The next morning.
"…Hmm, I don’t feel like I slept very well."
Sofia and Lena had been arguing late into the night.
Trying to mediate between them had completely exhausted me…
By the time I finally managed to fall asleep, it was already past midnight.
No wonder I didn’t feel well-rested.
"Alright… there we go."
Everyone was still asleep.
It looked like I was the first one to wake up.
I didn’t want to wake them, so I quietly left the room.
I stepped outside and took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air.
"Mm—… haah. What a nice morning."
There were already quite a lot of people outside.
People like me, who had come out to get some fresh air.
People jogging.
People preparing for work.
Maybe it was because this was the royal capital, but there were so many people.
And every one of them wore a smile, ready to do their best today.
It was a very peaceful scene.
But…
"There are people trying to destroy this peace."
The Dawn Alliance might have their own reasons.
But the people living in the present have nothing to do with past grudges.
I don’t want to accept the idea that a parent’s sins are passed down to their children.
So…
"I have to protect this, no matter what."
I reaffirmed my resolve.
"Excuse me."
Suddenly, someone called out to me.
When I turned around, I saw a woman I didn’t recognize.
Her age… probably mid-twenties?
She had a dignified expression, and her eyes carried a strong will.
A beautiful woman with short hair.
If she walked through the city, most men would probably turn to look at her.
She was wearing armor, with two swords hanging at her waist.
Like Sofia, maybe one of them was a spare?
"Forgive my sudden approach. Are you Sir Fate Stuart?"
"Eh… ah, yes, that’s right. And you are?"
"I am a member of a certain knight order. My name is Erin Ragsleet."
"Ah, nice to meet you… I’m Fate Stuart."
She bowed politely, and I hurriedly bowed back.
Somehow, it felt like we were merchants about to negotiate a deal.
"May I have a moment of your time?"
"Um… yes, that’s fine."
We had just met, but somehow, I felt that Erin wasn’t a bad person.
At least for a conversation, I agreed.
"Thank you. Then, this way please."
"Are we going somewhere?"
"This isn’t something to discuss out in the open."
"…Understood."
I hesitated a little, but still agreed.
I didn’t have any clear reason, but I felt like I could trust her.
She had a kind of pure-heartedness, like Aisha.
"Then, this way."
Erin took the lead, and I followed behind her…
Until we arrived at a small house.
Inside, there were only the bare minimum furnishings—chairs, a table, and little else.
It felt rather barren.
"This is one of the safe houses owned by our knight order. It’s not usually used, so it looks like this. I hope you’ll forgive the simplicity…"
"I don’t mind. So, what did you want to talk about…?"
Erin’s expression sharpened, and she quietly spoke.
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