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After all, Kjerag's snowy mounts are known to swallow men whole.

Sir! A large group of beasts has been spotted up ahead!

These beasts are unusually brutal. They're attacking our soldiers at the front right now!

They're just beasts! There's nothing to be afraid of!

All of you, stay here and protect the Saintess. Keep your formation and do not panic. Valais, you stay here too.

Everyone else, come with me. We'll back up our brothers up ahead!

Sir Arctosz, wait!

Great Saintess?

I will come with you.

But, Great Saintess, your safety...

Valais is right. Your safety is what's important here. Please wait for us here. The Paleroche warriors will protect you!

I...

Wait up, Arctosz!

Ratatos...? What are you doing here? I thought the Browntails and the Silverashes were supposed to take their hunts elsewhere?

The Silverashes have left already, but something doesn't seem right about all this. I was going to come give you a heads up before we split... but it looks like there's no need for that anymore.

What do you mean by that?

You mean the unusual pack of beasts up ahead, Madame Ratatos?

Fine observation, Great Saintess.

I don't know the specifics... but I have a bad feeling about this. I only hope that no one is trying to pull anything funny during an occasion as dignified as the Holy Hunt, let alone putting on a show.

Anyway, we should be more careful. For the first time ever, the Saintess is personally gracing us with her presence during a hunt.

You're exaggerating things, Madame Ratatos.

You do have a point, though. Since I am here, I must stand alongside our brave warriors, instead of cowering in the face of danger.

Please, the situation is urgent. Let us talk on the way.

Well then!

How fortunate is Kjerag that you feel this way, Great Saintess! I won't stop you! Valais, lead the way!

Yessir!

(Why aren't you here yet, Monch?! The Saintess doesn't personally join the Holy Hunt every day! We have to seize the opportunity to take care of as many beasts in front of her as we can!)

(But... what if we hurt the Saintess by accident...?)

(Argh, whatever! It's not like that bitch Ratatos would do anything! Worst case, I'll own up to it!)

(You must take this chance, Monch!)

How can these beasts be so fearless?!

This definitely isn't normal...

Here I thought the beasts in the mountains would be scared stiff with the Saintess joining us.

Looks like things aren't that simple. Guess the Saintess isn't really all that.

Watch your mouth! The Saintess isn't for you to discuss so nonchalantly!

Think about what will happen if Sir Arctosz catches you complaining!

Fine, fine. I get it! He'd chew me out if he heard...

As long as you know... Wait, watch out behind—

Get down!

A silver arc of light pierces the raging snowstorm before the beast is able to let out its chilling cry.

With the beast's icy fangs mere inches away, its warm, stinking blood is splattered all over the warrior's face.

Slowly, the Kjerag Saintess sets her hand down from her bowstring as she walks toward the source of the commotion. Just as the texts described, she is accompanied by both Browntail and Paleroche fighters.

'She is the Kjeragandr's vicar on Terra. She is Kjeragandr's supreme emissary on the mountaintop.'

The girl walks forward.

Even the snowfall comes to a halt in her presence.

Are you hurt?

The... The Saintess...

The danger is yet to pass. Stand up, young warrior.

Warriors of Kjeragandr, raise your weapons! Join me in fending off these beasts and completing the challenge posed to us by Kjeragandr!

Yes!

For... For the Saintess!

For the Saintess!

Are all the preparations in place?

Yes.

Sir Gnosis!

May I ask you a question...?

Now this is rare. This might be the first time you've asked me anything.

Go ahead.

If I may be so bold.

I'm afraid that the Browntails might get caught up in the investigation that follows, if we go through with our plan.

I... I'm just worried that, now that you and the Browntails have formed an alliance, wouldn't it be detrimental to your plan if anything should happen to the Browntails?

I've considered that, but it doesn't matter. What becomes of the Browntails isn't important. This is a rare opportunity, and I do not want it to go to waste.

At the same time, I hope you'll know to save your own skin.

Should worst come to pass, you needn't think about the Browntails. I know Enciodes. If your testimony is useful to him, he won't harm you. At least for the time being.

And when the time comes, I will send men to ensure your safety.

Sir Gnosis! I...

What's the matter?

If you are having any second thoughts, we can bring others to execute this plan in your stead.

No...! Please, let me do it!

Whatever your orders, Sir Gnosis...

Your wish is my command.

We've taken care of all the beasts now!

Some of the young'uns got a few scratches here and there. Nothing major at all... It's all thanks to you, Great Saintess!

I haven't done anything. Rather, all of you have admirably demonstrated your courage in battle. I am sure Kjeragandr is proud of all of you, Her soldiers.

Y-You flatter us!

Great Saintess!

Hm? You're... the one from earlier...

Right, it's me. Thank you for saving my life just now!

Great Saintess! That was far too risky!

Nonetheless, I have to thank you for saving this runt!

We are all children of Kjeragandr, and it's only natural for me to save one of my own.

Great Saintess...!

That was truly a fine shot. I didn't know you were such a capable archer...

The Saintess must be able to protect the people of the Snow Realm. This is hardly worth mentioning.

You're too humble! With your shot just now, your marksmanship most definitely rivals even that of Kjerag's finest archers!

Great Saintess! Sir Arctosz, Madame Ratatos!

T-This is bad!

What are you babbling about? How is any of this bad?

You're one of the Silverashes? What's the matter? Don't tell me you were ambushed by beasts and Enciodes is looking for our help.

N-No, not beasts!

Then what is it? Out with it!

Y-Yes! Sir Enciodes was ambushed by an assassin!

What did you just say...?

Enciodes was ambushed? Somebody's so bold to make a move on him during the Holy Hunt?

Half of you, stay here to protect the Saintess. Stay alert.

The rest of you, come with me!

Wait, Arctosz, are you out of your mind?

What are you doing? Are you going to his aid? Before we even mention whether Enciodes really needs it or not, considering the circumstances... Have you really thought it through?

There's nothing to think through, Ratatos.

I know what you are thinking, but it doesn't matter to me one bit whether Enciodes is really turning over a new leaf or is just putting on a show. I, Arctosz, won't permit anyone to make trouble during the Holy Hunt!