The Merchant's Conspiracy

At last, at last, at last! Is probably what a few of you are thinking right now and yes, I'm excited to finally be able to bring you the latest chapter of 'A New Crusade!' Again, apologies for the wait, but I thought it best to let the anime get a little ahead first so that I don't screw anything up too badly story-wise. As always, thank you my fellow readers for your patience and thank you Guest Reader for the information about Melaquera. I can't wait to see how I might implement that little tidbit myself. But enough of that, on to the story!

Forest of the Sanctuary

Sir Ulric the Crusader and knight of the royal candidate, Emilia, had had several reasons to be surprised over the last few days. Well last few days from his perspective anyway. And now here he stood with a throbbing cheek, courtesy of Otto who was trying to hide the fact that his own hand was throbbing. Ironic, given that he was telling Ulric to stop putting up such a tough front around his friends. "Right now, I'm betting your head's nothing but a jumbled mess and you don't know what to do," said Otto, "lately all you've been doing is getting yourself into situations where even your blade and magic isn't enough. You do everything you can to help but your reach is a bit too short and your strength isn't quite adequate so you wind up wasting time trying to do everything at once."

"And you're wasting time by not getting to the point," said Ulric as he crossed his arms, now over his initial shock at Otto's attitude, "did you come here to help me or to vent your frustrations about the way I'm doing things? I can accept criticism at any other time but as of right now there's too much at stake for us to be at each other's throats."

"I'm just trying to knock some sense into you!" Exclaimed Otto as he grabbed the knight by the collar of his armor and headbutted him. A mistake on his part as Ulric grit his teeth agains the pain before grabbing the merchant's arms and headbutting him back. Luckily for Otto, Ulric didn't hit his nose but that didn't mean he was in the clear as the Crusader also kneed him in the gut before tossing him to the ground.

"I'll only ask one more time," said Ulric, "do you have a point to this little demonstration of yours or are you-ah what in the world?!" The Knight was interrupted as a sudden onslaught of yellow beetle-like bugs began swarming around him.

"This is the point I was hoping to make," said Otto, holding his stomach as he stood up somewhat shakily, "you should rely on your friends more. You'd be surprised at what we can do." Ulric would've answered that statement if the ground didn't suddenly collapse under his feet. The drop was only a few feet, but he still grunted as he landed on his back. "This is the power of my divine protection of language, I can actually speak to the wildlife-AAAAAHHH!"

Otto stumbled back slightly as Ulric, his body wrapped in the light of Jiwald, leapt up out of the pit and landed in front of him. "Are you telling me that you ordered those insects to dig that hole?" Asked the Knight as he glanced back down the pit while keeping one eye on Otto.

"Yes, like I was just explaining," said Otto, "I have the divine protection of language. I can not only speak to all kinds of people but animals as well."

"Fascinating," said Ulric with a hand to his chin, "Ram once mentioned having an ability akin to communicating with wildlife too. I wonder if they're related."

"I'd doubt she'd tell us if we asked," said Otto, "but I hope you understand what I'm saying a little better now. It's okay to act tough in front of your lady or the girl you love, but you shouldn't let it get beyond that! If you want to be someone they can be proud of, it's okay to ask others for help, someone like your friends."

"I…suppose that's been the real issue," admitted Ulric as he thought back to how he tried making use of Echidna's knowledge and his discovery of Roswaal's treachery. "With so many new faces around and the talk of conspiracies, not to mention a few betrayals by people I trusted, It seems I'd come to believe I could only rely on myself and the personal strength God had granted me. But in fact, God has given me another way entirely and as always, in a form I didn't expect."

"And I still don't quite understand what you're talking about," said Otto, "just like when we first met, you somehow knew my name even though we'd never once crossed paths."

"I doubt you'd believe me if I told you what I was able to tell you," said Ulric, "sometimes I hardly believe it myself."

"Why not give it a shot anyway," encouraged Otto, "just start wherever you want and when you're done, just tell me to believe you. After all, aren't you the one who encourages people to have faith?"

