. "Thank you. And yes, I am alright. I had companions who helped me in fighting the Million-Eyed."

"That is good to hear," the young groom smiled. "You must be exhausted, sir. Please, leave your partner to us. You should return to your abode for a well night's rest."

Fanatio shook her head. "I appreciate it. But I must first make my report to the pontifex. She wishes to know of this incident in full detail. Afterwards, I shall return to rest."

"Is that so? Very well then," altogether, the grooms bowed at the waist. "May you have a good day, Sir Fanatio."

Nodding back to them, she left Murasaki in their capable hands; judging by her pleased sounds, they knew how to care for dragons. Fanatio smiled beneath her helmet and took her leave.

She then proceeded to climb her way up to the fiftieth floor, the Grand Corridor of Spiritual Light, where she would be meeting with the pontifex. She would have made use of the elevating disk, but the contraption is designed only to transport people between the fiftieth floor and the eightieth, so that meant walking up stairs.

She had to admit that she was a little peeved at having to climb stairs when she'd just fought off a ridiculously-sized monster. Granted, she'd had three days of rest since, hadn't been doing any strenuous activity during her time in Zakkaria, and fighting the Million-Eyed was far more taxing than something as mundane as climbing stairs. But the fact remained that she would have preferred if the elevating disk could work for all hundred floors.

Then she stopped to think about the logistics of such, and faltered.

The hundredth floor is obviously off-limits, since that's where the pontifex lives. Floors ninety-six to ninety-nine are equally forbidden, for they are rooms of the senates. Plus, seeing that the disk isn't all that fast, it would take too long to travel from floor one to ninety-five if it were made possible.

If she were to give the pontifex, the one who created this entire tower, the benefit of the doubt… well, she'd think that the stairs are at least a method of ensuring a knight's general health since they need to do much physical activity to get from one floor to the next.

Personally? She could really do away with the stairs.

Her mood wasn't helped by the fact that her surroundings were just so repetitive; the plush red carpet, the white marble walls… and little else. The lack of life was apparent, and she couldn't see another person anywhere she looked. It felt as if she were the only person in the cathedral, and wasn't that a comforting thought?

After having stayed in Zakkaria, which was always loud and bustling and vibrant every single day and filled with so many happy smiles everywhere she looked…

She shook her thoughts away, continuing her ascent. And eventually, she reached her destination—two daunting doors stood in her path, carved from red oak, with golden handles. She didn't stop at them, pushing through them and causing them to groan loudly. A spacious hall greeted her, marble walls and pillars evoking a sense of symmetry and purity. High up, the ceiling was stained glass depicting creation of the world; it was a piece of beauty that she couldn't help but feel her breath taken away by.

And then, when her gaze falls down once more, her chest becomes tight.

Standing in the centre of the hall and draped in a long dress of silver and purple colours, which went well with her eyes and hair the colour of silver light. She looked beautiful, her gaze kind and lips a pleasant smile that sought to ease the hearts of any in her audience.

This is the pontifex. The one who rules over the Human Empire.

As if ingrained within her very genes, Fanatio stepped forwards until she was at least a Mel in front of her before dropping onto her knee. "Your Eminence."

There was something about this woman that commanded absolute respect out of anyone within her presence. Perhaps it's just her authority as a ruler, or her sheer confidence.

Whatever it was, this was the woman she served directly in her quest to protect the Human Empire. Many years it has been, that her loyalty is dedicated solely to her, alongside all her fellow knights.

"My, my. And here I thought you would have listened to little Nergius and returned to your room for rest. Colour me surprised."

"I am honoured by your kindness and generosity. However, I had already rested during my time in Zakkaria, and it would be more beneficial to report to you the incident of the Million-Eyed as soon as possible. Please forgive me for any insubordination."

The silverette laughed. A melodious toll of bells that reflected amusement, her voice winning the hearts and favour of any and all. "Not at all. If you feel it necessary, then who am I to stop you, oh Vice Commander of the Integrity Knights?"

"Thank you, milady."

"Well then, go ahead. I'm curious as to what you'd gotten yourself into."

"Very well."

And so, Fanatio begins her tale from when she'd gotten the reports from several towns regarding some kind of monster. She'd chased the beast here and there, yet it had managed to evade her search every time. Her investigations would then take her to Rulid, and that's when things reached its peak.

