It's been a long time since we've had a leisurely meal together, Cecily.

　Gaiden Arkwright's mouth falls open as he runs his knife over the herb-grilled beef.
　Cecily Arkwright, sitting across from him, returns a soft smile with a glass of prime-water in hand.

''That's right, Grandfather,''

　Rest day.
　Cecily was supposed to dine with her grandfather, Gaiden, and came to the Crystal Sheep Pavilion before noon.
　Due to his grandfather's wishes, he was traveling on foot instead of in a carriage.
　He wanted to walk around the city in a relaxed manner with his grandson.
　Incidentally, after arriving, Sieg and Hyrgis, who accompanied me, politely refused Gaiden's invitation to sit with me and went out into town.

"I haven't been able to take a long enough vacation.

　Gaiden lets out a regretful breath.

''It's not much more than an occasional visit to the mansion, at best.

　Gaiden Arkwright.
　He is Cecily's grandfather and is the Holy King's swordsmanship instructor.
　His face is deeply wrinkled, but he is still fearless.
　His eyes are as sharp as ever.
　Although his back is slightly bent, his body is in good health.

I'm sure he'll fall apart when he dies, but he'll probably be fine until then.

　That's what my grandmother, who died five years ago, used to say about her husband.

"But then again, Cecily looks good in everything she wears.
Thank you very much.

　Cecily responded to Gaiden's broken chemistry with a humble smile.
　Today's outfit was the same as the day he had invited Kurohiko to the mansion for the first time.
　It was the same outfit that had just been re-tailored the other day.
　Although the clothes have some bad memories, they are also my personal favorites and I couldn't bring myself to throw them away.

'By the way, are you busy these days?'
It's been a little while since the reorganization of the Kingsguard. You see, when the chips are down, I don't like the idea of having to deal with the face of the family and all those appointments and things.

　Gaiden has a hard time with aristocratic social ties and their unique sense of hierarchy.
　Also, the Holy King had tried several times to give him a higher title, but his grandfather had refused all of them (perhaps it is only Gaiden, who is said to have played the role of the Holy King's wife, that he would not stand on his own.
　If he rose in rank, he would have more trouble than he does now.
　My grandfather had a tendency to think in such a way.

''Has someone else been crying to you again?''

　Guyden scratches behind his ear as if it were a hassle.

'Oh well.'

　Gaiden Arkwright's position in the castle is strong, and above all, he is especially trusted by the Holy King.
　It is even rumored that he is more trusted than his wife, the queen.

But to think that Gaiden, this scoundrel, would be in a position to be cried out to by the palace staff. If the leader of the knights at the time knew about it, he might be appalled.

　Although the party doesn't want to talk about it in detail, the young Gaiden was called 'rogue' when he was a member of the Holy Tree Knights.
　The Knights of the Sacred Tree at that time claimed to be 'noble and pure', but Gaiden was said to be a man with the opposite beliefs.

''If you can win a battle with nobility and purity, then it's none of your business.

　The young Gaiden Arkwright was apparently a man who liked to fight in a way that could be denigrated as a coward.

'He was a man who would do anything to win,'

　When was that?
　A man who knew Gaiden at the time had once let it slip to Cecily over a drink.
　But it was also true that thanks to that 'rogue', Renowthread had escaped danger in the past.
　I heard that after Gaiden's success, the atmosphere of the Knights gradually changed (although even so, after Gaiden retired from the Knights and the long period of peace, the Knights seemed to become 'quackery' again).

'Your grandfather works too hard. He's old enough to have retired by now if he should have.
Even though he complains, part of it is because I like doing this. Well, if I'm gone, as long as Wagnus is around, Rodeot the Holy King will be just fine.

　Court wizard Wagnus Lenowskaia.
　He is also the headmaster of St. Renowthread School and the father of Makina Renowthfire.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world. If he were to learn more cunning, I would feel more at ease with him.

　It takes a certain amount of cunning and the right amount of suspicion to live without being a convenient puppet.
　That's what his grandfather had told Cecily since long ago.
　At first glance, Castle Renowthred appears to be at peace, but in fact, there may be a complex mixture of intriguing speculation in places you can't see.
　It's a good thing that you've done it," said Gaiden, putting his hand to his forehead as if to say, "I've done it.