"Quite true," Ulric said with a small laugh, "very well then, I shall tell you my tale on one condition."

"And what would that be?" Questioned Otto as the two sat down on the ground.

"Why is it you desire so strongly to be friends with me?" Questioned Ulric, "You know I get into dangerous situations and that I'm not overly fond of most merchants. So what is it that makes you wish to still be friends under such circumstances?"

"You really don't know?" Otto Asked, "the only reason I'm sitting here right now and not skewered with a bunch of cultist's daggers is because of you."

"You have Ricardo and the rest of the Iron Fang to thank for that," said Ulric, "I just happened to find out their spy and the map he had led us to all of the Witch Cult's hideouts in the area."

"But it was you who brought the Iron Fang down there in the first place to slaughter the Witch's Cult," Otto pointed out, "Ricardo himself even said you were responsible for saving me, that's why I believe you are the one I have to thank for still being alive right now. It's also the reason I want to help, so whatever story you have to tell, I'll do my best to believe it."

"Very well then," said Ulric with a nod, "let us begin with some of the secrets of the Sanctuary, or as it once was known, the Witch's Graveyard."

A Short Time Later: Main Village Cottage

Roswaal L. Mathers fancied himself to be a patient man. One often had to be when running an entire domain. And given what he'd read in his tome of knowledge, there was little else for him to do now except to wait for the inevitable. Perhaps it would not be in this life or the next, but soon, the knight Sir Ulric would-CRASH! "Roswaal L. Mathers!" Said Ulric as he stood in the doorway with a somewhat different look in his eye than when he'd left.

"Sir Ulric," said the head mage of the kingdom, finding himself actually flabbergasted at the sight of said Knight standing in the doorway, "I did not expect to see you again at any point in this life."

"It wasn't my original plan either, but seeing such a surprised look on your face has already made this visit worthwhile," replied Ulric, "your confusion also probably means that tome hasn't told you the reason why I'm here either."

"I could take a quick glance and see," said Roswaal, "but it'd be quicker for you to simply explain yourself. Why have you returned here?"

"I had something of a chat with a fellow or two," explained Ulric as he crossed his arms and held up one finger, "and it was pointed out to me that there were at least a couple of options I was overlooking. The reason being is they'd usually be out of character for me as I'm not a gambler by nature, at least not when I'm off the battlefield."

"So you wish to partake in a game of sorts?" Questioned Roswaal with a raised eyebrow, "very well, you have my attention so please explain."

"It's really quite simple," said Ulric as he pointed at the mage, "I propose a wager, one that involves putting our dreams on the line."

"And what would prompt such an action from you?" Questioned Roswaal.

"Because as infuriating as your existence currently is to me right now, it was pointed out that your death could prove problematic to Emilia's royal candidacy," explained Ulric, "so instead of killing you, I've decided it'd be more productive to beat you at your own game."

"Do tell," said Roswaal with a slight smirk, "what is it you had in mind for this wager?"

"I intend for this to be the final time I relive this trial," said Ulric, "whatever it takes, the mansion shall be saved and the sanctuary shall be freed from the barrier with a minimal loss of life."

"But you already had me in check," Roswaal pointed out, "now you wish to deny the most useful power you have?"

"What use is it if I can't save everyone I care for," replied Ulric, "even if you start over and over again, what's the point if you eventually give up on trying to prevent much of anything at all? No, it is only by our arrogance that we believed such a power was truly all that useful. I cannot even control the point to which I return, so the only choice now is to do everything possible to make this time the final time."

"And this ties in to our wager, how exactly?" Questioned Roswaal.

"Once again, it's quite simple," replied Ulric, "should I succeed in saving both the Sanctuary and the Mansion, then you must burn that book once and for all and put your faith completely in me and the path God has set before us."

"Do you realize how warped a suggestion that is?" Questioned Roswaal, "Are you actually intending to forgive what I've-?"

