Rors Tavern, Outskirts of the Empire

March 26, 2028, 15:23 (26th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The tavern buzzed with the low hum of conversation, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of laughter. Flickering candles cast a warm glow over the room, filling it with the smoky scent of burning wood and the faint tang of spilled ale. In one dim corner, three men, cheeks flushed from drink, leaned close around a rough-hewn table, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Ye're tellin' me they repelled a flame dragon?" one of them asked, voice thick with doubt.

"Not even the strongest knights nor mages can pull off such a feat!" exclaimed another, shaking his head.

"Aye, and are ye sure it weren't just a wyvern, mate?" slurred the third, his speech thick with drink.

The storyteller shook his head, undeterred. "I'm certain! Twas a real flame dragon, nothin' less. Were it not for those strange folk, I wouldn't be here to tell ye."

Across the room, a group of knights from the Rose Order listened intently. Among them was their leader, Princess Pina Co Lada, who wore a thoughtful expression as she considered this strange account. Eager to prove herself and learn more about these mysterious foreigners, she leaned closer to her fellow knights, her voice barely a murmur.

Hamilton, a bit skeptical, rolled her eyes. "Here we go again. People talk as if these foreigners are some kind of heroes. It's not like they're invading or something," she scoffed.

Norma, another knight, frowned thoughtfully. "Still, these stories may have some truth if so many villagers say the same thing. Surely they can't all be lying."

Just then, the tavern's hostess approached them, overhearing their conversation. Her graying hair was tied back in a loose bun, and her hands were rough from years of labor, but her eyes shone excitedly.

"Ah, but it be true, noble knights," the hostess insisted, her voice carrying an old-world lilt. "A real flame dragon, I tell ye! And not a soul here's forgettin' the sight of it."

Norma's brow furrowed in doubt. "Are you sure, ma'am? It's unheard of for anyone to bring down a flame dragon."

Pina, though sharing some of Norma's doubt, was desperate for information. Even if the story had some exaggeration, it was worth hearing. She turned to the hostess, offering a kind smile. "Please, tell us what you know. We're eager to hear it."

The hostess beamed, drawing herself up with a sense of pride as she prepared to tell her tale. She cleared her throat, capturing the attention of the room, which had begun to quiet.

"There were sixteen of 'em, all told," she announced, her voice carrying over the gathered patrons. "An' two of 'em were women if ye can believe it!"

A drunkard at the bar guffawed, shaking his head. "Women? They have women warriors?"

"Aye," the hostess replied, undaunted. "And when the dragon came, they saved us all, riding on these—these—magic chariots that moved faster than any horse ye've seen! They wielded magic wands, but not like any we've known. These didn't chant spells—they pointed, and the fire leaped forth!"

The drunkard stared, eyes wide with disbelief. "And ye say they slew the dragon with these... 'magic wands'?"

The hostess nodded, enraptured by her own tale. "Aye! One of 'em had a great rod o' steel, bigger than a spear, that burst forth from their chariot with a deafening roar. It struck the dragon in its left arm, and there was an explosion like nothin' I've seen before! Flames and smoke everywhere!"

Princess Pina, curious and skeptical in equal measure, interrupted. "These 'magic wands' of theirs... did they chant spells when they used them?"

The hostess frowned as if the detail puzzled her even now. "Nay, m'lady. That's what be so strange! Not a word from their lips—only silence, and then... boom! Magic jus'... happened!"

Pina exchanged a look with Hamilton, then nodded. "Thank you, ma'am. Your story has been most helpful."

The hostess, pleased with her audience, grinned. "Leavin' so soon, are ye? Duty calls, eh?"

With a polite nod, Pina rose, signaling to her knights that it was time to go. "Indeed, duty does call. But thank you, and may fortune favor your tavern."

As Pina and her knights stepped outside, a gravelly voice cut through the chill in the evening air. "You're in luck, Your Highness," said a familiar figure.

Piña turned to see the seasoned knight Grey Co Aldo, a man whose age had only sharpened his wisdom and resolve. She offered him a respectful nod.

"Grey," she greeted him. "What brings you here?"

Grey's weathered face creased into a faint smile. "I've just received word. There's an injured nobleman from one of our allied kingdoms—he fought at Alnus Hill and survived the battle. He's recuperating in a nearby village."

