Chapter 2 - Episode 5: Expectations Grow Complex
Scene: Outside the imperial palace.
Animated cutscene.
Christina
At last, Christina has returned! Give me a grand welcome!
Tomo
Christina! You... What were you thinking!? Going around and plotting the raid on Kaon's guild house! That's an evil act! Are those the actions of a knight!?
Christina
Oh? I hadn't wanted to be received with an argument. Can't you just say "welcome home", Tomo?
End of cutscene.
Christina
Fufu. Moreover, these are exactly the actions of a knight. You're naive, young lady.
Christina
You can try to make us knights look good all you want. But in the end, we do nothing beyond spilling blood.
Tomo
Only because you're this corrupt! You're driving Nightmare's reputation into the ground!
Tomo
Have you no pride in yourself!?
Christina
Don't get so worked up, it's depressing. Usually, you would've had a witty joke ready to tease me with. That side of you is much more adorable, don't you think?
Christina
Kukuku! In reality, you're so diligent that I feel like I'm being burned.
Christina
No. For you, who rose up from the ranks of commoners, to carry yourself in such a lordly way...
Christina
Are you trying to overcome your inferiority complex by acting the part of a "knight"?
Tomo
Don't try to analyze me, Christina!
Christina
Mind your manners, little girl.
Christina
I had a fun experience today... And with those good feelings, I'd like to go to sleep.
Christina
I'm feeling quite tired. I don't have the energy to play with you.
Christina
I'll keep you company again tomorrow. So how about you go home, enjoy some of your mom's cooking, and go to sleep.
Tomo
D-Don't treat me like a child! Miss Jun, please say something!
Jun
......
Christina
Captain. Are you also going to blame me for playing the part of a fool, repeating this cycle of barbarity?
Jun
Your fate will be decided in a military court acting in the name of the Empress. It is not my place to judge you.
Jun
It seems like you're acting under classified orders from Her Majesty. Which means that you're still her puppet.
Jun
If you are knowingly consenting to that, then I have nothing to say to you.
Jun
However. If you find that position troubling, then I think I might like to help you.
Christina
How kind.
Christina
I'm just getting bored with peace. Even if the fire has been put out this time, I'm quite satisfied for now. Next time, I just wonder how far the flames will spread...
Christina
... Oh, my. It seems like I don't have the time to be chatting with you so freely.
Kyaru
......
Kyaru
... Excuse me for interrupting your conversation. Her Majesty is calling for you, Lieutenant Christina. Please come as soon as possible.
Christina
Understood. I can't disregard a summons from Her Majesty. I wonder what it could be -- perhaps a reward for my hard work?
Kyaru
That I don't know. Regarding this business, please ask Her Majesty directly.
Christina
Fufu. Your name was Kyaru, yes?
Christina
You're also a beastperson, judging by those ears and that tail... Do you have any thoughts regarding today's incident?
Christina
It's all right, you can berate me as much as you'd like. After all, I'm the one who attacked your beast brethren. ... Playing with you seems like it would be fun, too.
Kyaru
I'm just a mere messenger. I would be glad to remain uninvolved.
Kyaru
Moreover... As for myself and Her Majesty, we have no connection with the beastpeople of this land.
Christina
So, I wonder what you are, exactly. Hey, Captain; you, too, little Tomo... Don't you think this is unnatural?
Christina
Historically, the royal family of Landsol has been on bad terms with the Beasts. Bloodshed, confrontations, and strife have been widespread. Only recently, a ceasefire was imposed.
Christina
However... Our Imperial Majesty, as well as her retainer, Kyaru, are both beastpeople.
Christina
Isn't this strange? I simply can't wrap my mind around it.
Christina
Perhaps all of us are being played for fools by Her Majesty?
Kyaru
That's enough out of you, Lieutenant Christina. Any more, and you'll be locked up for treason.
Kyaru
That aside, please hurry up. Don't keep Her Majesty waiting.
Christina
Ah, fine. Please lend me your hand and escort me, you adorable young lady...
Tomo
......
Tomo
Miss Jun, what do you think?
Jun
First off, I think that you shouldn't be so stiff.
Jun
Chris... rather, Lieutenant Christina and you don't get along well, I understand. I won't pressure you to make up with her.
Jun
But because you two are at least comrades, I'd like you to make an effort to understand her. She's also in a rather difficult position.
Tomo
Well, I'll make an effort.
Tomo
Besides that, there was something that made me curious... That messenger, her name was Kyaru, right?
Tomo
Who exactly is she? It was as if, before we knew it, she'd starting serving as Her Majesty's maid.
Jun
It's baffling however you look at it. Up until our Lieutenant mentioned it, I hadn't thought anything strange about it, either.
Jun
But I agree completely. Her presence is unnatural.
Jun
It's strange to begin with. Why is one of the beastpeople, who are supposedly our historical enemies, reigning as our ruler?
Jun
I feel that it's a contradiction. The logic of it is inconsistent.
Jun
I'm not good with words, so I can't explain it well. But it's as if the facts in our minds have been rewritten... I have an indescribably uncomfortable feeling about this.
Jun
Tomo. As the one responsible for the defense of the palace, I have a duty to remain here.
Jun
I can't act freely. That's why, in my place, I'd like you to look into these things.
Jun
This discomfort, as well as today's turmoil... All of this may be a part of some grand conspiracy.
Jun
And the roots may run deeper than I'd thought. I need you to carefully and thoroughly unravel this, and produce the details of the truth. I wish I could do it by myself, but my title is a hindrance.
Jun
So, I'm asking you. It might be dangerous, but there is no other way.
Tomo
I don't mind. It's an honor to be entrusted with something like this.
Tomo
I have some ideas, too... I'll try searching around.
Tomo
I understand that this will be dangerous from the start. Even if costs me my life, I'll solve this national crisis, and punish the enemies of the royal family. That's the mission of Nightmare, is it not?
Jun
Indeed. All for the justice that we believe in.