Kieran Redgewell

ere the sound was coming from with his eyes.

d my meeting with the Plantin Company and ret

Grutrissheit.”

At once, the Book of Mestionora appeared in my hands. Ignoring the gasps behind me, I pressed it against the gate.

By the God of Darkness’s grace, her hair is the color of the night sky. By the Goddess of Light’s kindness, her eyes are a radiant gold. Not to mention her beauty, which could only have come from countless divine blessings. Seeing her wield the Grutrissheit and make the omni-elemental gate shine again, I can say only this: she is the very picture of Mestionora the Goddess of Wisdom!”

The gate’s shining...” Sylvester whispered. “Is this real...?”

“Then is that... the Grutrissheit?!” Giebe Kirnberger exclaimed.

“Is Lady Rozemyne...?” one of his knights began.

Everyone except the aub gasped and stared. Lestilaut in particular looked stunned; his eyes were practically boring into me. There was a drawn-out silence... and then, to my surprise, Hannelore’s voice came from behind me.

“The aub informed us of your growth, but... is it really you, Lady Rozemyne?”

Your motivation is most admirable, Lord Lestilaut, but must you speak so politely? I find it somewhat off-putting...”

My sincerest apologies, but the owner of the Grutrissheit must be treated with the utmost respect. My old way of speaking would cause great offense.”

Still...” I said, “I would rather you speak more naturally. It saddens me that you are acting so distant.”

“Hmph. Fine. If you insist.”

My body was practically on fire. It felt like we had all merged into one, and with that, I raised my spear.

“TO WAR!”

Even the audience shouted with me. I thrust my spear into the air, causing blessings to pour down as though I’d torn the night sky in two. Battle cries echoed—and that was when Aub Dunkelfelger stepped forward, raising a clenched fist.

“Go forth, my elite! Fight, and steal Ahrensbach’s foundation! Move faster than Steifebrise!”

“Hoorah!” the knights chorused. “Faster than Steifebrise!”