"I have no intention of forgiving you at this point," said Ulric with a serious expression, "God will forgive your trespasses should you ask it of him and repent of your ways. Such is the unconditional love he has for all of his children. But I will only forgive you should you prove yourself more useful than the damage you intended to cause. So I ask you, Lord Roswaal of the Mathers Domain, do you accept this as part of the terms?"

"You seem quite sure of this idea," observed Roswaal, "but such an idea as this cannot be so convenient."

"Was it not also quite convenient when a great quake occurred while God's follower, Silas, was in prison and resulted in his freedom," replied Ulric, "whatever machinations the devil can dream up, God will provide a way to thwart be it convenient or otherwise. And I believe he has provided me a way out of your machinations as well without relying on power granted to me by a witch."

"So you expect to accomplish all of this without letting go of a single thing?" Questioned Roswaal as he covered his face with his hand, "Moreover, you're asking for my help despite everything my schemes have put you through for the sake of supporting Emilia and her friends. Surely you are aware, Sir Knight, of the sheer greed of such a solution."

"Is it really greedy to protect one's friends and family," Ulric questioned back, "or is it more greedy to sacrifice them all for a single obsession? If what I desire is rooted in greed, then I shall pray night and day for God's forgiveness. What about you, Roswaal, I'm offering to call off my own personal war on you for what you intended to do and I'll even admit to your way of thinking should I lose."

"I suppose there's no reason not too," said Roswaal, "after all, this is not something you can break through. With Emilia unable to pass any of the trials, the barrier will remain. The Sanctuary will then be covered in snow and the mansion will become the sight of a bloody tragedy."

"Perhaps," said Ulric with a slight curve to his mouth, "but then again, this would not be the first time discrepancies have appeared in that tome, correct? God willing, it shall be the last."

"You are correct," said Roswaal with a sigh, "and it wouldn't be a bad idea to lay some ground work for the next me."

"We are both in agreement then," said Ulric as he held out his hand. Roswaal simply smirked as he took it and gave it a firm shake. "And with that, we can at last set things in motion."

"Sir Ulric," said Roswaal as the knight turned to leave, "both the snow in the Sanctuary and the attack on the Mansion shall occur in three days. Fight hard now and fail spectacularly."

"Then may God be with us both," said Ulric as he turned and bowed, "for we are but fools at the hands of fate."

A Couple Minutes Later: Outside the Cottage

"So," said Ram as the two of them stood outside the door to the cottage, "how goes the little conspiracy you've been cooking up with your friend?"

"I could ask you a similar question," replied the Knight, "are you really okay with what Roswaal intends to do at the mansion?"

"There's but one thing I value above all else," said Ram, "there's no way that will ever change, now or ever. So don't bother waiting for me to change my mind."

"So you say," spoke Ulric, "but I doubt you're as indifferent to the others as you claim to be."

"We'll speak no more on this," said Ram as she turned to head back in, stopping for a moment to say one last thing. "Are you still putting your hopes in Lady Emilia?"

"My belief in her remains," said Ulric, "I've merely decided to change my approach when it comes to how I support her in the trial."

"Lady Emilia still hasn't figured out why she's been struggling," said Ram without looking back, "the same thing will just keep happening until she solves that particular dilemma."

"But Roswaal no longer has any reason to continue this," Ulric pointed out, "we've strayed from what's written in the book which means-." He didn't get to finish his statement as Ram closed the door behind her. The knight simply sighed before crossing his arms in a thinking pose. "She's still putting up that unpleasant front, but to think she'd actually give out advice. Perhaps we're moving in the right direction after all."

"You'd best not say that out loud when she's around," said Otto as he stepped out of the bushes from where he'd been hiding, tossing away a few branches he'd been using for camouflage. "She'll be furious if she hears you. And isn't she an enemy for choosing to continue working with the Margrave?"

"She may be extremely devoted to the man," said Ulric, "but she hasn't shown any actual malice towards us thus far and I don't believe she plans on doing so. At least so long as I don't directly threaten the Margrave himself."