Pina's eyes gleamed with interest. "How far?"

"We could reach it by sundown, Your Highness."

Pina squared her shoulders, her voice brimming with determination. "Then we set out immediately. The sooner we learn more about these foreigners, the better."





Silvershade Village, Outskirts of the Empire

March 26, 2028, 17:53 (26th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

After settling into the village, the knights made their way to the modest home where the noble was recuperating. They gathered just outside his room, casting wary glances at one another, the weight of their mission heavy upon them.

Norma glanced at Grey, his tone hushed. "What role did this noble play in the Alnus Hill attack, old man?"

Grey, as composed as ever, nodded. "According to my informant, he held a leadership position in King Duran's army. Cavalry captain. He sustained a serious injury to the arm during the battle against... those otherworlders."

Princess Pina tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword, her expression resolute. "Let's hope he's awake to answer our questions."

As she reached for the door, she paused, her hand hovering over the wood, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. Hamilton, her longtime friend and confidante, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Your Highness," Hamilton said softly, concern clear in her gaze. "Are you alright?"

Pina managed a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, Hamilton, I'm fine. It's just... this uncertainty. What if he doesn't remember? Or worse—what if he does, and it's something we cannot prepare for?"

Hamilton's expression softened with understanding. "I know it's daunting, but we must hope for the best. We'll face whatever he tells us, together."

Pina took a deep breath, steadying herself, and then gave a firm nod. She gathered her resolve and pushed the door open, stepping into the room. The dim light revealed a man lying on the bed, his lower body covered in blankets. His face was pale, drawn, and his legs... were gone.

Pina's expression softened with a mix of sympathy and respect as she approached. "Greetings," she said, her tone carrying a weight of authority. "I assume you know who I am?"

The man managed a tired smirk. "Any noble worth his salt would know you, Your Majesty. It is an honor."

She inclined her head. "Good. May I ask your name and position in King Duran's army?"

"Cedric Blackwood," he replied, voice thick with fatigue. "Former cavalry captain. What brings you out here, my lady?"

Piña's expression turned serious. "I need to understand our common enemy, Lord Cedric."

Cedric gave a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. "Understand them? I doubt you truly can, Your Highness. They're like nothing we've ever faced."

Piña frowned, not deterred. "Tell me... what happened at Alnus Hill?"

A long, weary sigh escaped Cedric, and his gaze grew distant. "You haven't heard? Of the fate of the one hundred thousand soldiers in the Allied Armies?"

"I've heard rumors," Pina said, her voice steady. "But I need to know the truth."

Cedric's jaw clenched as he fought to keep his composure, the memory painful. "It was a massacre, Your Highness. Their magic... their tactics... were beyond anything we could have imagined. They tore through our shields like they were nothing."

He closed his eyes, as if reliving the horror. "I witnessed my men—well-trained cavalry soldiers who had fought in countless battles before—cut down in mere seconds. Their horses fell, and their bodies were thrown across the field like toys. And that noise their magic produced was deafening, like repeated thunder, shattering any sense of order."

Pina listened in silence, her face hardening. "Were there any survivors?"

"If there were, they fled back home long before I even fell," Cedric muttered, his tone laced with bitterness. He began to shudder, his strength waning.

Alarmed, Pina reached forward. "My lord, you need rest. I'll see to it that healers from the capital are sent—"

But Cedric's hand shot up, stopping her. "No," he said, his voice hoarse but insistent. "The Empire must not know I'm still alive. If they do... they'll send someone to finish the job. Don't waste your resources on me."

Pina's expression hardened. "I cannot allow your death, Lord Cedric. You have knowledge I need, and if you leave this world without sharing it, your fiefdom could pay the price."

Cedric gave her a knowing, bitter smile. "Like father, like daughter, I see. But if you think you can win against them with threats and posturing, you're as deluded as he is. Go ahead, throw your soldiers' lives away if it suits you."

Pina's jaw tightened, her patience snapping. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. The sound echoed through the hallway, catching Hamilton off guard.

Hamilton blinked in surprise, rushing to catch up. "Your Highness, I said I'd follow you anywhere, but... would you mind telling us where we're going?"

Pina didn't slow her pace, her expression set in steely determination. "We're going to Alnus," she declared, her voice resolute. "Grey, what's the fastest route?"