She spoke of Rulid Village to the north and the people she met. She spoke of the missing children. She spoke of the people she'd fought alongside to subdue the creature.

She spoke of the quakes. Of the Million-Eyed rising upwards from the ground. Of feeling helpless and afraid. Of how a single boy's stubborn confidence had spurred her to at least try.

And finally, she spoke of the battle. Of how two children were sent into the belly of the beast while she and the fighter distracted it as best as they could from the outside. Of the people they saved after it was felled from the inside, and then the trip to Zakkaria.

As she finished summarizing the tale up to the present, Fanatio went quiet. Her focus was solely on the pontifex, trying to discern what thoughts were behind her expression; she looked calm and thoughtful, yet there seemed to be some semblance of unease in her gaze. Perhaps pondering over how such a terrific creature managed to get into the Human Empire to begin with, or why it'd kidnapped people.

Eventually, the woman broke the silence with a hum, looking at Fanatio. "I see. That is quite the story. If anything, it pleases me to know that you have returned to us."

"Thank you, Your Eminence. I, too, am relieved to be alive and well to return to your side," she bowed her head low in servitude.

"Hmm… You know," she began, drawing Fanatio's attention. "You spoke of those two companions of yours. The ones you fought beside. They are not with you?"

"No, milady. They returned to Rulid Village."

"I see. And to think two of them are children. Fascinating…"

Fanatio hummed in agreement. "Truly. Admittedly, I hadn't been able to witness them fight in the Million-Eyed's body, but that they succeeded to fell the beast from the inside either way cannot, in any way, be overlooked."

"And how did they fight?"

"One of them, Kirito, weld the sword. I'm not sure how good he was with it, but he described himself as being 'unpolished' and 'rough'. As for his friend, Eugeo, he seemingly used «Sacred Arts» to provide support. That is all I can confirm."

"Ho…" Curiosity flickered in the silverette's eyes. "Very interesting… Mere children, yet skilled enough to take down a creature such as this?"

"Indeed. It would bear mentioning that the two of them are not even tasked with studying the sword or «Sacred Arts»," if the pontifex wasn't interested already, she definitely was now. For some odd reason, Fanatio couldn't help the image in her mind that, if the pontifex had rabbit ears, they'd go erect atop her head. "Both of them are this generation's tree cutters assigned with felling the Gigas Cedar."

"The Gigas Cedar..? Ah, yes. The large tree in Rulid."

The pontifex went silent once more, perhaps thinking about something else. Or maybe she was trying to wrap her head around the information she'd just gotten. Fanatio made no move to add anything else, simply standing by in case she was prompted for anything else.

It seemed that the pontifex had made her decision, regarding her once more. She looked her up and down, then nodded. "Well, no matter. You have returned, and that is enough. I suggest you go and rest. I am certain you could use it."

While Fanatio wasn't actually tired anymore, the thought of catching up on some more rest was just too tempting to turn down. "Very well," she bowed deeply. "Thank you, milady. Should you have need of me, you need only call for me."

"Of course, of course. Now off with you. I don't need you passing out in front of me simply because you were too stubborn to go and sleep the day away."

Fanatio bade the pontifex well and waited for her to take her leave first, going down and heading for someplace she wasn't certain of. The knight, on the other hand, moved to the back of the hall and went through the doors at the end, mild darkness greeting her in stark contrast to the corridor. Not a single torch, oddly enough, but there was no need, for illumination came from up above.

And as she stared ahead, it was to the sight of a green-tinted glass cylinder that ran all the way upwards within the cathedral.

It was a truly peculiar design that no other place within the Human Empire actually possesses, and the sight of such would have left the common man gobsmacked at what it was possibly for—after all, where were the stairs, when the rest of the tower's floors were accessible solely by stairs?

Time would come to answer that particular question, as the faint sound of wind gushing eventually grew stronger. A perfectly round disk made out of stone floated downwards within the cylinder before eventually coming to a stop when it reached the ground. Psssh. The glass slid open in two directions, giving her a view of the young girl within; short brown hair, a simple dress and an apron.

"Pray forgive me for the wait, Sir Fanatio," she greeted with a bow. "Which floor would you like to visit today?"

This is the girl who operates the 'elevating disk', as the pontifex called it. It was a contraption that utilized the 'Aerial' element in conjunction with some advanced machinery the likes of which she couldn't imagine, and serves to transport people between the floors fifty to eighty. Anything above and below those require stairs.

