"Flush."

Liliana confidently dropped 5 Clover cards onto the table.

Kaito shuffled through his deck several times, then dropped four cards with identical numbers.

"Four of a kind," He declared in a stale tone, "I win."

"Oh, son of a—"

She slumped against the trembling wall of the carriage and watched as Kaito swept all of her betting chips three times in a row.

"How are you so good at this? I thought gambling was a luck-based game."

Kaito snorted through his nose while skillfully reshuffling the deck.

"Gambling is anything but luck. They just make you think it is to make idiots bet away their life."

Liliana slumped deeper into her seat with her arms crossed.

She knew this trickster well enough that asking if he was targeting her with that comment would only earn her an extra snarky retort.

Kaito flipped rows of cards between his hands.

Liliana's eyes followed the cards as they traveled through the air, mesmerized by the dozens of cards moving so fluently.

Liliana truly admired Kaito's hand skills—he was better than the countless royal jesters she had seen during her life—but she still had trouble with his rough attitude.

...which was precisely why she asked him to be her companion on this diplomatic mission.

Suddenly, Kaito clapped his hands together and gathered the card deck. Liliana jumped in her seat out of surprise.

"So, do you feel like telling me why I'm here?"

Liliana froze in her seat.

"Pardon?"

Kaito pocketed the card deck into his cloak.

"We are far away enough from the Kingdom from any eavesdropper. Unless you're suspecting the coachman."

Liliana stared at Kaito for a few seconds before resting her back on the seat with an exasperated sigh.

"...is it that obvious that I was hiding something?"

"No. I just guessed."

Kaito looked outside of the window.

The grassy field stretched to the horizon, where a wall of thick trees stretched endlessly.

Liliana followed his gaze.

"That's the [Haltina Sea of Trees], where most demi-humans live."

"Is that where we are going?"

Liliana shook her head.

"No, our destination is the [Hoelscher Empire]. I'm going to negotiate with the emperor, Gahard D. Hoelscher.

I'll be honest, sir Mikasachi. The empire is trying to take the Summoned Heroes away from the Heiligh Kingdom."

Kaito stared blankly at the princess, who had paused as if waiting for some marvelous reaction.

When Kaito didn't provide any, the princess continued as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Even before the summoning ritual, the empire had been trying to take the heroes for themselves.

The Heiligh Kingdom had to work hard even to gain the right to perform the ritual within our dominion, and even then, the Emperor sent one of his sons to spy on us."

Kaito recalled the first day they were summoned to Tortus.

As soon as they had left the Temple of Summoning, they witnessed a stand-off between Liliana and some dude wearing a red cloak.

"You mean that guy in a red cloak."

Kaito guessed.

"Yes, that was Prince Invias, the second son of the Hoelscher family. He has quite of a temper, but he isn't too bad, all things considered."

Kaito vaguely recalled that the prince insulted every classmate as pathetic, but he decided not to argue about something so trivial.

"Then, I managed to retain our rights via the concordat we had concluded before the summoning ritual.

However, after the...accident..."

Liliana paused again.

However, this time, instead of dramatic effect, she stopped to carefully eye Kaito's reaction.

Kaito tried his best to keep calm but couldn't help from his hands clenching into fists or his jaw tightening so hard that his teeth ground against each other.

Of course, the accident refers to the disappearance of Hajime, Kaori, Shizuku, and Meld inside the Orcus Labyrinth.

They still had not found any trace of them alive or dead, but the general sense was that it was most likely that all four of them had crossed the river Styx.

No one could survive weeks in the Labyrinth, no matter how skilled they were. No doubt they were all long dead, and the monsters gobbled up their corpse.

Kaito wanted to say that he firmly disagreed with those rumors and had no doubt that Hajime was alive in the Labyrinth.

However, it was a painful fact that there was a devastatingly low possibility for Hajime to be alive by now.

"...anyway, the Empire said that they couldn't trust us with the heroes anymore."

"So they want to disregard the concordat and take us to the Empire immediately."

Liliana nodded, then placed a hand on her chest with a determined expression.

"As the princess of Heiligh Kingdom, I can not allow the Empire to hoard the Summoned Heroes."

"Why, because the empire would gain the upper hand in politics?"

Kaito bit his tongue. He didn't mean to ask in such a sarcastic tone.

He glanced at his companion. Liliana had shrunk a little in her seat, her expression bewildered and slightly hurt.

When the princess parted her lips, Kaito shuffled the card deck, racking his brain to form a correct apology.

"The Empire is a harsh, relentless nation.

It is their top priority to seek strength, no matter what kind, and they don't hesitate to slander those who are weak.

Liliana looked out the window towards the endless Sea of Trees.