Grey glanced at her, nodding. "On the way to Alnus lies the town of Italica. We'll need to pass through it."

"Italica," Pina murmured, her mind already calculating. She glanced over her shoulder at her small group, considering their numbers.

Hamilton frowned. "Princess... are we truly going with just the four of us?"

"Time is of the essence," Pina replied, her tone leaving no room for debate. She turned to Norma, her eyes sharp. "But as a precaution, send a messenger. Tell the others to rendezvous with us at Italica."

Norma gave a swift nod. "Understood, Your Highness."





3rd Recon office, Alnus Hill

March 28, 2028, 07:03 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Grateful for the rare chance to connect in such an isolated outpost, Itami casually glanced at his phone, noting a new update. "Looks like we're online," he muttered to himself. "Guess they really did set something up for us to use our phones out here, huh?"

Just then, Kuribayashi and Kurokawa stepped into the office, their expressions serious.

Kuribayashi cleared her throat. "Lieutenant."

He looked up, mildly surprised. "Oh, hey, you two. What's going on?"

Kurokawa stepped forward, looking slightly uneasy. "It's about Tuka, sir. She's been... acting strange."

Itami raised an eyebrow, instantly attentive. "Strange? How so?"

"Well," Kurokawa continued, "she's been requesting rations, living space, and clothing for two people. But here's the odd part—she only eats one ration, and she only uses one set of clothes. The extra supplies are just sitting there."

"Have you asked her why?" Itami asked, curiosity mixed with concern.

"We tried," Kurokawa said with a sigh. "But she keeps brushing us off. We even went to Lelei for help, but... her Japanese isn't quite there yet."

"What about Kato?" he suggested.

Kuribayashi shook her head. "No luck with him, either. From what little we could gather, Tuka's kind of a... rare case, even for an elf."

Itami scratched his head. "Guess that means we'll have to ask her ourselves."

Just then, the door opened, and Kuwahara stepped inside, urgency evident in his stance. "Sir, we're about ready to depart for Italica. Delta's ready too."

Itami nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Sweet, alright, let's go!"

As they prepared to head out, the air was thick with the sounds of engines idling, soldiers coordinating logistics, and the hum of preparations buzzing around them.

Kurata scoffed, crossing his arms. "So what? Is the SDF a delivery service now?"

Andrew shot him a sideways glance. "Come on, don't say that. If this mission is successful, it'll give the refugees a chance to start supporting themselves instead of relying on us. Plus, it's a great opportunity to learn more about this place."

Kuwahara approached Itami and Adam, clipboard in hand. "Lieutenant, Sergeant. Preparations are complete."

Itami straightened up, looking at the assembled team. "Alright, everyone, we're heading toward Italica—a trade city about 30 kilometers from here. This will be our first contact with a legitimate city, so let's be on our best behavior."

Adam nodded, his expression serious. "Good news on our assets: we're not going in blind. Caldwell's going to be on the drone. But still, keep your heads on a swivel. Things can get unpredictable out there, and I want us all to come back in one piece. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the team responded in unison.

Itami glanced at the remaining gear and then looked toward the entrance. "Okay, I guess we just have to wait for the girls."

As they finished loading the bags full of dragon scales into the vehicles, Lelei, Rory, and Tuka arrived at the staging area. Rory and Lelei immediately started boarding Itami's vehicle, but Tuka hesitated, her brow furrowed.

Tuka looked around, anxiety creeping into her voice. "Are we going to another foreign place again?"

Hill stepped closer, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Tuka. We'll keep you safe, I promise."

Tuka's tense shoulders relaxed slightly at his words. She looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Sir Hill."

Hill chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Just Hill is fine. Now hop on; everyone's waiting for you."





The Road Towards Italica, Special Region

March 28, 2028, 08:13 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The convoy rolled forward as the city of Italica came into view, a plume of smoke curling ominously into the sky. Itami squinted at the thick column rising above the walls, feeling a sinking sense of deja vu.

"Another plume of smoke?" Itami muttered, sarcasm coloring his tone. "Must be our lucky day." He picked up the radio handset and called, "See it, Adam?"

