act13side

I'm honored.

At least let me see you off.

Sure. Having the champion see me off would be a great honor of my own.

Oh, right. I forgot about this book when I was packing up. You can have it though, so that works out nicely.

A poetry anthology?

'Twin Moons and Marigold'.

Hmm... I'm not familiar with Leithanien's literary scene...

The wonderful thing about symbolism and metaphors is that you're not forced to come up with a single concrete answer.

Just like the Radiant Knight and her deeds.

My ride's on its way. Do you see it?

Yes.

I wonder if the Grand Knight Territory will be different the next time I'm back?

You know as well as I that this country won't change so easily.

But at least, I want knights to be called knights once more.

Good. Remember your promise, Margaret.

Sorry to keep you waiting, esteemed Candle Knight. Whenever you're ready.

Oh, what a surprise. Good day to you as well, esteemed Radiant Knight.

Hello.

Are we leaving right now?

Ah, yes... You'll be the last passenger. The Catastrophe Messenger is also ready.

Alright. I hope it's a lovely city.

Until next time.

See you again, Viviana.

She's gone. You're still not coming out?

If I remember correctly, you're...

General Chamber of Commerce spokesman, McKee... But now that the Major is over, I won't have that title for much longer.

Maybe it's time for you to take a stand.

The affairs of Madam Droste and the Nova Knightclub have always been my responsibility.

I was just carrying carrying out my last assignment. But by the looks of things, I was too late. What a shame.

You... I see.

The way Madam Droste was mistreated... has everything to do with you.

Radiant Knight, we are now enemies, given what you did at the Major.

That's not quite accurate, Spokesman.

It's just that we're committed to our own beliefs, and fight for our own ideals and justice.

That is... assuming the General Chamber still has ideals, and isn't just relying on others to line their pockets.

I didn't expect you to be this sharp-witted.

I'm just stating facts.

Alright then.

So this is where the Candle Knight is going to live. Not a bad place.

But I'd write her a couple letters, if I were you. She might not be as strong as you think.

The City of Saplings and Artisans, Ognisko.

Oh right... What business do you have over there?

What business, huh...?

Maybe I want to try my hand at poetry. The name of the city is pretty poetic, isn't it?

Haha, a bumpkin like me wouldn't dare prattle on in front of someone like you.

You're too modest.

Are you looking forward to the next chapter of your life?

Hmm.

Maybe. It really might make for a nice poem.

What do you want, pegasus?

I'm not sure if the knights still remember this, as it isn't something taught in the history books.

The so-called 'Khaganquest.' The true name of the ceremony is––

(Ancient language) The Khaganquest that crosses the heavens.

What... do you know...?

When Nightzmora warriors came of age, they would head to a trial site of their choosing, under the watchful eyes of their family and tribe leader.

The ancient race's traditions always believed 'self-reflection' to be the ultimate test. Confidence or arrogance, caution or cowardice; all would come to light.

Not all Nightzmora tribes had this tradition though. Only a few examples of similar rituals can be found in historical texts.

There is but one exception. One single person spent an entire lifetime completing that Khaganquest, and that person has entered history.

Tola. We assumed your grandfather to be deceased, but not only did he survive, he also continued the Nightzmora bloodline.

Pegasus!

You...

Anger... Your birthplace is hundreds upon thousands of leagues from the Grand Knight Territory. Did you come all this way to become a knight, rampaging your way through the arena, just to vent this anger?

––And yet, I still dare not raise my blade against you! Pathetic!

Who the hell are you?!

Just an old, feeble campaign knight. Put your blade down, young Nightzmora.

I wasn't done with my story. That man who did not complete his Khaganquest until he reached death's door, began his journey in the once-lush grasslands of eastern Ursus.

He stood in the middle of the vast prairies, looking out across the wide land, and made a promise to his tribe and to his brothers and sisters–

His Khaganquest would cross the kingdoms of the hippogryphs and the pegasi. He would topple the exalted throne of the Gaulish Emperor, and tear down Leithanien's thousand Spires...

In the final ten years of his life, he did indeed complete his Khaganquest as promised. The great Khagan flayed the entire world, burned away the previous epoch, and set his sights on the border of human civilization.

Your ancestors accomplished great things. Tola, you are a part of the Khagan genealogy... the last descendant, living right before our eyes.

Hah! The Kheshigs' greatest accomplishment was pulling the pedantic wisemen like the pegasi from their thrones!

But look at you!

Even as they looked down on us from high, what have the pegasi done but watch as those pathetic jesters tore down the era of knights?

Take a good look at yourself! What about you resembles a knight?! What is that slender ceremonial toothpick at your waist going to block?

In Kazimierz, I need not draw my blade on anyone.

––Nice joke!

Also, we were not watching idly.

We simply did not have the ability to turn back time.

Grr...

I'm not interested in fossils who've lost their will to fight... Out of my way.

Then where is the place you plan to begin your trials?

That's not for you to know, pegasus.

But you no longer have a leader to answer to, or a family to return to.

You have no plans to come back.

Vogelweide told me everything, Nightzmora.

I've watched your matches. I can't stop you from leaving.

What?

After you've completed your journey, if you still wish to return to Kazimierz, you can become a great knight and step onto the battlefield honorably.

People of your kind are rare, and you are an exceptionally rare talent bearing the Khagan's blood.

Though that bloodline no longer runs thick, I do believe you'll always be an excellent warrior. You deserve a chance to experience true, glorious combat.

So arrogant.

You and all the knights I've seen the entire way across Kazimierz have all been the same. Arrogant.

Fighting for you, fighting for this eyesore of a country, is supposed to be glorious?

I simply do not wish to see such a promising sapling seek out its own death.

Hah. My choices are mine alone, pegasus!

Leave. Get out of my way. Leaving this city is only the beginning of my journey!

Hmm? Huh? Whaaaat?

A knight? Why are you here? The elder never told us we'd get a Grand Knight to visit...

I bought a plot of land nearby.

Ohhh! You must be the knight who bought old Jackie's plot! Ahh, a pleasure to meet you!