It was clear what Lernaean was suggesting. That was precisely why Saya found it eerie.
“Why are you offering your cooperation?”
“I’m not. Besides, it’s natural to grant any of your wishes, Lady Saya.”
“Thank you.”
“Your gratitude is unnecessary. This agrees with my own goals. But if you insist... Let’s say you owe me one. Don’t worry, I won’t request anything outlandish.”
His own goals. Saya felt like she wanted to ask what these were, but didn’t at the same time. Being put in his debt was one thing she should’ve never allowed. She was tormented with regret, but didn’t mention it. In any case, Kyou was her priority right now.
After leaving Lernaean’s office and returning to her own room, she asked Jubilia, “When’s the next new moon?”
“In four days. The former Sovereign’s execution is in one week... meaning this will be the last opportunity.”
“Jubilia, I have something to ask of you,” Saya said, staring into Jubilia’s eyes. “I’d like you to call Nagi.”
“An appropriate choice. He’s succeeded in such an act before, and we can only ask someone we trust absolutely. Is this truly alright with you, though?”
Saya returned a firm nod. “I want to save my little brother.”
“Very well. Normally, I couldn’t possibly leave your side, but we cannot entrust this task to another. I will make arrangements to see to your safety immediately, although I should be back by nighttime.”
“You’ll get back that quickly from Garuga Village? It took so long by cogwagon.”
“Have you forgotten? As a former knight, such a thing is trivial if I put my mind to it,” Jubilia replied with a grin. “My feet are especially fast. I do believe I put this on display when we first met.”
“You were really scary back then.”
“How about now?”
“Not at all. You’re kinder than I thought you were, and easily moved to tears.”
“Th-That’s... rather embarrassing,” Jubilia muttered with flushed cheeks.
“It’s a good thing. I like that part of you, Jubilia.”
Jubilia turned even redder.
“In any case, please get some rest! You must be tired.”
Tess stood on night watch at the village entrance. She had terrific natural eyesight, which had kept her on watch duty for a while now. She was also the one who had located the cogwagon Nagi and Saya were riding when they first met.
Now that Zamin was dead, she ought to have been elsewhere, sorting out which of his duties she’d be taking on. Garuga Village lost many of its able bodies during the revolution, though, so they didn’t have the leisure to search for a replacement at the gate posting.
Tess spotted a shadow in the distance and raised her guard. Nobody would go out of their way to come to Garuga Village in the middle of the night. Tess had been in a strangely foul mood since Zamin passed. The figure turned out to be someone she recognized.
“I’d like to see Nagi.”
It was Saya’s guard, Jubilia. This was no relief to Tess; she tightened her stance. She thought the knight had left with Saya, but apparently, she came right back. This could only mean some sort of urgent business.
“What do you need so late at night?”
“I’d like to relay it directly to Nagi.”
“Is this about Saya?”
Tess didn’t really need to ask. There was no other reason for Jubilia to come here. Saya was the eternal occupant of Nagi’s heart. Lately that thought was like a quiet itch under Tess’ skin. Nagi and Tess had inherited the position of village chief together, but she believed Nagi was the true chief. He was the one to move everyone during that battle, after all. The people of the village listened to anything he had to say. Even though Tess was raised here, it was difficult for her to speak strongly against the elders. Tess believed her role existed to compensate for the fact that Nagi wasn’t Crestfolk.
There was a mountain of problems here in the village, and yet Saya dominated Nagi’s thoughts. Even if Saya was the bearer of the True Crest like Zamin had said, and all Crestfolk were meant to follow her, Saya was the Sovereign. There were plenty of people in the palace who devoted themselves to her welfare already, like this knight before her very eyes. In contrast, the only one who could lead Garuga Village was Nagi.
“Come with me,” Tess said hesitantly.
She hid her inner irritation and guided Jubilia into the village. Both Nagi and Tess were shocked by what she had to say.
“By Kyou... you mean the former Sovereign, right? Wasn’t he an enemy? And you’re telling us to go out of the way to kidnap him before he’s executed?” Tess told her.
“He’s Lady Saya’s little brother. No, I suppose he isn’t really, but...” Jubilia looked somewhat troubled and stumbled over her next words. “It has gotten rather complicated...”
“Tess and I serve as the village chief together; there’s no need for secrets.”
Jubilia nodded. “I see. In that case, I’ll tell you. He’s not her brother by blood, but Lady Saya still wishes to save him.”