"It seems you trust Ram a great deal," observed Otto.

"It's more like I have a good reason not to get into conflict with her," stated Ulric as an image of Rem flashed through his mind.

"Well, what about your talk with the Margrave," asked Otto, "did it go according to plan?"

"As you suspected, he was willing to accept the terms of our wager," said Ulric, "the game, as he likely sees it, has officially begun."

"That's good news for us," said Otto, "of course I doubt he's actually lost at much of anything before, so it's little surprise that he'd agree to the terms. So the next person we need to worry about is…"

"Garfiel," finished Ulric, "he'll be stubborn, no doubt, so before we get to him there's something I'd like to check."

"Given everything you've told me, I imagine it's important," said Otto as he nodded in understanding, "In that case, I'll continue on with my part of the plan. And as for Lady Emilia."

"That is something I must do," said Ulric, "as her knight, it's my responsibility to look after her, but I also have a responsibility to help her as a friend. It's only recently that I realized how I've fallen short as the latter."

"That's for sure," said Otto, "you've spent too much time being one and not the other."

"I've tried to be both," said Ulric, "I just knew she had some painful things in her past that she didn't wish to discuss. Up until now, I'd refrained asking out of respect for that."

"Any other time that might've been alright," said Otto, "but if you don't get to the heart of what's hurting her now, she'll never be able to move forward from this."

"It won't be the most pleasant conversation I've ever had with her," said Ulric with a sigh, "but I'm less likely to die from it. God be with you when you confront Garfiel."

"I'm not sure whether or not I should laugh at that," said Otto with his face a mixture between happy and nervous.

"Just think like the slippery merchant you are and it should be fine," said Ulric, "after all, much of this little conspiracy was your idea."

"While that's true, I can't say I've ever taken a bet that was this stacked against me," said Otto, "then again, this is also the first bet I've ever taken where I didn't even consider my odds for winning."

"Which makes you different enough from the average merchant to be respectable in my book," said Ulric as he and Otto shook hands, "now then, onto the next phase of the plan."

A Quick Walk Later: Echidna's Abandoned Lab

"It seems my suspicions were right about you being here, Ryuzu," said Ulric as he once again found himself standing in the chamber housing the crystal that encased the original Ryuzu.

"You speak as if you know me rather well," observed the Pink-haired girl as she walked out from behind the crystal.

"You could say that," replied Ulric, "I know a number of the Sanctuary's secrets, including the identity of the one who built this lab."

"Does that mean you are the one Young Ros has been waiting for," questioned Ryuzu.

"He would say so," Answered Ulric, "but I doubt even he was able to foresee the events transpiring right now. I am not going to be the person to help him achieve his goals." Ryuzu's eyes widened in surprise as she tilted her head in confusion. "To elaborate, I'm in the middle of a wager with the Margrave at the moment and unlike him I'd like the outcome to end much more favorably for everyone involved. To that end, I've come to ask for your help."

"You needn't ask," said Ryuzu, "you could simply use your authority as an apostle to command me to assist you."

"While that'd be the easiest way to do this, I'd much rather it be your decision," said Ulric, "inspite of what Echidna designed you for, you're still living beings as far as I'm concerned."

"Ah, young men are always so quick to put up a tough front," said Ryuzu, likely smiling as she closed her eyes for a moment, "tell me, what might you be arguing about?"

"The simplest way I can sum it up is that we have a disagreement about liberating the Sanctuary," explained Ulric, "and that extends beyond simply Roswaal. Tell me, Ryuzu, do you know why Garfiel is opposed to liberating the Sanctuary?"

"You suspect that you will clash with him over the issue?" Ryuzu asked back.

"I'd prefer to avoid it if at all possible," said Ulric, "the only way to do that might be learning why he's opposed to it in the first place. I'm certain you'd also like to avoid a situation where he might be harmed."

