Chapter 2 - Intermission 3

Scene: A dream.

Ames
We meet again, Yuuki.

Ames
Welcome to the Intermission. You and me, let us enjoy this fleeting tryst.

Ames
But well, you really got yourself wrapped up in something this time. Trouble follows where you are; it truly is tough being a protagonist.

Ames
Anyway. It seems like Christina just went on a rampage today.

Ames
Well, it can't be helped that she's so conspicuous; she's also a very important person in this world, after all.

Ames
Just like you. Whenever such important people are present, the flow of the story swings intensely.

Ames
This time, in the grand scheme of things... You've been caught in the flow of fate.

Ames
Anyway. The events you experienced this time are really hard to understand without knowing the concept of "guilds".

Ames
I believe someone has already explained it to you, so if you want to know in detail, you'll have to try and remember it yourself. This time, I'll just give you a brief overview.

Ames
In the city where you live called Landsol... All residents are obliged to belong to a group called a "guild".

Ames
This doubles as something like a census, in that you aren't recognised as a Landsol resident unless you belong to a guild. You can't receive public services such as various welfare programs.

Ames
It's also a disadvantage for employment. Though, since this is a concept that only circulates in Landsol, travellers coming from the other places might be exempted from this rule.

Ames
Since the story for you today develops from the heart of Landsol... You ought not to ignore the importance of guilds.

Ames
Moving on, for generations, politics in this country have continued to be centered on the royal family.

Ames
The ruler and the royal family live in the building called the Royal Palace.

Ames
Because of that, the royal family... The people who rule this country are often collectively referred to as the "Royal Palace".

Ames
The guilds that serve directly under the "Royal Palace" are called the "Princess Knights".

Ames
Various ministries, police, fire departments, courts, and more... The guilds that fill all of these public roles are known as "Princess Knights".

Ames
In essence, the name just means "government office".

Ames
The one that attacked you before, Christina, also belongs to the Princess Knights...

Ames
Or to be exact, one of the Princess Knights' member guilds, Nightmare.

Ames
Nightmare is the military force that serves directly under the Royal Palace, acting as its police and army.

Ames
However, because this long era of peace has continued to last, it looks like their budget has been cut and their power has weakened.

Ames
Even so, Nightmare is a public office, the very embodiment of justice of this country.

Ames
You've caught the eyes of this group, for some reason. Of course, this time seemed to be due to Christina's arbitrary judgment, getting you watched by the police and branding you as a criminal.

Ames
The immediate danger has passed, but the situation might still be dangerous.

Ames
If you handle the aftermath wrong, it'll be checkmate. Even if they're corrupt, the police of this country... are still a public institution, under the Princess Knights.

Ames
... Princess Knight. Remember that word well.

Ames
Hey. Muimi, who holds the key to the mystery of the world, reacted strongly to that word, right?

Ames
You might have forgotten it. But it's a very important name.

Ames
Anyway, this long day is finally over, and you can finally rest in a safe place now.

Ames
The "Sarendia Orphanage" is the place where you'll be living from now on.

Ames
The one who was with you all day today, Suzume, belongs to this guild.

Ames
Suzume's mistress, Saren, will look after you.

Ames
To that end, she'll be up all night, ensuring that you have a safe place to stay under her roof.

Ames
For the time being, relax and drift off to sleep in a warm bed... Is what I'd like to say.

Ames
Ah... But it seems that this "long day" isn't quite over yet.

Ames
An evil shadow is creeping up under you.

Ames
Keep ready without letting down your guard. It's unfortunate, but there doesn't seem to be any rest for heroes, Yuuki.