"Even to this day, they regularly raid and kidnap dozens of demi-humans to enslave them.

I can't accept such tyranny—even if we are both humankind, sharing the same enemy. One day, I will find a way to end their actions.

That's why I can't let them take the Summoned Heroes, Sir Mikasachi. And..."

Liliana chewed on her lower lip as if the words were refusing to come off of her tongue.

Her eyes lingered on Kaito, who stared down at his hands full of cards.

"...Kaito."

"Huh?"

He gathered them into one hand and held out the other to the lone princess.

"Call me Kaito."

Taken aback by the sudden proposition, Liliana stared blankly at the hand for a few seconds.

Then, with a bright smile, she took the hand and shook it.

"Thank you, Kaito."

Kaito snorted as usual and retracted his hand.

[Line Break - The Same Day, Night]

Eri looked up as a silver-winged lady gracefully touched the grass.

The Apostle gently let go of its master, Hiyama, who stepped off with a wide smirk.

"You're late."

Eri remarked, making no effort to hide her irritation.

Hiyama shrugged.

"You can't blame the main guy for being late."

Eri snorted in exasperation. The idea that Hiyama was anything more than a fodder was a bad joke in her eyes.

But then again, she doubted that Hiyama had enough brain power or controllable ego to accept the truth.

"Now, lead the way."

"Don't talk to me."

So, Eri guided her new partner of crime down the secret passage hidden within the Temple of Summoning.

They walked down an endless amount of spiraling stairway on foot.

Midway, Hiyama protested that his feet were beginning to hurt. Apostle offered him her back and carried him the rest of the way.

Eri let out a deep sigh, not trying to hide how lowly she thought of Hiyama.

He was nothing like Kouki—well, no other man was like him in her eyes, but it was remarkable how much that scumbag could be so...apart from her hero.

She had no idea why he, of all people, was selected as a member of this plan.

Hopefully, today's meeting will clear things up for her.

With that hopeful outlook in mind, Eri opened a set of black doors at the end of the staircase.

"Whoa, what's all this?"

Hiyama gasped.

On the other side of the door, there was a massive church with purple candles flickering on the pillars and a pedestal in front of a giant mosaic picture of someone with lengthy golden hair and blood-red eyes.

Six heavily armored knights flanked both sides of the straight line leading up to the pedestal where Ishtar Langbard, the Pope of the Holy Church, stood.

When the old priest saw the guests at his doorstep, he raised his arms in a welcoming manner.

"Ah, welcome, true summoned heroes."

"Don't mind if I do!"

Hiyama pushed past Eri as soon as the door was wide enough.

Eri scowled and tried to whack at the back of the idiot's head, but the Apostle grabbed her staff before it made contact.

"Do not try that again."

The artificial human warned with a straight face.

Eri grunted.

She had no other choice but to nod, and then the Apostle let her hand go before following its master at a brisk pace.

Hiyama smirked over his shoulder, ran past the six knights while sparing them a glance each, and then walked up straight into Ishtar with a twisted smirk.

"So, you're the mastermind behind whatever plan is going on here?"

Ishtar stroked his long white beard.

His emerald eyes quickly analyzed the impudent teenager in front of him before moving to the Holy Spirit that flanked Hiyama.

"So... you did manage to awaken the Apostle, sir Daisuke."

"What, this thing?"

Hiyama slapped his hand on the Apostle's behind.

The Apostle flinched, letting the tiniest moan slip between her lips.

Ishtar frowned deeply at the sight of this blatant blasphemy. The knights shifted in their spots, glowering at the back of Hiyama's head.

'...if god so chooses this man to be his servant...then this must be yet another burden I must bear to follow his voice...'

Even Hiyama noticed the general mood and looked around.

"What? Did I do something wrong? Not that I care; I just want to know."

"The Apostle I gave you is a sacred figure of the Holy Church."

Eri explained.

"It is the angel to their god. So if you clap it on the cheeks, it is very, very disrespectful for them."

"Ah, I see."

Hiyama nodded, but he didn't take his hand off the Apostle.

On the contrary, he took a step further by openly groping on it, making the Apostle squirm and moan some more.

Ishtar cleared his throat uncomfortably. The knights shifted in their places, some even reaching their weapons.

However, the Apostle drew her dual great-sword at the first sign of open aggression towards its master.

"Stand down."

It demanded in a monotone voice.

Ishtar reluctantly raised his hand. The knights reverted to their original posts with equal distaste.

"Yeah, that's right. Nobody crosses my path with this at my side."

Hiyama smirked.

Eri rolled her eyes and walked up to the pope.

"I've done what you asked for now. What is the bigger plan?"