"Well, that was a boring story.
No, it's an interesting story.
Now let's hear your story. How's the school?
The school?　Yeah, I thought we were doing reasonably well.

　He responded with a graceful smile.


Yeah, right.

　After saying that much, Gaiden put down his fork.

'Just now ... as a candidate, you say?　Cecily Arkwright, 'as an individual,' what do you think?
Are you concerned about the case, by any chance?

　The matter of being completely smashed by Hibigami.
　I knew my grandfather had heard about it.

'I blocked it out for a while, but I'm fine now.
Well that's good to hear.

　Oh, Cecily thought, it wasn't the incident she wanted to hear about.
　Apparently it wasn't the incident that she wanted to hear about.
　It is unusual for my grandfather to talk about such a circumvented topic.
　Is this a topic that is difficult to talk about clearly?

　For a while, Gaiden was silent, staring at the table.
　In the silence, a faint hesitation is peeking through.
　Then the shopkeeper came over and began to quickly lower the dishes.
　When only the glasses remained on the tabletop.
　Finally, Gaiden opened his mouth.

'Sagara Kurohiko, I hear your name is Sagara Kurohiko?'

　When the name came out of my grandfather's mouth, I thought, I see.
　It seems that what he wanted to hear was not about the case in question, but about Kurohiko.

''........Did you know?''
My dear grandson. So, this man what do you think of him?

　It was a sharp stare.
　So far, Grandfather had brushed off countless men who had made advances to his grandson.
　Some of them had been matchmaking stories that Badias had brought to him, but Gaiden hadn't even acknowledged the matchmaking or even the relationship.
　Such stories would always stop at his grandfather's place.
　Even when there was talk of a marriage proposal with the son of the five great dukes' son, his grandfather was able to bounce it off.

　Perhaps because of this, the number of people who wanted to contact Cecily outwardly as a 'potential lover' was gradually decreasing.
　It was not so unusual for a woman born to be the daughter of a nobleman to be forced to marry someone she didn't like for the sake of her home.
　Cecily would probably have married into some duke's family by now if it weren't for her grandfather.
　In that respect, Cecily was grateful to her grandfather.
　However, only now did she feel terrible about that grandfather.
　If his grandfather didn't approve of Kurohiko, Cecily might be expelled from the academy at worst.
　Slowly, Cecily opened her lips as she received a questioning look.

''To him ... to Sagara Kurohiko--''

　Cecily swallowed her spit and looked straight at her grandfather.

''--I have feelings for you, my dear. Although we're still less than lovers at the moment.

　I don't know why.
　Somehow, he didn't want to lie here.
　After receiving Cecily's words, Gaiden looked up at the ceiling and gently closed his eyelids.

'Yeah, right.'

　When he opened his eyes a moment later, Gaiden said in a sincere tone.

'Finally, you have someone who can do you that kind of favor.

　It was an unexpected word.
　I'd thought it was my grandfather, so I'd thought he'd be digging around to find out what was going on.

'Cecily,'

　Seeing Cecily pouting, grandfather's mouth twists into a crooked smile.

"You don't think I'm a stubborn old man or something who doesn't want my grandchildren anywhere near me, no matter what kind of man I am?

　Cecily lowered her chin, with an apology on her face.

''Well to be honest, I'm not so sure I do.''
All your life, I've been paying a lot of attention to you because you've been neglecting your own feelings.

　Gaiden put his weight on his back.
　The chair slumps slightly.

"I won't complain if you like someone you say you do.
Grandfather.

　The voice that came out of his mouth was a mixture of apology and gratitude.

You have a keen eye for understanding the nature of people. If you have chosen this person yourself, then it is not right for me to tell you what to do. Do what you want...what do you mean?　Was it that surprising?
'Yes I was surprised, to tell you the truth. Well, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. And thank you.

　Cecily smiled softly.

'Grandfather,'

　Gaiden rolled his eyes and hollowed out his mouth, then put his hand to his forehead as if he was trembling.

"Kuu~ I knew she was the cutest girl in the world, my Cecily.......!　He's a far cry from his good-looking brother!

　I couldn't help but chuckle.

'I've been wondering for a while now, does your grandfather not like your brother?'
I hate you.