Adam's response crackled over the line. "Rog. I see it. Hang on a sec..." There was a pause, then Adam's voice returned, steady as he contacted Caldwell. "TOC, this is Bravo 1-1. What's the deal with the smoke?"

Caldwell's voice came through both their radios a moment later, calm and level. "Copy that, Bravo 1-1. We're aware. It appears the city is under attack."

"Do we know by who?" Itami asked, adjusting his hold on the radio.

"Unclear at this time," Caldwell replied.

Adam glanced toward Itami's vehicle, waiting for a response. "So, how do you want to play this, LT?"

Kurata, who was at the wheel, looked at Itami expectantly, as did everyone else in the convoy. They all waited with bated breath for the lieutenant's answer.

Itami leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at the distant plume. "We're moving closer. Let's get a better look."

Adam hesitated. "You sure about that?"

Itami gave a firm nod. "Yup."

Adam relayed the decision into his radio. "TOC, we're moving closer to get a better look. How copy?"

"Copy," Caldwell replied. "Just don't get yourselves killed, alright?"

Adam smirked, speaking more to himself than anyone else. "Wouldn't dream of it. Out."

As the convoy neared Italica's main gate, the scene became clearer. The city had been under siege, and its defenders—a few knights and a hastily assembled militia—had barely managed to drive off the attackers. The group approached the gate cautiously, assessing the damage and the crowd of battle-weary defenders gathering nearby.

Kurata peered at the walls. "Think they see us?"

The answer came almost immediately, as a sharp voice shouted from the gate. "Who are you?! Show yourselves!"

Kuwahara raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Guess that answers that question. What now?"

Itami considered their options, the hum of the engines punctuating the silence. After a moment, he picked up his radio and called out, "Hey, Adam, want to go for a little stroll?"

Adam's voice came back with a trace of curiosity. "What do you have in mind?"

Itami leaned back, a faint grin tugging at his lips as he spoke into the radio. "Oh, you know, maybe just a little chat with the locals—establishing relations and all that."

There was a slight chuckle on the other end. "Oh, I get ya," Adam replied.

Kuwahara, listening in from beside Itami, raised an eyebrow. "You really think they'll just let you walk in there? Wouldn't they be on edge enough to attack?"

"That's why we're going to bring the girls with us." Itami gave a casual shrug, though his eyes held a glint of calculation. "If they see Rory, the Apostle, I doubt they'll have the guts to try anything. Right, Rory?"

In response, Rory leaned forward from her seat in Itami's vehicle, her ruby eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement and mischief. "Oh, they wouldn't dare lay a finger on us," she said, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "An Apostle's presence has a way of... quieting hostile intentions." She glanced back at Lelei and Tuka with a nod, as if rallying them to her side.

Tuka looked less certain, glancing nervously at the gates and the battle-worn militia. "Are you sure about this, Itami?" she asked, her voice soft.

Itami gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Tuka. We're here to help, and the best way to do that is to talk to them. Besides, if anyone could win them over with a few words, it'd be Rory." He gave Rory a wink.

Rory laughed, flashing her sharp teeth in a broad smile. "Well, I do have a way with people," she teased.

Lelei, calm as ever, adjusted her staff and nodded thoughtfully. "It's worth trying. A direct approach might ease their suspicions faster than anything else."

Itami gave a nod, satisfied with the plan. "Cool," he replied, glancing over at Rory, Lelei, and Tuka as they readied themselves.

Adam's voice crackled over the radio, his tone pragmatic. "Hey, let's also keep our rifles in the vics, yeah? No need to spook the locals any more than necessary."

Itami considered this, nodding in agreement. "True. We'll keep our handguns, though, just in case."

He then addressed the rest of the convoy, his voice steady and clear over the radio. "Alright, listen up. While Adam, the girls, and I head over to talk, the rest of you stay put and keep watch. Remember the rules of engagement: no one fires unless fired upon. Got it?"

A series of affirmations echoed back through the radio. With everything in place, Itami and Adam climbed out of their vehicles, gesturing for Rory, Lelei, and Tuka to join them. Rory, looking as if she were about to step onto a grand stage, strutted forward with her usual confidence. Lelei, her expression calm but observant, moved with quiet composure, while Tuka followed closely, her eyes darting between the looming city walls and her companions.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the gate, Norma stood watch with a careful eye, noticing movement outside. he leaned toward the gate, observing the figures approaching with quiet intensity.