"I'd like to return to my room, if possible."

"Then to floor seventy-nine. Very well," with a nod, Fanatio stepped onto the platform. The girl placed her hands against the glass tube erected in the centre of the disk. "«System Call. Generate 'Aerial' element»."

Green orbs came to life within the glass encasement, floating in the space. Immediately, the glass doors slid close, shutting them inside.

"«Burst»."

Ten air elements. That was the limit of how many elements could be conjured at a single time, and for her to be capable of such indicates a high «System Control Authority», which had earned her the duty of operating this odd machine.

Fanatio jumped a little when the disk rumbled a little once she allowed three wind elements to burst, thus allowing the disk to begin ascending by releasing air out through the bottom. It was at a turtle's pace, but anything faster might have made its passengers sick.

"Have you already eaten?" Fanatio asked, if only to make some small talk.

"I have. I had my break earlier, and ate some sweet bread."

"Sweet bread alone couldn't possibly fill your stomach…"

"And other things," the girl added, making the knight sweat-drop.

"I… suppose that's good," honestly, if she ate only sweet bread at a time, she'd likely go mad from the hunger. "Now that I think about it, where do you eat?"

"I have my breaks in the Grand Dining Room on floor ten."

Ah, right. That floor is for those who are not fully-fledged Integrity Knights. Typically, monks and typical soldiers eat there. She hadn't exactly been there before, so she was naturally curious about it. "How is the food there?"

"The head chef makes many a good thing, I must admit. He is generous enough to accept any particular request and make them, but only if he has the ingredients for them. I would then join the monks and eat with them if they are present."

She hummed. That does sound nice, but part of the perks of being an Integrity Knight meant having access to the Integrity Knights' dining room on floor ninety-four. There, gourmet foods that most people would dream of biting into even just once is served to them on a daily basis; whatever they desire would be made on the spot without a complaint, so they're a little more pampered than the average person.

Still, she couldn't remember the last time she'd gone there and found another knight. Being an Integrity Knight meant one had to be prepared to be busy almost the entire day, so the chances of seeing another knight was fairly low, sadly. But they'd all gotten used to it, and they would make the best out of it when they are all present.

And yet, why was she feeling so dejected about that now?

She hadn't the time to think on that further. The disk came to a halt soon enough, and the glass tube doors opened up once more. Fanatio gave her thanks to the operator and stepped off the disk, receiving naught but a bow before she descended without a word.

"Fanatio? Huh. You're back."

The woman perked up at the familiar voice, turning to look at the person. "S-Sir?"

"Hah, what's with that 'sir' nonsense?" Chuckled the man before her, stroking his chin. "Don't mind me. I was just doing some walking in the corridors and happened to cross your path."

Tall and muscular, with scars across his skin to mark his many years of combat. This was Bercouli, the very first Integrity Knight and their proud commander, whose skill and power was on a completely different level. Someone she respected very much.

And this was the man in Rulid Village's legend.

Why she was suddenly remembering that was odd, but now she couldn't shake the prospect. Kirito had told her of the story once, and she can't forget it anymore. "I see," she nodded once. "I am pleased to see that you are well of health, Commander."

"And you are too," he scratched the back of his head, sounding just a little bit displeased. "I mean, I hadn't had just as eventful of a couple days as you had, apparently. Patrolling was way more peaceful than whatever you went through."

"Yes, indeed," she sighed a little. "Admittedly, I could go without ever experiencing something of that level ever again. Some peace would do me well."

Bercouli chuckled at that. "Hah, that so? Well, I s'pose you're not wrong. In any case, if you're here, you're likely heading to your room to rest. Have you eaten before this, though?"

"I have. The people of Zakkaria were gracious, and made us much food. I partook alongside them."

"Ooh, village food? Talk about interesting."

"And rather pleasant, yes. I quite enjoyed my time there."

"The common folk can be pretty swell, I agree. Certainly much more than your stuck-up nobles," he shrugged. "In any case, I won't hold you up for any longer. I'll be—"

"Actually, Commander," he paused when she called out to him. "I… have a request, if you would permit me."