　He assured her without taking offense.
　After being told so clearly, Cecily had no choice but to lower her eyebrows even more.
　When he propped his elbows on the table, Gaiden scratched his fingers at the top of his temples.

In spite of the fact that he acts like the opposite of me, he's just like me in his youth. It's a perfect match. When I look at him, it's as if I'm being confronted with the fact that I'm such a jerk.

　Cecily's bitter smile turns into a soft one.
　I had never asked him before, but I see, my grandfather seems to have a feeling of homophobia towards his brother.
　And at the same time - he approves of Diares Arkwright, which means that he approves of him.

''Your brother is excellent, you know.
I don't have your talent, though.

　Cecily rolls her eyes as another unexpected word pops out of her grandfather's mouth.

'As talented as me?'
Why are you surprised?　It's not a compliment to me or to you that I usually say?　You are the most talented of all the Arkwrights, that's for certain.

　My grandfather's manner of speaking did not suggest that he cared.

It's easy to hide your perfect beauty, but those who know it understand it. You have a natural ability to handle the sword and the elements. Neither Vadia nor Dieres nor I have ever seen such a gift.
It's a gift.

　Cecily looks at her palms.

　Currier.
　Hibigami.
　Kurohiko.

　Is it the effect of having been exposed to too many talented people?
　These days, I think I've been painfully aware of my own ordinary talent.
　That's right.
　I just keep working hard and trying to bridge the gap between me and these talented people, even if only a little.

It would be nice if there were.
Yes. That's why you should be able to handle this.

　With that assurance, Gaiden placed the two swords in their scabbards on the table.

'It's the one you were talking about,'

　Cecily took the proffered sword in her hand.

'Thank you, Grandfather.'
Don't thank me. I'm doing this for my beloved grandson, of all people.

　I try to get a little blade out of the sheath.
　Pale moonlight colored blade.
　Transparent, like the juice of a lemon juice dissolved in a thin layer of water.
　The crystal inlaid into the gutter is a lustrous azure color.

　I notice a name carved into the bottom of the handle.
　The name is - 'Frias'.

Although the holy sword was discovered in the holy ruins decades ago, there were only two people in the past who were able to handle it properly. And those two are no longer in this world. And so, after their deaths, Frias has been sleeping in the castle's treasury for a long time... do you know why, Cecily?

　Two pairs of swords.

Two pairs of swords a twin sword, a special type of holy sword.
''That's right. The rare twin-sword holy swords, demon swords, and holy demon swords these twin-sworded swords require a very high level of holy element maintenance. The holy sword you are holding in your hand right now is the most delicate holy sword of them all.

　In the case of the twin swords that required holy elements, they would not be able to show their true value unless the same amount of holy elements were constantly poured into each of them.
　The twin swords that Cecily had been using were of the same type.

''It's rare to find someone who can manipulate the holy elements with such precision, and in addition, you need to be excellent at swordplay as well. In other words, one must have the talent for both the sword and the manipulation of the holy elements.

　After holding up two fingers, Gaiden reduced the number of fingers he held up by one.

It's not a bad idea to have a good time," he said. But that man is a shipwright, and more importantly, he already has the fearsome Levateen in his possession. So, there are no other candidates. But...

　Gaiden leaned forward as if he were playing a trick on me.

"You may be able to use it to your advantage. I have seen the use of Freyas with my own eyes, and if you can master it, it will be a reliable weapon.

　Cecily put the blade back in its sheath.

'It must have been quite a struggle for you to get your hands on this... even if you're my grandfather?
This is my reward for all my hard work.

　Surprisingly, my grandfather may have acquired this sword as an alternative to taking on the role of coordinating the reorganization of the Kinsmen's Guard.

''Grandfather,''

　Cecily made up her mind, thanking her grandfather.

''This holy sword, I will definitely master it.

　Gaiden's eyes relaxed gently.

You are looking good, Cecily. You're looking good, Cecily, and it seems that the school has worked well for you. Now...
Hey, something's happened at the north gate!

　A man's shout came from behind the door of the private room.

''Earlier, I saw the Holy Tree Knights galloping towards the north gate on horseback!　There was something, I mean, extraordinary about the atmosphere!