"Your Highness," he called, turning to Princess Pina Co Lada and the others gathered nearby. "Two men and three young women are approaching the gate. It's possibly... the otherworlders!"

At his words, Pina, along with Hamilton and Grey, quickly stepped forward to peer through the narrow viewing slit. The approaching figures came into view, their silhouettes becoming clearer with each step.

Pina's eyes narrowed as she took in their appearances. "Look closely. One's wearing green, the other in a kind of dirty brown... just as the hostess described." Her voice was tense, her mind racing to recall every detail they'd heard about these newcomers from beyond the Gate.

Suddenly, Hamilton let out a soft gasp, her gaze fixed on one of the women among them. "Your Highness... look!" She pointed, her face a mixture of shock and awe.

Pina and Grey followed her gaze, their eyes widening in recognition. Among the group was a young woman with striking ruby eyes, clad in black, with a large halberd resting against her shoulder. It was unmistakable.

"It's her," Pina breathed, her voice hushed with reverence and unease. "The Apostle... Rory the Reaper."

Grey watched the approaching group with an appraising look. "I didn't realize the Apostle was such a young girl," he murmured.

Pina gave a wry smile, her eyes still fixed on Rory. "Don't be fooled, Grey. That 'girl' has lived over 900 years. I saw her at a rite years ago, and she hasn't aged a single day since."

She kept her gaze steady, her mind racing as she weighed their options. This was a rare opportunity to gauge the otherworlders' motives firsthand. And so, in a moment of decision, she stepped forward, gripping the edge of the gate herself and pushing it open wider.

As the doors swung open, a loud thud echoed, followed by a sudden silence. Pina glanced up and was met with wide-eyed stares from Rory, the elf, the other young woman, and the man in the dusty brown gear. However, what surprised her the most was the sight just beyond them—the man dressed in green, lay sprawled flat on the ground, clearly unconscious.

Pina blinked, slowly piecing it together, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Um... that was me, wasn't it?" she asked, half to herself.

Adam let out a small sigh as he glanced from Itami's crumpled form to the red-haired woman who'd just knocked him out. "Uh, yeah... I'd say that was you," he said, trying to hide his amusement.

Just then, the radio on his vest crackled to life. Kuwahara's voice came through, tense. "Lieutenant? Lieutenant, you there?"

Adam pressed his push-to-talk. "His lights are out for now. Andrew, can you get over here and help him up?"

Andrew's voice came back, clearly confused. "Huh? What happened?"

Adam chuckled. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Just get over here, Dru."

After a moment's pause, Andrew responded, still sounding uncertain. "Um, got it... I guess."

Turning back, Adam found himself face-to-face with the red-haired woman, who was regarding him with a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. He cleared his throat, feeling the weight of the moment as her intense gaze held his.

"Uh... hey. Mind if we come in?" Adam asked, trying to keep things light.

The woman's shoulders slumped slightly, her resolve visibly wavering as she glanced from Rory to Adam, then back to the fallen Itami. With a soft, resigned sigh, she stepped aside. "Yes... you may enter."





Formal Castle Garden, Italica

March 28, 2028, 08:40 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

After the altercation at the gate, it seemed the woman had instructed the guards to let the rest of the team through. Itami watched as Kuwahara parked the vehicles in front of the manor, the convoy settling in. Andrew was already kneeling in front of Itami, tending to his wounds.

"It's just a light concussion. You should be alright for now, sir. Just don't make this a habit," Andrew said, finishing his examination.

"Thanks, Andrew," Itami replied, his tone weary.

Andrew shook his head slightly. "You're welcome. I would have recommended a break, but with the situation as it is, you don't have the luxury of one."

Itami sighed, rubbing his temple where a dull ache had begun to throb. "Yeah..." He glanced over at the red-haired woman who had distanced herself slightly, her presence commanding the respect of the city's people. They greeted her with nods and murmurs, their eyes showing the weight of her authority.

The woman caught his eye, and her expression softened into an apologetic smile. "First off, I'm really sorry about before."

Itami waved it off, trying to keep things light despite the lingering headache. "Oh no, it's fine—ow..." He winced, his hand still at his head. "But... let's maybe keep the door opening to a minimum, yeah?"