“It’s not all that strange in this village,” Tess said. “The Crestfolk come from all over and become family after the fact.” Tess paused there and looked Nagi in the eyes. “Nagi, you’re our family too, you know?” Nagi returned her gaze, and for some reason, Tess turned red before continuing. “What’s so weird about it? We can’t make children. That’s the only way for us to have families.”
“I didn’t think it was weird. I’m just happy. I thought Keele was the only family I had now. You’re right. Being related by blood isn’t the only important thing.”
Tess completely forgot to say anything back. Not only that, she completely zoned out of the conversation. That was how deeply Nagi’s words resounded in her heart. Being related by blood wasn’t the only important thing.
“Jubilia, I’ll do it.”
“Nagi, I’ll go too,” Tess said in a fluster upon suddenly hearing him consent.
“No, you’ve got the village to take care of, remember?”
“We can leave it all to Bandore for now. I think this is more important. The bearer of the True Crest is special. That’s what the chief said. You’re actually the one who shouldn’t be going.” Nagi didn’t seem to understand what Tess was saying. “You’re the chief here, Nagi. The village can’t afford to lose you right now.”
“You’re the chief too, aren’t you?”
“Why can’t you tell that everyone’s hopes are in you, not me?”
It seemed like this was going to turn into a big argument, so Jubilia stepped in. “Sorry, but keep your quarrel for later. We don’t have the time. I can’t remain away from Lady Saya for long.”
The two of them regained their composure.
“Don’t get too emotional, both of you,” Jubilia warned them. “You’re both still young, but you’re the chiefs, right?”
“I’m not young anymore. You know how long we commoners live.”
Nagi’s words reminded Tess that he was a commoner. His lifespan was shorter than that of a Crestfolk. That was why Nagi lived fast and reckless—so he could break Saya out of her cage before his life was over. To him, Tess and the Crestfolk were just something he was looking after while handling that. The thought clawed at Tess’ heart. Why was it always Saya?
“I’m returning to Lady Saya’s side. I’ll see you on the evening of the new moon.”
Jubilia relayed information on the bar they were to meet at, then hurried off. Nagi and Tess began preparing for the journey. Even though they were used to going to the capital, they needed weapons this time. There was also the problem of where to go after abducting Kyou, as well as considering whether to bring along supplies. As they thought such things over, the door violently burst open.
“Hey! That woman was here just now, right?! I thought she went back already!”
It was Keele. Tess thought back to old times. When she first came to this village, this man taught her everything, like an older brother. He ended up leaving shortly after, but he showed up once in a while to trouble Zamin. There were those in the village who hated him, but Tess was attached to this eccentric man, just like a little sister would be. His true sibling was Nagi. If Nagi contracted bloodmark disease and became a Crestfolk, perhaps she would be treated like his sister too. Such a dream seemed ever so sweet to her.
“You’re still here?” Nagi asked.
“Dumbass. I was walkin’ off ’cause I didn’t wanna stay in this hole too long when I saw a shadow from afar runnin’ crazy fast through the forest. That woman’s the only one I know who can jump like that. I thought maybe she changed her mind and wanted to come along on my killin’ spree, so I ran back here.”
Keele was out of breath.
“There’s no way she did. Jubilia already left.”
Nagi was always cold to his brother. He said he was bad at dealing with him ever since they were kids, but from Tess’ view, it looked like Nagi depended on Keele. On the other hand, Keele’s treatment of his brother was even easier to understand. On the surface, he spoke ill of Nagi, but Keele never talked to people he had no interest in to begin with.
“Fuck!”
“She’s headed for the capital. I doubt you can catch up, though.”
“Hang on, what’d she want over here?”
“And why do you want to know?”
“If I know what’s going on with her, maybe I can fight her even better. Spill the beans already.”
Keele had a strange fixation on Jubilia. Nagi simplified what Jubilia’s account was for him.
“Hmph. Kidnap the False Sovereign, huh?” Keele said, baring his teeth with a ferocious smile. “Sounds fun. I’ll help out too.”
“What?”
“You two are little weaklings on your own, yeah? I’m saying I’ll lend you a hand.”
“Why?!”
“That woman might gimme the fight I want if I put her in my debt. Besides...” Keele paused, giving a slight smile. “Isn’t it obvious to help a little brother out?”
Nagi made a face like he couldn’t parse the scene in front of him. Tess felt a sharp pang of envy.