Surprise was apparent in his gaze when he turned to look at her, which quickly morphed into a wide grin. "Oh? Now that's rare. Getting asked by Fanatio of all people for something. Well, how could I say no to my Vice Commander?" Despite herself, she couldn't help but flush a little from his friendly words. "What would you like? It has to be within reason, though. I'm just one man."

"R-Right. It's nothing too demanding, I assure you. Rather…"

6th day of the 11th Month – HEC, 372

Centoria, in the Central Cathedral

"Actually, I'm starting to regret this. We stand out a little too much…"

"Hah! What're you so worried about? If anything, take off your helmet. Maybe you'll fit in a little better."

On one hand, she probably should, but Fanatio still felt a little uncomfortable with the notion. People probably wouldn't give two cares if she does end up taking off her helmet, but the voice in her mind begged her not to, and she couldn't help but follow it either way.

In any case, two Integrity Knights walked into the Grand Dining Room on the tenth floor. That sounded like a punchline to a joke, but that was simply the reality; both she and Bercouli were currently in the dining room, seated at a table in the corner and currently being watched by practically everyone else—the monks, the nuns, even the cooks.

Fanatio began to feel the weight of the attention, but her commander was all too casual. He simply took it all with a smile on his face, something she honestly envied right about now. On the plus side, she's wearing her helmet, so no one could see her unease.

She has to admit, this dining room is far simpler than the Integrity Knights' in terms of design.

Rows upon rows of long tables were arranged within the spacious room, covered by a white cloth and completely furnished with numerous candlesticks, silverware and water jugs. Countless monks were already seated at the tables one after another, chatting animatedly with one another as they ate their meals together. Some of them stared at the knights in curiosity, but they simply kept to themselves otherwise.

She angled her head back to look over to where the kitchen was. It was incredibly lit up, with ten or so cooks bustling left and right to do something; be it chopping up meat, preparing dough, stirring a pot or manning the fire. It was busy in there, and the aroma wafting from that direction smelt pleasant enough.

"Well, even if you feel awkward in here, might as well dig into your food. Don't want to let it go to waste, eh?"

He's not wrong. She'd come here with Bercouli, who'd been surprised by the request but accepted in the end, and it would have been rude to the cooks to not each the meal they prepared.

She looked down before her. A humble meat stew stared her back, filled with an assortment of vegetables and meat chunks that she could tell was prepared with just as much care as the other monks received. The brown broth looked rich and thick, and she only came to realize how much more tantalizing this was compared to all the meals they'd had in their personal dining room.

"You sure you can eat with your helmet on?" Bercouli asked, throwing a lopsided grin her way. "I tried it once before. Not a fan, I'll tell you that."

"Nngh… But…"

"I'm not forcing you, of course. But just think about how much easier it'll be to eat without that hunk of metal in your way. You might accidentally smother your helmet with soup."

Yeah, she definitely wouldn't like that. His reasoning was logical, and honestly so much easier. Fanatio saw no other ways to this. So with a sigh, she opted to follow through on his counsel.

With slow movements, she slipped off her helmet and settled it onto an empty seat, sighing all the while. And then, she grabbed her hair and tied it off into a bun that fell downwards. Still, without having much practised it, many more strands slipped off, but she supposed it'll be enough to keep her hair out of her face for the time being.

Oddly enough, she heard the sounds of chatter in the background going a little quiet, but she was all too determined to ignore whatever was going on and just eat her stew in peace.

Dipping her spoon into the stew, she lifted it up and was presented with a shimmery shine. A chunk of potato and a cut of meat sat within the liquid, and the simplicity of its presentation reminded her of the food she had back in Zakkaria. And without any hesitation, she slipped it into her mouth.

Fanatio hummed in delight, warm memories of children's laughter and the scent of earth resurfacing within her mind like a kiss of the wind. It's enough to further whet her appetite, and she's made even happier with how it is, digging into it even more.

"Mmm… This is rather delicious," she said, looking over to the kitchen. "What a shame. Had I known, I would have come here far more frequently."

"…Uh-huh."

"I suppose it's because it's something rather different than what we've eaten. Having gotten used to all the fancier meals for years, eating something so modest and simple is just a delight. I might think to come here more frequently next time."

"Really?"

"Truly," she grinned, feeling the flavours within the meat diffuse onto her tongue. "Honestly, I blame my time in Zakkaria. After having had the opportunity to try out the simpler cuisine, I'm rather open to it."