"It seems you know me as well as you say, Young Ulric," responded Ryuzu with another smile before turning around and walking up to the base of the large crystal, "I take it you likely asked the witch about me, the copies of Ryuzu Meyer, and perhaps even the purpose for our creation."

"I was told it was an experiment aimed towards the goal of immortality," replied Ulric, "and that you and the other Ryuzu copies were the result of it."

"And to this day, I supervise and protect the crystal which creates the copies," said Ryuzu, "in total, there are four of us that rotate in our role as supervisor."

"That was mentioned," said Ulric with a hand to his chin, "tell me, what is your full name, Ryuzu?"

"I am Ryuzu Arma," she replied while turning back to him, "one of the first four copies ever created."

"And the first one I met was named Bilma," mused Ulric, "though I must inquire. What would prompt the need for four supervisors?"

"As has possibly been explained to you," replied Ryuzu Arma, "our bodies are not flesh and blood, but rather artificial Od wrapped in mana. Any form of activity we engage in consumes that mana, making continuous activity for an entire day impossible."

"You have a time limit like many of the spirits Emilia communicates with," realized Ulric, "given such a limitation, it makes perfect sense that you would alternate. Tell me, what are the names of the other two?"

"Delma and Shima," explained Arma, "you have likely met Delma as she has more of a personality than the rest of us. But Ryuzu Shima is something of an exception among the four of us."

"How so," questioned Ulric as he listened a bit more intently.

"For reasons unknown, she caused a problem ten years ago," explained Ryuzu Arma as she looked back at the crystal, "she was removed from the role of supervisor due to her actions and now lives in the forest with the other copies. Since then, only three of us have filled the supervisory role."

"What sort of problem did she cause, exactly?" Questioned Ulric.

"She took actions that violated the contract with the witch who created us," explained Arma, "she entered the graveyard in order to bring back Young Gar when he himself broke the rules for attempting the trial and then didn't return. I have not seen Shima since the day she was stripped of her duty, but I would not find it surprising if she has in fact been meeting with Young Gar. After all, she shares memories with him that we do not."

"How is it that she has memories the rest of you don't?" Questioned a somewhat confused Ulric.

"I am referring to the past that Young Gar witnessed while undergoing the graveyard trial," explained Ryuzu, "I take it you are not aware of his family situation."

"All I know is that he and his sister, Frederica, had different fathers," replied Ulric, "it made her only a quarter demi-human and that's what allowed her to leave the Sanctuary ten years ago. She said she wanted to make a place for the people here when the barrier was finally lifted. You believe a moment from then is what Garfiel witnessed?"

"Most likely, it was the moment when Young Gar and Fred were left behind by their mother when she departed the Sanctuary," said Ryuzu.

"Does this mean his hatred of the outside is rooted in bitterness towards his mother?" Questioned Ulric. Arma's response was to shake her head 'no' before answering.

"The boy uses the last name of 'Tinzel'," she explained, "it is the family name of his mother. I believe he chooses to go by that name in order to keep from forgetting her. But whether he does such a thing out of anger or sadness, is likely something only Shima and Young Gar himself know."

"That means I'll have to ask one or both of them up front," said Ulric with a sigh, "but before I do that, there's another person I need to visit."

Afternoon: Main Village Cottage

"Your ladyship," called Ulric, opening the door after not receiving much of a response from the room's current inhabitant, "Emilia?"

"Ulric," came the voice of the half-elf girl as the knight's attention was drawn to her messy bed where a lump stood out on the opposite side.

"You'll have better luck resting if you're actually in the bed, your ladyship," Ulric pointed out as he walked around it to see Emilia sitting on the floor with the blanket covering her head.

"I'm something of a restless sleeper," replied Emilia, who was still wearing her pink sleeping gown, "no…...that's a lie. Truthfully, I haven't really been able to sleep much. But don't worry, I'll be sure to get enough rest by tonight." She looked up then as a flicker of surprise crossed her features, "Oh, you're not wearing your armor right now."

