When Annie and Guts burned the twisted ancient sacrificial tree and the group of frenzied Cultists deep in the forest, the two of them first went to the largest nearby village and spent the night there. Then, early the next morning, after Guts had taken care of a few things along the way, they set off again, heading straight for the dreaded "Mist Valley," which the villagers described in fantastical terms and where a demon known as a Forest Elf supposedly lurked.
Not even half a day after they left, a large group of knights belonging to the Holy Iron Chain Knights of the Papal Court marched into the village as the villagers watched in fear. They temporarily set up camp there and found a priest of the region in the village's only dilapidated church.
"Hello. Sorry to trouble you."
"Priest Hops, here's the situation!"
"As you can see, we belong to the Holy Iron Chain Knights of the Papal Court. I'm the commander. You may call me Farnese."
"We're here under orders from the Papal Court's Bureau of Miracles to conduct an investigation. We hope you'll assist and cooperate with us."
Inside the church, Farnese, commander of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, wore splendid silver armor and a Golden Cloak. She first gave a knight's salute, then removed her ornate helmet, decorated with silver wings and an angel, revealing her youthful, gallant face. Only then did she speak in a strictly businesslike manner.
"Huh?"
"She's a nun?!"
Old Priest Hops was taken aback when he saw that the commander of the troops sent by the authorities was a woman, and such a young one at that.
"Hmm..."
"The Bureau of Miracles?"
"But why would they send you to this border region?"
After quickly recovering and making sure he hadn't