Rory, who had been silently watching the exchange with a knowing look, couldn't resist adding in her usual cheeky manner. "Don't worry, Princess. He probably deserved it anyway."

Itami shot her a quick glance, momentarily distracted by her comment. He then turned his attention back to the woman in front of them, who had just introduced herself. Princess?

Pina, sensing the tension had eased a bit, responded to Rory with a slight bow of her head. "Miss Rory, I apologize for my rudeness earlier."

Rory gave a nonchalant shrug, her mischievous grin still in place. "Oh, no worries. But if it happens again, I might not be as merciful as I am now..."

Itami quickly interjected, his tone firm but friendly. "Rory, remember what we discussed. Play nice."

Rory smirked but relented. "I apologize, Itami dear. I'll do my best to be more considerate."

As Rory walked off, the knights around them exchanged stunned glances, clearly awestruck by what they had just witnessed. They'd never imagined seeing an Apostle, someone of Rory's feared and revered status, taking orders from a mere human. Their eyes lingered on Itami, curious about the nature of his command over the Apostle.

Meanwhile, Itami glanced over at Adam, noticing his friend's expression turning from focused to slightly bewildered as he relayed the situation to Caldwell over the radio.

A moment later, Adam walked over, tucking the radio back into his gear. "Hey, command's given us the green light to stay put here for now. We're still cleared for trade."

Itami nodded, his concern evident. "So, what happens if those bandits come back? This place is barely holding together as it is."

Adam shrugged, a wry grin creeping onto his face. "Your guess is as good as mine. When Caldwell was briefing me, my squadron commander chimed in with some 'words of wisdom.' Said I should 'take initiative' and 'capitalize on this whole situation.' Whatever that's supposed to mean."

Itami chuckled softly, shaking his head as he surveyed the weary defenders on the city walls. Their armor was battered, and their resolve was fading. Leaning into Adam, he mused, "Take a look around. These folks are barely holding on."



He shrugged lightly. "If those bandits decided to come back in force, imagine if we were positioned to help them. It wouldn't hurt to be remembered, right?"



Adam's brow furrowed, his skepticism clear. "You're suggesting we intervene? It's not really our fight, Itami."

"Well, no..." Itami replied, "but imagine the goodwill we'd build here if we helped them. They're on edge and probably don't trust us, but if we defend them from a threat like that? We'd get access to the city, possibly even supplies, and more importantly, cooperation. That has to count for something."

Adam chuckled, his reaction catching Itami off guard. Itami raised an eyebrow, confused. "Hey, did I say something funny?"

"Nothing," Adam replied, shrugging it off as he gave him a knowing look.

Then, with a quick change of focus, Adam gestured toward the knights watching them with open curiosity. "Now come on," he said, stepping back with a nod towards the armored men and women, "let's introduce ourselves properly."

Itami cleared his throat, stepping forward to formally introduce them. "Ahem, well met. I am Lieutenant Youji Itami of the JGSDF 3rd Recon Team, and this is my second, Master Sergeant Adam Woods of the U.S. Army."

The red-haired woman, whom Rory had referred to as princess, quickly regained her composure, lifting her chin with a measured nod. "I am Princess Pina Co Lada," she announced, with an air of pride. Gesturing to those beside her, she continued, "This is Hamilton, Grey, and Norma. I'm temporarily in charge of Italica in light of recent events."

Hamilton, standing attentively beside the princess, spoke up, her tone polite yet inquisitive. "If I may ask, why are you here?"

Adam shrugged and glanced at Lelei. "Lelei, you mind filling her in?"

Lelei gave a small nod and faced Hamilton with a calm, measured expression. "We came here to trade, and my friends here wanted to observe the local economy."

Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly, visibly surprised by the answer. "What kind of trading are you here for?"

Lelei smiled serenely, unperturbed. "That is our private business."

Pina looked taken aback, her brow furrowing as she processed the unexpected response. Out of all the reasons for these foreigners to come, she hadn't imagined it could be something so... ordinary. "Wait, so you came all the way here... just to trade?"

Adam gave her a warm smile. "Yes, ma'am. With your permission, I'd like to let my friends here explore the marketplace."

Pina blinked, gathering herself quickly. "Of course. Although trading may be quiet due to the attack, the marketplace should still be open."