"As comfortable as that mystic armor is, I do have to take it off everyone once in a while," replied Ulric, "and in this case, it'd be better if I didn't have it on." He held out his hand then as Emilia gratefully accepted and allowed him to pull her up to a standing position.

"So why are you here right now?" Questioned Emilia, "It was Ram's time to keep watch over me."

"I am not here right now as your knight," replied Ulric, turning mildly serious, "I am here right now as your friend."

"But you're my knight and my friend," said a somewhat confused Emilia, "you don't have to be one or the other."

"What I mean is I'm here to help you, orders or not," explained Ulric, "I've stood by and protected you as your knight, respecting your wishes to let you take the trial and not interfering unless I thought it was necessary. I still intend to do so, but as your friend, I want to help you through the pain of it like I should've been doing all along. Tell me, Emilia, what did you see during your trial?" A reluctant look crossed the face of the silver-haired girl upon hearing the Knight's question.

"Speaking as one who's seen war and suffering, I know I can't promise that talking about it will make it any easier to bear," admitted Ulric, "but if nothing else, just having someone to listen can make a difference by turning it into a burden we can carry together. After all, I don't like to see my friends troubled by something. So if you'll allow me, I'd like to see if there's any way I can be of help to you."

"Ulric," said Emilia sadly as she withdrew her hand from his, "you have so much faith in me."

"Always," said the knight with a nod of his head, "you've given me little reason to doubt it so far." Emilia clinched Puck's jewel firmly in her hand as she battled with the decision before taking a deep breath.

"The…past I saw," she began, "I think it was a memory, from before I went to sleep in the ice. Now that I think of it, I never did tell you about how I was frozen in a block of ice for a long time."

"You did not," replied Ulric, "It's not so surprising, given the magic you wield."

"Well, I was frozen in the forest for quite a long time," said Emilia, "I wasn't able to get out until Puck found me and set me free. He told me I'd been sleeping in the ice for a long, long time."

"Do you know how long you were frozen exactly," Ulric further questioned as the two of them sat on the bed to continue their conversation.

"Since I was six or seven years old, I think," replied Emilia, "I lived with everyone else in the forest together before it froze, or at least I think I did."

"You don't sound entirely positive about it," Ulric pointed out as Emilia put a hand to her head.

"I haven't been able to remember much from before that happened," answered Emilia.

"Do you remember whether or not your family was in the forest," asked Ulric.

"No, they weren't," said Emilia, "though there was someone who was like a mother to me. Wait..….why? My Mother." She put a hand to her mouth as her breathing quickened and a look of fear crossed her features.

"It's alright," said Ulric as he put a hand on her shoulder, "breath deeply and calmly. Try to keep going and tell me what happened to them."

"The same thing that happened to me," said Emilia as she worked to breath properly, "all of them, frozen in ice. After Puck got me out, I lived in the forest with him while waiting for them all to wake up. But that day never came, and they still remain frozen. I left the forest and joined in the Royal Selection shortly after that."

"Is there something the Royal Selection could do to remedy the situation in the forest?" Inquired Ulric.

"Roswaal promised me, that if I succeeded in taking the throne that he might be able to thaw the ice imprisoning everyone in the forest," explained Emilia, "does that make you think less of me? Unlike the other candidates who are all participating with solid goals and resolutions, my reason is rather personal."

"I'm more curious why you'd call such a reason 'selfish'," replied Ulric, "I've met many selfish people in my life and not just during the Crusades. They cared only for themselves and thought little of how their actions would hurt others. But what you're doing, wanting to save your own people, that's hardly what I'd call selfish. Be it a kingdom, a small village or even a single person, putting someone else's wellbing before your own is considered to be a selfless act in many respects."

"That's true," said Emilia with a yawn, "thank you…Ulric, for listening-." The silver-haired girl couldn't keep her eyes from drooping any longer until finally, she'd fallen asleep on the bed. Ulric simply smiled at the sight before carefully putting her head on the pillow and pulling the covers back over her.

