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Sir Enciodes, did you really escape from a burning house?

Ratatos... She's the one who did this, isn't she?!

Don't worry about her. Quick, find us a coat.

Take mine. Sir Enciodes, take my coat!

A nobleman from among the crowd ardently removes his coat. He then courteously walks up to Enciodes and puts the coat over his shoulders.

However, Enciodes takes the coat off and walks over to Ratatos, who is sitting on the ground, to put the coat on her instead.

Then, without saying another word, he stands up and heads for his car, parked on the side of the road.

Not only did he not arrest Ratatos, he gave her the coat... He is far too generous!

Hey, Ratatos's here. Should we, you know...?

Sir Enciodes just spared her! I'm not sure that's a good idea.

What do you know? Sir Enciodes is giving us this opportunity!

What do you think you're doing?

Hmph, Sciurus, huh? Don't worry. We'll take care of you too.

Scram! All of you!

Gah, this bitch is nuts!

Hey, Ratatos.

Ratatos!

Snap out of it. We gotta move!

To where? Where can we go?

Look around us. They're all Browntail subjects.

Can't you tell, just looking at their eyes?

I've lost everything.

Grr...

Looks like I got here too late.

You... You're the one who saved me and Arctosz.

So even you come to laugh in my face?

No, the Doctor would like to have a chat with you.

I...

I'll pass...

Looking where we've ended up, what good would that bring us?

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Sigh!

What's the matter?

The 'Tschäggättäs' aren't letting us leave.

They said Enciodes instructed them to make sure we stay here, supposedly for our own safety.

See? This is exactly as I said. He is trying to lock us in here!

The Great Elder is unconscious, the Saintess is yet to be coronated, and he insists the other two clans are traitors. The way I see it, he is definitely up to no good.

Shh... *Sigh*... Talking about this is not going to do us any good. The Great Elder has always been in charge of the Court's affairs, and now that this has come to pass... What are we supposed to do?

Is this all Kjeragandr's will...?

It's difficult to say whether this is what Kjeragandr wanted, but I'm sure it will pain Her heart to see you so dejected.

G-Great Saintess!

We... We are simply worried...

Is there something to worry about?

The Great Elder's condition... and the situation surrounding the clans...

I just talked to the doctor. The Great Elder's outlook is not optimistic, but I'm sure Kjeragandr will have mercy on him given his leadership of the Vine-Bead Court for so many years. Have faith, the Great Elder will get better.

In the interim, I will take charge of all of the Court's decisions, big and small.

Well...

The Saintess was supposed take charge of Kjerag at the coronation, and the Great Elder has wanted to pass the baton to the Saintess for some time now. Given the extraordinary circumstances, what's stopping you?

Or do you elders have a better idea?

You're just the head maid...

Enough. Head Maid Kjarr has the right of it.

We've always had faith in the Saintess's ability, and she is willing to step forward to calm the masses. There is no better arrangement.

You needn't worry, dear elders.

Considering what had happened at the ceremony, Enciodes indeed had a reason to do as he did.

And even if Enciodes harbored ill intentions, as long as I'm here, the Vine-Bead Court will be safe.

Before, the Saintess's presence on the Holy Hunt's grounds, although brilliant, was only eye-catching.

But now, the Saintess radiates a certain aura that makes her impossible to defy.

The elders look at each other, before lowering their heads to her.

'As you wish, Saintess.'

Leave us, please.

Phew...

Enya, you were incredible.

Really?

Really. I thought you'd be disappointed after you came back from the ceremony.

Looks like I was worrying too much.

I'm disappointed alright.

But the last time I was disappointed, I couldn't say anything.

Back then, I had no way to fight for myself.

This time, even though I'm disappointed, I know that I have the power to make a change, no matter how little.

So I don't want to be left disappointed this time. I need to do something to stave off my disappointment.

Enya... You've grown up.

I wish I could've stayed a child forever. Thinking about these things all day is just too much effort...

But you're right. I've grown up.

Faith...

*Cough*...

Great Elder, you're awake!

Quiet down.

Quieting.

The ceremony... *cough*... What became of it? I... I remember interrogating the Browntail subject, but no more...

You were poisoned by Sir Arctosz. Then, Gnosis's appearance made things all the more complicated.

In the end, Sir Arctosz and Matriarch Ratatos joined hands to take on Sir Enciodes, only for him to overwhelm them...

That's not what I wanted to hear.

What about the coronation ceremony? The Saintess? The transfer of powers?

The ceremony was cancelled... Sir Enciodes announced that it will resume once the Paleroches and the Browntails are dealt with.

Enciodes... *cough*...

Where's the Saintess?

She... She is in her room right now.

Little one, how does it feel to sit in a Tri-Clan Council meeting for the first time?

Great Elder... I never imagined that... the Tri-Clan Council's meetings would be so boring.

The clan leaders only talked about things that concerned their families. Every time they talk about which family will put in more effort in the annual events, they aren't interested at all. They don't care about Kjeragandr.

Hohoh, a smart one. I was right about you.

Great Elder... Did you show me this on purpose?

That's right.

Why?

Because you will one day become the Great Elder.

Then, you'll understand just what this so-called faith stands for.

You... How long has it been since you came to the Vine-Bead Court?

Huh? 25 years, Great Elder.

In those 25 years... *cough*... how do you think the Vine-Bead Court and Kjerag have changed?

I... Aside from all that the Silverashes brought us, I do not think there has been any significant change.