"Perfect," Adam replied, glancing over at Itami with a nod. "Me and Itami will stay here to lend a hand. The rest of you can escort the girls to meet the trader Cato mentioned."





Formal Familly Castle Dining Room, Italica

March 28, 2028, 08:40 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Once everyone had settled into the dining room, Itami and Adam took their seats across from Pina, Hamilton, and the other key figures of Italica. The room was a blend of elegance and age, with tapestries depicting historic battles adorning the stone walls and a grand chandelier casting a warm glow over the table.

As Adam leaned back, his tone casual but his gaze sharp, he broke the silence. "So, who's attacking this city, anyway?"

Pina folded her hands, sighing as her gaze turned thoughtful. "They're deserters from the Allied Kingdoms Army. After your victory at Alnus, they chose to abandon their posts and turn to banditry instead. Now, they prey on defenseless villages and towns, and Italica has become their latest target."

Hamilton, seated beside Pina, nodded gravely. "They're ruthless and have little to lose. Desperation has made them dangerous."

Itami's brow furrowed as he considered the situation. "How large is this force?" he asked evenly.

Pina exchanged a worried glance with Grey, who had joined them at the table. "Several hundred men, at least," she replied. "Our city guard is stretched thin, and while we have a few knights, they're simply not enough."

Adam tilted his head thoughtfully, glancing at Itami. "Sounds like they're well-organized for a bunch of deserters."

Grey leaned forward, his expression grim. "They're veterans, many of them. Well-trained, and they know tactics well. If we don't find a way to stop them, Italica won't stand a chance."

Adam muttered to himself, "Now, that's a bit of a problem, eh?"

Itami looked to Pina thoughtfully. "Earlier, you mentioned you were 'temporarily in charge.' Could you elaborate?"

Pina's expression grew more serious. "When the Gate to your world opened, the Empire ordered all nobles to contribute to the conquest. Count Colt Formal, the noble of this city, never returned after crossing. With him absent, the city fell into a power struggle among his daughters. But with the two eldest married—"

"—I was appointed as the head of the family."

A young voice interrupted them. Adam and Itami turned to see a girl no older than fifteen, dressed in an ornate gown, stepping into the room with a dignified air that belied her youth. She was accompanied by a middle-aged maid who stood respectfully at her side.

The girl gave a graceful nod of her head. "Greetings. I am Myui Formal, the current head of the Formal Clan. It is an honor to meet you."

Pina's brows knitted slightly, and she quickly stood. "Countess, I told you to stay inside. This is a dangerous situation, and I will handle it personally."

Myui gave Pina a gentle but firm smile. "While I appreciate your concern, Princess. I cannot simply stand by. As head of the Formal Clan, it's my duty to be involved and ensure the safety of my people."

Adam and Itami exchanged a look, impressed by the girl's poise and resolve. For someone her age, Myui carried herself with a maturity beyond her years.

Myui turned her gaze to the two men, her eyes steady. "And you both must be the visitors from Alnus Hill."

Itami cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "That's correct, ma'am."

Myui's sharp gaze softened slightly as she nodded. "You're here to trade, yes?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Our friends are currently conducting trade in your markets."

Myui's eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. "Any... ulterior motives?"

Adam turned to Itami, giving him a nudge as if to say, Go on, you wanted to help these people, right?

Itami straightened, meeting Myui's gaze. "Actually, we do, ma'am. We'd like to offer our help in defending your city."

Myui's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, appraising him. "And what would this... help cost us?"

Itami gave a small, reassuring smile. "No cost, ma'am. We're just here to assist. I don't have the authority to request anything more than your cooperation."

After a moment of consideration, Myui nodded, a faint smile crossing her face. "Then we would be honored to accept your assistance."

Pina opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, visibly torn. "But, Countess..." she started, her voice laced with concern.

Myui stood firm, her gaze steady on Pina. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but are you saying I should refuse help to protect my people?" Her voice was soft yet unwavering, carrying a quiet authority.

Pina faltered, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. She looked away, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. "No... I suppose not," she murmured reluctantly, clearly uncomfortable with the arrangement but unwilling to argue further.

Adam watched the exchange with a faint smile, then looked to Itami. "Well, seems like we're officially in," he said, giving him a quick nod of approval.