'If anything, I'm more selfish than you,' thought Ulric as he stood over the sleeping royal candidate, 'I want this to be over already so that I can go back to Rem and help her regain her memories. Such is the dilemma of a knight in love. And speaking of dilemmas.' "My apologies, Lady Emilia," said Ulric as he reached down and grasped Puck's green crystal, running mana into his hands to generate burning light magic. Almost immediately, the Knight was forced to let go as his hand reacted in pain from nearly being frozen, "Gah, so you really are still in there."

"Well of course I am," said the voice of Puck from the green stone, "I'm contracted with Emilia after all, so I'm never far from her."

"If that's so, why have you not appeared all this time?" Questioned Ulric, "Your daughter could really use your support right now."

"But I am trying to support her, in my own way," said Puck as he materialized. Something was off, however, he was smaller than usual.

"What's happened to you?" Asked Ulric, "Your size is, not what it usually is."

"I guess you'd notice a detail like that," replied Puck as he examined his body, "my limit is coming up soon. No surprise, I guess, given that I've been trying to break the contract between Emilia and I."

"I thought it was impossible for a spirit to break a contract of their own free will," said Ulric, "and what benefit could you possibly bring her by doing so in the first place?"

"Because it will lift the seal on her memories," replied Puck, "that was part of the contract that I drew up. I've been by her side all this time because she needed someone she could rely on. But she has a knight now, one who can be trusted with her wellbeing. Obviously, you don't love her quite like you love Rem, but I know you've come to cherish her as if she was your own family. That's why I'm leaving her in your care, but first, we need to discuss a few things and then, I'll need to say goodbye to Lia."

"You know her better than I do," said Ulric with a sigh after a moment, "I know this will hurt her a great deal, but if it really is the only way to help her get past all of this."

"I wouldn't say it's the only way," replied Puck, "but we don't have enough time for much of anything else. So let's hurry up and get down to business. After all, my daughter's got a trial to pass with flying colors."

Nighttime: Emilia's Room

A number of events transpired after that. Once Ulric's discussion with Puck was finished, he left the spirit to wait on Emilia, planning to say his goodbyes once she awoke. During that time, he took care of a number of other preparations with Otto and the Ryuzu clones. It was a little difficult sneaking around the white-robed Ryuzu Shima, but the knight believed he managed to succeed in not giving anything away. He dropped everything, however, upon hearing that Emilia had fallen unconscious shortly after awakening.

'So you really broke the contract after all,' thought the Knight as he again found himself sitting next to Emilia's bed. The half-elf girl had been unconscious for pretty much the rest of the day and only now was she waking up. "I probably know the answer to this," said Ulric, "but are you alright, Emilia?"

"Yes," she replied while still on the bed, "or at least I think so. I'd like to think at worst I'll be better by morning."

"I'm still more than a little agitated that he decided to just leave like that," said Ulric, "but it's something that can be fretted over later. In the meantime, if you do need help, I'll do whatever I can. So just say the word."

"Then….could you…..stay," asked Emilia hesitantly, "stay here until morning? I think I'll be able…...to get through this if you do. I'm sorry…if it's too much trouble-."

"Not at all," said Ulric, "as said, I am your knight and your friend. Staying by your side is naturally something I'd do, so you're not asking much of me at all. Then come morning, God will bless us with a beautiful day and a new opportunity. And like the other mornings before, I'll believe in you."

"Thank you, Ulric," said Emilia as she closed her eyes then, trying her best to get some sleep.

The Next Day

The Sanctuary was a buzz of activity the following morning as it found itself in the grips of a sudden mystery that had occurred. The Knight, Sir Ulric, and the royal candidate, Lady Emilia, were nowhere to be found.

And just where might they have gone, well, I'm sure many of you can already guess. But either way, hopefully you all enjoyed this chapter even if it was dialogue heavy as we get our start on part two of season two! As always 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 helps Emilia further prepare for the trial, as well as prepares himself to face Garfiel. 'Til then.