"Ah, yes."

Ishtar nodded. He straightened his beard and outstretched his arms, addressing the entire room and more.

"Here me, the sheep that roam the world of the all mighty Ehit!

Once, this world was a prosperous land, filled with nothing but joy and happiness granted by our great lord.

When his grace knew no bounds, his mercy had no depth, and his light made no shadows!

But today, those magnificent days are far behind.

The world is plagued with ungrateful, degenerative vermins that plague the very earth our lord has provided.

I have received words of our lord, so heed my words!

The time has come to cleanse the world, get rid of the pests that ill the earth, and reclaim our promised lands!"

The knights all raised their arms and cheered, chanting their god's name.

Their chants were so loud that only ten voices were enough to fill up the entire hall, making the candles flicker and tremble.

"Damn fanatics..."

Hiyama grumbled with hands over his ears.

For once, Eri agreed with him.

Neither of them cared for whatever grand plan the Holy Church, or in this case, Ishtar and his followers were cooking.

'I only need Kouki...the rest of the world can burn to hell if I care.'

'If only I could get my hands on Shirasaki...I'll have two bitches in my arms!'

"And today, my dear Six Sacred Paladins, we have two extra abettors, both led to us by the great guidance of our lord."

"Hey, fuck-ups!"

Hiyama jeered and waved his middle finger.

Eri nodded shortly.

She also stepped away from Hiyama, making it clear to everyone else that she wasn't associated with that irresponsible maniac in any way.

Ishtar cleared his throat.

"...anyhow, for our grand plan to bear fruit, there are sets of powerful magic we must obtain."

"Magic?"

Hiyama perked up, intrigued by the potential opportunity for more power.

Ishtar nodded.

"The Seven Ancient Magic, the blessings given to us by our lord, are scattered among the vast lands of Tortus.

We must combine all seven magic to open up the pearly gates and welcome our savior back to this tainted earth so he may purify it again."

"And it is our job to get them for you instead of the kingdom."

Eri guessed.

Then, one of the Paladins stepped up from behind.

"It's not just you two. It was meant to be our job to carry the burden of knowledge."

Although his expression was hidden under the silver helm, his tone made it clear that he wasn't thrilled by the newcomers of their plan.

Eri snorted and looked away.

"It is said that one person can use only one ancient magic at a time, and that's if one can learn it to begin with.

My six Paladins would hopefully succeed in obtaining the magic, but if one of them fails...that's when you'll step in, Summoned Heroes.

As the ambassadors sent to us from our lord, it might be possible for both of you to learn more than one Ancient magic at a time."

Hiyama licked his lips and rubbed his hands together with a cackle.

"So all I have to do is go to the Labyrinths where this Ancient Magic is located and take them. Easy enough."

Then, Hiyama smacked his hand over the back of the Apostle's head.

"Hey! Take me to the nearest Labyrinth—except for Orcus."

"Yes, Master."

The Apostle cradled Hiyama in her arms, spread her silver wings, and flew up through a gutter in the ceiling.

"...does he even know where the other Labyrinth is?"

One of the other knights asked.

Ishtar sighed and pinched between his eyes.

"Let's hope the Apostle would lead him to where he belongs...Galuda, would you kindly go after Mr. Daisuke?"

"Yes, father."

The knight that had spoken up to Eri stepped forward.

He gave Eri a condescending glance before spreading white wings, similar to the Apostle, and flew up through the same gutter.

After the single white feather fluttered to the ground, the old pope turned to Eri.

"Ms. Nakamura, I would like you to go back into the Orcus Labyrinth.

One of my Paladins would fill in the gap of Meld Roggins as the supervisor to the Summoned Heroes."

"Whatever."

Eri waved her hand and headed toward the entrance. One of the other knights hefted his spear and silently followed her behind.

After the door closed behind the two, Ishtar turned to the remaining four knights, all waiting for his command.

"Now, there is something else I want the four of you to take care of..."

Ishtar snapped his fingers, creating a hologram next to him.

The hologram showed two dragons flying over the black sea.

One shone brightly in the night with its golden scale, while the other blended into the darkness due to its black layer.

"There is a pair of heretics heading our way. I want you to get rid of them."

The four paladins bowed their heads, their mouths curled up into an excited, cruel grin.

"It will be done, Father."

A/N:

It's a bit short compared to my other chapters, but this sets everyone at where I want them to be as we go into the next arc.

I tried to add some more story beats, but all of them felt more pandering than anything else, so this is a short chapter.

In the next chapter, we return to Hajime, Shizuku, and Kaori venturing through the hellscape of the Depth of Orcus Labyrinth.

Stay tuned! Ta ta~