"Huh…"

Okay, these one-word responses are not exactly contributing to the conversation. She turned to face her commander, pouting a little. "Sir?"

"Ah, sorry about that," Bercouli shook his head. "It's just… You look a lot more relaxed than I could remember. Seriously, the last time was, what? Years ago?" He shrugged. "No offense, but you've always been rather stiff, Fanatio. So this is… well, it's real different. But it's not bad, just so you know."

The woman blinked back, letting the words register in her mind before she frowned, looking down. He wasn't wrong; she'd been a little too uptight her whole life, likely because of her perception of how she's treated by the people around her and her desire to fulfil her duty properly. Anything less would likely earn her scorn from everyone else, and should that affect their own perception of the knightly order as a whole, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself.

Still, she supposed that she'd need to work on her attitude a little better if she were to make people less uncomfortable when speaking to her or something. It would be an embarrassment if everyone were too afraid to talk to her simply because she was too—

Golden light flows like wind in the air, footsteps soft and yet discernible in the strange silence.

Time seems to come to a still as hair the colour of the sun dances in the corner of her vision. Amber eyes widen, her breath coming to a halt as the story of a young boy comes to mind.

Fanatio's head practically snapped to the side as her eyes zeroed in on the person who walked out of the dining room, catching only the briefest speck of braided gold that disappeared beyond the frame of the entrance.

That was… No way. It couldn't be…

"…tio? Fanatio?" The worried voice of her commander sounded faint. Faraway. "Is something wrong?"

"…Nothing," she replied, turning back to her food. The flavours are suddenly muted, her body simply moving on automatic to finish up her meal. "Forgive me. I thought I saw someone I recognized, but it was no one."

"Are you sure? You look like you'd just seen a ghost or something."

Perhaps he wasn't wrong. Maybe she had just seen a ghost. After all, if Kirito's tale was true and the girl saw her fate through to the end, then she should we be dead. So what her mind could have perceived might have been her departed soul.

But if it wasn't..?

"Excuse me, milords," a new voice entered the fray. Her thoughts came to a sudden stop, and the two of the knights turned to look at the messenger; a young man with curly brown hair. "I have a message for you from Her Eminence, the pontifex. She wishes to speak to you, Sir Fanatio. If possible, she would like to see you now."

The pontifex? Her brow quirked, and judging by the look on her commander's face, she wasn't the only one surprised by this piece of news. What could possibly be the issue?

She shook her head. Perhaps she'd like her opinion on a matter, or further update on her report from yesterday. She had told her everything she'd remembered, but there could have possibly been a detail she'd missed on accident.

Fanatio truly hoped for that, from the bottom of her heart. Because for some reason, there was the sense that something was off.

And all over again, things just become complicated as always as the flow of the story is altered once more.

Author's Notes:

My computer screen is literally the matrix. At times, the current screen will glitch out and overlay above the active one. Definitely my bad for dropping the laptop on the ground off the bed twice. Gonna' see if I can get a new one next month.

To anyone that's curious, male pronouns were used to refer to Fanatio in prior chapters (except for the last bit at Chapter 11). And now female pronouns are used. What? Well, I'm sure most of you already know what's happening, but it's something that I'll just explain either way for the benefit of those who don't.

As a little note to make, there are three styles of third-person view in stories; omniscient, limited omniscient and objective. Typically, I prefer writing as limited omniscient, which means the reader is typically restricted to the thoughts and experiences of a single chosen character—but not everyone else. That means we see the world through a single character's point of view, rather than know everything about the story.

This is why when we follow Kirito, his assumption of Fanatio being a guy influenced the usage of male pronouns throughout the chapters. Now that we're following Fanatio specifically, and that she herself knows what she is, it's made obvious that she's a woman.

As for why everyone keeps calling her Sir Fanatio… Eh, I don't know. I'm going off of her personal disdain of being underestimated as a woman by everyone around her that influences her demand of everyone around her to refer to her as 'Sir'—to quickly explain, in the original story during her fight with Kirito in the cathedral, she mentioned how she was angered by the fact that everyone always 'went easy' on her in a fight simply because she's a woman. It's a matter of perception, which spurred her to wear a mask to hide her identity.

As such, the common people and knights will assume she is a man, just like Kirito does. And her fellow Integrity Knights would likely need to call her 'Sir' out in public when she dons the helmet.