　Cecily and Gaiden peered through the door of the private room to see what was going on, the tight voice bothering them.
　They see the shopkeeper weakly running up to the man.
　Guyden mutters, touching his chin.

'Hmm, what's going on?'

　The other guests looked anxious.
　And one moustachioed man stood up.
　Calmly, the man held out his hands gracefully.

''Well, well, gentlemen, there's no need to be so upset. Although the knights are now without their main force in the retaking of the fort as usual.......Among the remaining holy warriors in the king's capital are Duke Troia's son, Vanstos Troia, the third-ranked holy lord, as well as the highly experienced David Hamonis. You have nothing to worry about.

　The faces of the anxious guests softened.

''Yes, that's right. I'm sure you'll be fine with Lord Van Shtos, right?
And I've heard that the current Order of the Sacred Tree is very good at what they do.
''And we have great faith in the Holy Tree Order. If you leave it to them, you won't make any mistakes at all.

　The buoyant air returned to normal.
　Cecily just felt a strange sense of excitement.
　Her grandfather also has a divine look on his face.

''Hmm.......what was 'what' in the first place?　Do you think that the armies of the Empire and the Ruvel Argan crossed the border and invaded King's Landing intact?　Foolishness. If the war had started, people would have been informed of the situation much earlier.

　My grandfather was right.

'If that's the case, what in the world 'appeared' at the North Gate?

　And then.

'Everyone run!　It's not safe here!

　The man who ran into the store with his blood on his face was wearing the uniform of the Order.

'Dangerous?'

　One of the guests stands up.

'What do you mean by dangerous?'
"Sh--
Sh?

　A member of the group, breathing on his overturned shoulder, looked up as he put his hand on the door frame.

''It's the Four Deadly Disasters!''

　As soon as that name was mentioned - the air in the store froze.
　A disquieting atmosphere spread through the customers again.



　Yet another customer stands up.　

'Jeez, are you kidding me?
'I'm not kidding!　What is the benefit of such a joke from me, the Holy Tree Knights!
'Keh, but you guys are the Knights of the Holy Tree!　At the north gate, oh, that Vanstos Trojan must have been headed there too!
But the Four Deadly Plagues, as I recall, even Commander Sogut and the daughter of Renoir Sphere, the most powerful magician in the capital, were no match for them, were they not?
"These monsters that even the Imperial Guard would get scared out of their minds and stop fighting...

　The concentration of fear and anxiety increases in the air in the store.

'Or, there's no way I'm going to win!

　One of the guests shouted in a panic.

''By all accounts, this is no match for a human!　The carnage ... the carnage begins!
''I thought they wouldn't come to King's Landing, how could the Four Deadly Plagues come to King's Landing now!
No!　I don't want to die!

　Some have spoken of pessimism and even held their heads up.

''The Order of the Sacred Tree will now escort you to the evacuation area!　After that, presumably to Kielcinha territory - no, we'll talk about that later!　Come on, anyway, hurry up!

　The order of the group members triggered the break down.
　The customers screamed as they ran out of the store and into the street.
　The group members noticed Cecily and the others watching from the private room.

'To Master Gaiden--oh........Se-Cecily Arkwright?

　Cecily bailed with a smile, and the group member stopped with his cheeks stained and his mouth half open.
　Gaiden gives an accusing empty cough.

'I know it hurts to be seen by your grandson, but I'm afraid that's not the case right now.
No, no I wasn't just staring at them.

　A member of the group scratches his head and says in an apologetic tone, "Oh, you two, please evacuate with us...

"Oh, you two, please join us in evacuating the--
Are you sure it's the Four Deadly Sins?

　A member of the group affirms Guyden's question.
　Gaiden looks at the situation outside, which has become noisy.

He says, "Four evil plagues. And of all things, when neither Sogut nor Diares are around?
What are we going to do about it, Grandpa?
Well they may not know about it yet. We shall stop by the house.

　　　　　　　　　　*

　Once Cecily and the others were on their way to the Arkwright family compound.
　A little later, Gaiden came out of the shop.
　He was wearing a loose-fitting cloak.
　The group members and customers were already gone.
　With his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist, Gaiden stared in the direction of the north gate.

'I'd like to believe that David and Van Shtos will do it,'

　There was a faint hesitation in my grandfather's expression.
　Was he wondering if he should go to the north gate or not?

''Grandfather, to the north gate--''
No, I'm going to the house. Those people probably shouldn't be fought head-on.
Grandfather?

　I noticed that Gaiden had a nagging look on his face.
　Cecily guessed.
　His grandfather thinks this way.
　There is little chance that the Holy Tree Knights can win.
　The opponent is too bad, he said.

The Holy King and the princesses will be well escorted by Wagnus. And we have a whole Kingsguard in the castle.

　If my mother, Banton, Hana, and others remain in the mansion, they will join us directly.
　Fortunately, my father, Badias, is currently in the Duke's Domain of Kielcinha and is not in the royal capital.

''I hope Zeke and Hyrgis are safe too.
I'm sending you my location, but...

　This ring, fitted after leaving the store, can be located in each other's place.
　Two peach-colored lights extending from the ring's crystal.
　Zeke and Hyrgis are also trying to get our position.

'Cecily, I hate to tell you this,'
?
You might want to take that ring off.

　'Ah,' thought Cecily.

'....Okay.

　Despite a little hesitation, Cecily did as her grandfather said and took off the ring.
　What she wanted to say was instantly understood.
　The streaks of light could be seen by anyone.
　If this streak of light caught the eye of someone from the Four Deadly Disasters and they followed the streaks of light with interest - the chances of them meeting each other would increase dramatically.

'Don't worry. "Don't worry, Zeke will have the best idea of what to do. He may be young, but his judgment and courage are excellent. If he's not unlucky enough to run into the Four Wrongs, he'll be able to join us eventually.
Yes.

　Cecily and the others carefully watched their surroundings and followed the shortest route to the mansion.
　On the way, they passed many holy warriors and nobles who were heading for the evacuation area.
　As time passed, the number of people visibly decreased.

　The speed at which they were moving was slow because they were moving with caution.
　Even so, considering the possibility that the Four Deadly Plagues have already defeated the Holy Tree Knights.......or that one of the four of them has already gone out into the city, we can't afford to lose our vigilance.
　The biggest thing that Cecily and the others must avoid right now is - an encounter, with the Four Deadly Disasters.

''But why did the Four Deadly Plagues come to King's Landing now?

　Cecily asked, looking around through the walls of the building.

I don't understand. I don't understand the principle of their actions," said Cecily, "but I don't know what they do, either. It's doubtful that they even have a purpose in the first place.

　Gaiden's gaze lingered on a point.
　Cecily's gaze is also drawn to that point of view.

''Wha...?

　A gasp of amazement escaped him.

'The Great Clock Tower--'

　The top of the Great Clock Tower is collapsing.
　Was it also caused by the Four Deadly Disasters?

"Do you enjoy the destruction...?　I don't know. I still don't get what they're after.

　Quickly, Gaiden turns himself around.

I'm going, Cecily. If the Four Deadly Plagues are over there, then at last the Holy Tree Order was unable to contain them.

　I don't even think that those Holy Tree Knights have been wiped out.
　I don't think so, but it seems that the only thing I can take as a fact is that the Four Deadly Disasters have broken through the siege.
　Cecily follows Gaiden's back as he moves at a small run.
　And then

Oh, whoa!

　A voice came from above.



　The voices continued to fade away.
　Then there was a pause, and a loud noise, as if it had been struck by lightning, could be heard from a little distance.

'What was that?'

　Gaiden looks up above his head.
　I don't know.
　Only - I knew clearly that something had passed far above my head.
　Four evil disasters, I guess.

''....Huh?''

　Cecily stopped in her tracks.

'Something ... approaching, coming?'

　The sound of footsteps.
　The sound of footsteps.
　The footsteps are increasing in volume at an accelerated rate.

　They are getting closer.
　Clearly heading this way.
　Gaiden, going ahead, turns around.

I don't know why it's approaching us, but we need to hide. Thank you, it's headed our way--
d*mn right, old man.

　A huge figure appeared behind Gaiden, skidding sideways.
　The man's fallen little eyes were not on Gaiden, who was immediately in front of him - somehow, they caught Cecily straight in front of him.

'Shasshassh.'

　The man's eyes lifted with glee.

'We found you.'